Student Health Advantage for International Students
Student Health Advantage Insurance is an international student medical insurance plans for studying in the USA, or outside home country, coverage available for purchase in Standard or Platinum options.
COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 / Coronavirus Student Health Advantage plan includes coverage for testing/treatment of COVID19 for policy purchased on/after July 1, 2020 – Both Standard and Platinum plans do NOT exclude Covid-19.
Student Health Advantage is a long-term international student health insurance offering medical insurance designed individual students and their dependent family members, or groups of two or more international students studying in USA or any nation abroad, or exchange scholars participating in a sponsored study abroad program.
Student Health Advantage Insurance plan offers an annually renewable comprehensive medical coverage the meets student and exchange program visa requirements, includes benefits for pre-existing conditions, maternity, mental health coverage, organized sports and international emergency care.
Following Student Health Advantage Plan options are available as an individual/family policy or Group plan (2 or more international students):
- Student Health Advantage – Standard with Standard benefits included.
- Student Health Advantage – Platinum for Platinum policy with enhanced coverage.
Student Health Advantage Insurance is designed for individuals or groups of two or more students or scholars participating in a sponsored study abroad program, and desire an annually renewable comprehensive medical plan. This plan meets US F-1/F-2 student visa requirements, includes benefits for maternity, mental health, organized sports and international emergency care.
- Quote and Buy Student Health Advantage – Standard plan option online
- Quote and Buy Student Health Advantage – Platinum plan option online
- Review the common Student Health Advantage Insurance Brochure
Student Health Advantage Insurance is designed for students participating in international programs, cultural exchange participants such as J1 visa holders who are Au Pairs, graduates and international students, scholars and educators, and their dependents. Student Health Advantage plan coverage is designed to meet the U.S. J1 visa health insurance requirements, quote, review, apply and buy online.
The SHA plan is administered by International Medical Group, Inc. (IMG) and underwritten by Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation, which is rated A “Excellent” by A.M. Best.
Student Health Advantage Insurance Review
Intl. Student Health Insurance COVID-19
VIS Rating: 
Notes: International student policy with Covid-19 coverage for foreign students studying in USA on F-1 visa (and dependents on F-2 visa) , or studying outside home country, long-term and renewable. Platinum option includes Maternity and many other benefits.
Eligibility: Any foreign student and/or dependents, above age 14 days, and studying in the USA or outside home country.
Coverage Duration: Minimum of 5 days to maximum of 1 year (365 days), long-term renewal up to 48 months (4 years) of continuous coverage.
Amounts:
- Member maximum limits: $50K to $1 million
- Choice of deductible: $0 to $2,500
- AD&D benefit: $25K (included), additional to $1 million
PPO Network: No Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network, consult any doctor or hospital for medical care.
Renew or Extend: Renewable prior to policy expiration, renew up to total of 48 months or 4 years, $5 renewal fee applies.
Other Highlights
- Foreign students studying in the USA
- International students outside home country
- Sickness/injury plan designed for students
- Two options: Standard and Platinum
- Acute-onset of pre-conditions included
- Quote & purchase online for student/family
- Optional riders to policy available
Student Health Advantage Insurance Policy Information
Student Health Advantage is a leading student travel medical plan for international students studying in the United States, or needing health coverage while studying outside home country.
Student Health Advantage insurance is available in two available options:
- Student Health Advantage Standard plan with standard benefits for foreign students studying in USA, or studying outside their home country of residence.
- Student Health Advantage Platinum plan offers enhanced benefits.
Student Health Advantage Insurance Overview
Review the IMG Student Health Advantage plan which is designed for international students and/or their dependent spouse/children while studying in USA or abroad in any foreign country.
- Eligibility: Foreign nationals, and their depended spouse/children studying in USA, or in any international location outside of their home country.
- COVID-19: Plan INCLUDES coverage for testing/treatment of coronavirus for policy purchased on/after July 1, 2020 – Both Standard and Platinum plans do NOT exclude Covid-19.
- Policy Maximum: Plan offers maximum coverage amount choices up to $500,000 per injury or illness, with a lifetime maximum coverage amount of $5,000,000. Dependent maximum is $100,000.
- Plan Deductible: Deductible of $100 per illness or injury, reduced $5 copay per visit at student health center.
- Duration: Minimum period of 5 days to initial purchase period of 1 year (364 days). Plan is renewable up to 4 years total.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Acute-onset of pre-existing conditions is covered in this plan.
- Coverage Benefits: Covers use of Student Health Center, Hospital Room and Board charges, Intensive Care unit charges, Local Ambulance, Physician visits, Surgeon Fees, Pre-admission tests and Hospital emergency room are covered, Diagnostics: X-Rays, Labs, Prescription Drugs included
- Administrator: Plan is administered by International Medical Group Inc. (IMG)
- Underwriter: Underwritten by Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation, a top rated global specialty underwriter.
