Choosing a suitable plan is often a difficult yet inevitable decision for many International Students/Scholars. Medical insurance is too complex to be explained in a few sentences. The first step is to study and compare various plans available to you. Keep in mind that "the devil is in the details." So, you should examine every detail of a plan very carefully, especially the Schedule of Benefits (what and how items are covered, including internal restrictions, limitations and copayments that may apply) and Exclusions. Prudence pays dividends later on. There is no such thing as being too cautious. Some plans may not provide all Policy details beforehand. As a general rule, do NOT assume anything unless you've seen it in the Certificate of Coverage (ICS brochures provide Policy details in entirety as Certificate of Coverage, so you know everything before you decide to enroll). Premium Rates should be based on risks assumed of the pool of eligible applicants for Benefits Payable, otherwise would not be sustainable. Some previously more expensive plans may suddenly reduce premium rates to match the competition, but you should know why - probably by lowering coverages, restricting benefits, or introducing "hidden" costs. Ultimately, it is your decision how to balance your/your family's insurance needs with your budget possibilities. A few other things need to be considered as well before making a decision (see the following questions).
 

The ICS program was born several years ago with the mission to provide comprehensive and affordable medical insurance for the International Students/Scholars community. As a nonprofit organization, ICS prides its program's success in the sole purpose of serving the needs and protecting the interests of the intended community. We strive to offer the best coverage and lowest premium attainable in the market, year in and year out. We understand that what distinguishes one program from another is not just affordability but, even more importantly, reliability. Some other programs might appear attractive at one time or another, but they change frequently or do not last for long. If a program was discontinued suddenly, a condition (e.g., injury, sickness, pregnancy, etc.) which commenced while insured under that program would be regarded as a pre-existing condition if you switched to a new program (because you might have no choice). At ICS, we stress stability and continuity - you deal with the same people, the same program, always there for you!
 

The reliability of a plan depends in part on the history and reputation of the insurance carrier (insurance company that underwrites the plan). Insurance companies are rated periodically by such rating services as A. M. Best, Standard & Poor, etc. A rating generally reflects the insurance company's financial strength (solvency), claims paying record, managerial efficiency, etc., which have a direct or indirect bearing on premium rates and claims paying ability. Most schools require an A. M. Best "A-" rating or better. ICS will only consider insurance companies that are highly reputable with excellent rating and outstanding track record of student insurance services.
 

Generally, nonprofit group plans such as ICS plans are serviced by third party administrators (who manages the program for the Policyholder on behalf of the Insurance Company). ICS plans are administered by Insurance For Students, Inc., a prominent player in the insurance industry with a focus on student insurance. Unlike some other similar programs which change administrators as well as insurance carriers frequently, ICS plans have always been serviced by the same administrator to ensure stability and continuity. ICS does NOT act as "middleman" (does not handle your insurance monies) - you pay premium directly to the insurance company who handles your enrollment, records and claims in one system. This translates into higher efficiency, lower premium rates, and less chance of errors. ICS' role is in assisting/protecting participating members when they encounter any major problems or difficulties.
 

No, premium rates for ICS plans have remained relatively stable over many years. We try our best to maintain stability and continuity of rates and benefits. In fact, with the popularity of ICS plans, we have been able to use rapidly growing participation as leverage in our negotiations with the insurance company. This is why we are able to maintain very low rates, and at the same time expand coverages and increase benefits (you can verify this by comparison). Some other programs might appear very "attractive" at first, then suddenly and sometimes dramatically increase premium rates or reduce benefits, or both - after you were "attracted" into it!
 

No, for the coverage under ICS PLAN as specified in the Schedule of Benefits, you pay only the Premium and the applicable Deductible (will be waived when treatment is first rendered at the Student Health Center or Infirmary). Some other plans have such "hidden" costs as a $10.00 copayment (to be paid by the Insured) for every doctor's visit. Such costs are "hidden" because they are not reflected in the premium or deductible (they are "hidden" in the details contained in the Schedule of Benefits that you may tend to overlook). Those plans may appear to offer similarly low premium rates, but suppose you had 12 doctor's visits within a year (not uncommon), that would mean 12 x $10.00 = $120.00 extra "hidden" cost (translation => you pay $120.00 more than the stated Annual premium, or $10.00 more than the stated Monthly premium). So, do realize this before you decide on a plan.
 

Adequate coverage protects you when catastrophic injury/sickness ever strikes (be reminded that everybody faces such real-life risks everyday). USIA requires exchange students/scholars to have at least $50,000.00 Maximum Coverage per injury/sickness. Many schools require the same or higher. ICS PLAN provides $250,000.00 Maximum Lifetime Benefit per injury/sickness, which meets or exceeds what schools generally require. Coinsurance is the portion (usually expressed in percentage) of Covered Medical Expenses that the insurance company pays toward the Insured's medical bills. Most schools require a coinsurance percentage of at least 80%. Under ICS PLAN, the insurance company pays 100% of the first $5,000.00 of Covered Medical Expenses, then 80% of Covered Medical Expenses until $50,000.00, then 100% of Covered Medical Expenses up to the Maximum Lifetime Benefit of $250,000.00 per injury or sickness. Notice that ICS also offers a PRIME PLAN which covers up to $500,000.00 Maximum Lifetime Benefit per injury/sickness.
 