Student Health Advantage Insurance Details
Student Health Advantage policy plan summary of benefits and details of coverage benefits as below:
| Student Health Advantage | |
| Maximum Limit | Student: $500,000; Dependent: $100,000 |
| Maximum Limit per Illness or Injury | Student: $300,000; Dependent: $100,000 |
| Deductible | $100 per illness or injury Student health center: $5 copay per visit |
| Coinsurance | Outside of the U.S.: Company pays 100% In PPO network or student health center within the U.S.: Company pays 100% Out of PPO network if within the U.S.: Company pays 80% of eligible expenses up to $5,000; then 100% thereafter |
| Hospital Room and Board | Average semi-private room rate, including nursing service |
| Intensive Care | After deductible is met, company pays 80% of expenses out-of- network (U.S.) or 100% in-network (U.S.) and internationally |
| Emergency Room Injury | After deductible is met, company pays 80% of expenses out-of- network (U.S.) or 100% in-network (U.S.) and internationally |
| Emergency Room Illness resulting in Hospitalization | After deductible is met, company pays 80% of expenses out-of- network (U.S.) or 100% in-network (U.S.) and internationally |
| Emergency Room Illness without Inpatient Admission | After deductible is met, company pays 80% of expenses out-of- network (U.S.) or 100% in-network (U.S.) and internationally; Subject to additional $250 deductible |
| Mental or Nervous / Substance Abuse | Outpatient: $50 per day; $500 maximum limit; Inpatient: After deductible is met, company pays 80% of expenses out-of- network (U.S.) or 100% in-network (U.S.) and internationally up to $10,000 maximum limit; Student health center treatment: $0 |
| Prescription Drugs | Inpatient: After deductible is met, company pays 80% of expenses out-of- network (U.S.) or 100% in-network (U.S.) and internationally Outpatient: 50% of actual charges 90 day dispensing maximum |
| Physical Therapy (Medical order or treatment plan required) |
After deductible is met, company pays 80% of expenses out-of- network (U.S.) or 100% in-network (U.S.) and internationally; limit one visit per day |
| Local Ambulance | $350 per illness resulting in an inpatient hospitalization or injury |
| Dental | Non-emergency treatment at a dental provider due to an accident – $500 period of coverage limit per injury; Unexpected pain to sound, natural teeth – $350 period of coverage limit |
| Eligible Medical Expenses | After deductible is met, company pays 80% of expenses out-of- network (U.S.)or 100% in-network (U.S.) and internationally |
| Interfacility Ambulance Transfer (For services rendered in the U.S.) |
Company pays 100%. Transfer must be a result of an inpatient hospital admission |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | $500,000 maximum limit |
| Emergency Reunion | $50,000 maximum limit |
| Return of Mortal Remains | $50,000 maximum limit |
| Political Evacuation and Repatriation | $10,000 maximum limit |
| Intercollegiate/Interscholastic/Intramural or Club Sports | $5,000 period of coverage limit per illness or injury |
| Incidental Trip Coverage | Up to a cumulative 14 days (available for non-U.S. residents only) |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Charges excluded until after 12 months of continuous coverage |
| Terrorism | $50,000 maximum limit |
| AD&D | Student: $25,000 principal sum; Spouse: $10,000 principal sum; Dependent child: $5,000 principal sum; Accidental dismemberment percentage of principal sum |
| Personal Liability (Secondary to any other insurance) |
$10,000 combined maximum limit Injury to third person: subject to a $100 per injury deductible Damage to third person’s property: subject to a $100 per damage deductible |
* All amounts shown are in U.S. dollars.
Disclaimer: This page contains only a consolidated information of the the summary of benefits as in the policy brochure. For a detailed description of all current benefits, conditions covered, limitations and general exclusions, please refer to the plan certificate. The data on this page could have changed, always refer to the complete certificate wording with all terms, conditions and exclusions.
Student Health Advantage Insurance - Plan Brochure
Review the plan brochure for coverage information including the summary of benefits table available for both the Standard or Platinum plan options.
- Plan Brochure: Review the Student Health Advantage Plan Brochure for plan information.
Student Health Advantage - Certificate of Insurance
Review the plan sample certificate of insurance for detailed coverage information including plan exclusions and in-depth policy benefits for both the Standard or Platinum plan options.
- Certificate of Insurance: Review all the policy details available in the Student Health Advantage Insurance Certificate which is the detailed sample document of the master policy.
Student Health Advantage Insurance PPO Network
IMG Student Health Advantage Insurance has No PPO Network, you are free to seek medical care at any USA based or international medical facility, doctors, hospitals, labs, and other caregivers.
- Provider Search: Search and find medical providers such as doctors, hospitals, labs, and other caregivers or health facilities.
Student Health Advantage Insurance - Quote/Buy Online or Apply
Quote/Buy instantly online or print/complete the paper application along with the payment.
- Quote/Buy SHA Standard Plan: Get instant quote & Buy Student Health Advantage Standard coverage online.
- Quote/Buy SHA Platinum Plan: Get instant quote & Buy Student Health Advantage Platinum coverage online.
- Application Form: Complete, mail/fax the Student Health Advantage Paper Application along with payment.
Student Health Advantage Insurance - Renew/Extend Coverage
IMG Student Health Advantage Insurance coverage can be extended or renewed to a maximum period of 364 days. A $5 renewal additional fee apples for each renewal application.
- Renew Policy: Extend the Student Health Advantage plan coverage dates using Student Health Advantage Plan Renew Online.
Student Health Advantage Insurance - Claims
Download and submit the claims form along with for detailed information and bills for review.
- Claims Form: Download the IMG Student Health Advantage Insurance Claims form on the IMG Client Resources page.
Student Health Advantage Cancellation & Refund Rules
Below are the rules pertaining to cancellation of the policy and refund of premium.
- Prior to Effective Date: If written email request is received by the plan administrator prior to the effective date of coverage, the paid premium is refunded minus a $25 cancellation fee.
- Active Policy: After that effective date, the premium is considered fully earned by the plan administrator and is non-refundable. Even if you have no claims with the current active policy certificate, partial refunds are not available with this policy.
Student Health Advantage Insurance FAQ
Below are some of the questions frequently asked (FAQs) with the Student Health Advantage (SHA) plans:
What are the IMG Student Health Advantage plan highlights?
Student Health Advantage Insurance Review
Student Health Advantage Insurance policy plan review and highlights of coverage:
- Eligibility: Medical coverage for students, families and groups while studying in USA or abroad
- Coverage for students, groups, and/or their spouses and unmarried dependent children traveling with them
- Plan maximums limits up to $500,000 per injury or illness, Lifetime Maximum $5,000,000
- Deductible of $100 per illness or injury and $5 copay per visit at student health center
- Plans are renewable up to 48 months if minimum of one month is purchased
- Groups may purchase customizable annually renewable long term plans
- Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice
- Standard and Platinum level benefits available
- Long-term medical coverage that meets US student visa (F-1/F-2/J-1/J-2) requirements
- Coverage for individuals and groups and their dependents
- Coverage can be extended up to 12 months from the initial effective date if a minimum of three months is purchased
- 24 hour secure access from anywhere in the world to manage your account at any time
- Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
- Maternity coverage and Mental health coverage
- International emergency care and Organized sports coverage
- Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
- 24 hour secure access from anywhere in the world to manage your account at any time
- Student Health Center $5 co-pay per visit
- Optional Add-On coverage available for high school sports, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports, personal liability and legal assistance
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage available.
- Hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs, ambulance service, emergency dental treatment and doctor visits.
- Return of Mortal Remains/Incidental Home Country Coverage
- Immediate coverage available, print virtual ID cards instantly after purchase.
- Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice
Do the IMG Student Health Advantage plans cover COVID-19?
Student Health Advantage Plans Covers COVID-19
Effective July 1, 2020, both the IMG Student Health Advantage Standard and Platinum plan terms have been amended to include the current Public Health Emergency exclusion in their international student insurance policy wordings by issuing an endorsement that provides coverage for COVID-19 / coronavirus medical expenses. This endorsement will be added to all IMG customized student and exchange plans, and is applicable to the above-mentioned plans for all new and existing insureds.
What is the difference between IMG Student Health Advantage Standard and Platinum plans?
Compare Student Health Advantage Standard and Platinum Plans
Both the IMG Student Health Advantage Standard and Platinum plan options are designed for international students and/or their dependent spouse/children while studying in USA or abroad in any foreign country. The SHA Platinum option enhances the benefits offered by the SHA Standard option. Please refer to the common SHA plan brochure which has separate summary of benefits tables for SHA Standard and SHA Platinum options.
What are the common terms used in the Student Health Advantage plan?
Medical Maximum, Deductible, Coinsurance are commonly referenced
Medical Maximum is the maximum amount covered under the policy, the plan will pay up to that amount should you need to use the plan by see medical care with the doctor, urgent care, or hospital, etc. Deductible is the amount of medical expenses which the insured person has to meet and cross (accumulated amount) before the plan pays. Higher the deductible selected, lower is the cost for the same medical maximum coverage selected. Coinsurance is the percentage amount of covered expenses, after the deductible, which the insured person pays, and applies only for the first $5000 beyond the deductible. Usual, Reasonable & Customary (URC) is for amounts that is actually payed out in the even of a sickness or injury claim. This is based on the local costs for treatment of that same type of claim.
Did you know that the premium costs are mandated by law, and you cannot find a lower quoted cost for any given policy and the same plan options selected, whether you purchase directly or through any agent/agency.