No, the ICS PLAN does not restrict your choice of doctors/hospitals. If you are a student and your school has student health service, you should seek treatment first at your Student Health Center or Infirmary. If you do so, the Per Injury/Sickness Deductible will be waived. You may go to any doctor/hospital nearest you if treatment is not available at your Student Health Center or if you have a medical emergency (anywhere in the world). Some other similar plans may require you to go to PPO (preferred provider organization) member clinics/hospitals chosen by the insurance company, NOT by you. If you do not go to a PPO, your medical benefits could be significantly reduced (by 20% or more).

If you are an Independent (a professional who is legally employed in the U.S.), you may become eligible by applying for ICS membership (please download and complete an ICS Membership Application Form). You must first have your membership application approved before you may enroll in ICS Health Insurance Program as an Independent (ICS member). An eligible Independent will enjoy the same low premium rates as Students/Scholars do.
 

Yes, students on practical training or temporary vacation are eligible.

As you will see, ICS plans have very generous eligibility definition. However, some other similar plans may require you to be full-time Student or carry certain number of credit hours in a semester/quarter to maintain eligibility. Should you by any chance fail to satisfy that requirement, you could lose your coverage without realizing it (so if you submit a major claim, your insurance company could investigate your status and refuse to pay your claims on the ground that you failed to meet their eligibility requirement). Remember, it is always YOUR responsibility to make sure that you satisfy the eligibility requirement. Insurance companies generally do not tell you if you failed to satisfy their eligibility requirement - until, of course, you submit a major claim. This is a very important factor to consider when choosing an insurance plan. We at ICS understand such serious implications and have made sure that such a requirement is NOT included in the Policy, so an insured will be protected under the ICS program at all times.

Yes, if you are a Principal (Student or Scholar) who has been or is going to be enrolled in an ICS-sponsored plan, your spouse and unmarried children (under age 25) may enroll with you in the same ICS-sponsored plan at the premium rates for Dependents. However, the effective date of coverage for Dependents will NOT precede that of the insured Principal (Student or Scholar).
 

If you are enrolled in legitimate classes at a U.S. college (including community college) or university for at least 6 credit hours in a semester or quarter, you may enroll independently as a Student and enjoy the same low premium rates for Students/Scholars. This is one of the many benefits the ICS program offers. Classes must be at the college level or higher (such as graduate school). Students in grade schools (high school or lower) are NOT eligible for this benefit.
 

No, we do not provide coverage for visiting parents at this time.

Yes, outpatient Prescription Drugs are covered to 80% of Actual Charges (subject to a $10 copayment) under ICS plans. Notice that some competing plans may not provide this coverage. So, compare benefits as well as rates when you choose a plan. This item alone may cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars if not covered.
 

Yes, ICS plans cover Medical Emergency occurring anywhere in the world (since ICS plans are universal plans).
 

"Pre-existing Condition" is any sickness or injury or the existence of symptoms which would cause an ordinarily prudent person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment, or for which medical advice or treatment was recommended by or received from a physician within the 12 months period prior to the Insured's effective date of coverage under the plan. Coverage for such pre-existing conditions are expensive under commercial (individual) plans. Nonprofit group plans are usually more generous, but necessitate uniformity in terms of coverage and premium for all participating members. Therefore, group plans commonly require a "waiting period" before coverage for such conditions are assumed. ICS plans provide coverage for pre-existing conditions after 6 consecutive months of continuous and uninterrupted coverage under the same plan. Notice that some competing plans may require a 12-month "waiting period" and/or set specific dollar limit to such coverage.
 

Yes, dependents who enroll with the Principal (Student or Scholar) enjoy the same benefits, plus additional benefits when applicable (see related questions below).
 

Yes, ICS plans cover Maternity as any other sickness. Benefits will be paid for normal childbirth, caesarean section or miscarriage. However, conception must occur after the Insured's effective date of coverage.
 

Yes, ICS plans provide coverage for Elective Abortion at Usual & Reasonable Charges up to $300 or $500 per case depending on the plan selected. Notice that some competing plans may not provide this coverage or cover much less.
 

Yes, a child born to the Insured or any covered family member will be automatically covered from the moment of birth for treatment of injury or sickness (including pre-existing conditions, congenital defects, birth abnormalities, or premature birth). However, the insurance company must receive written notice of birth and applicable additional premium within 30 days of such birth.
 

Yes, limited to history, physical examination, developmental assessment, anticipatory guidance, appropriate immunizations and laboratory tests, one visit payable to one provider for each of the scheduled intervals, with no Policy deductible. Notice that some competing plans may not provide this coverage.

Yes, ICS plans cover AD&D up to $ 15,000 Maximum (some competing plans cover significantly less or none).
 

No, except for dental treatment as a direct result of injury to sound, natural teeth and fractured jaw only (limited to $100 per tooth, $500 Maximum per Injury). Dental coverage is generally excluded from such group health insurance plans, as are vision (e.g., eyeglasses, etc.) and hearing (e.g., hearing aids) coverages. Those coverages may be purchased separately from other independent sources.

There are statutory/regulatory requirements at the federal (e.g., USIA) and state levels that a Student/Scholar medical insurance plan must meet, such as Maximum Benefit, Deductible, Co-payment, Items Covered (such as Maternity, Child Coverage, Repatriation, Medical Evacuation, etc.), Pre-existing Conditions, Exclusions, etc. ICS plans meet and in many aspects exceeds all federal requirements. ICS plans include an automatic state compliance provision - that is, the Policy is automatically amended to comply with all State requirements.
 

ICS plans (ICS PLAN and Prime Plan) are accepted by most colleges/universities nationwide. Tens of thousands of International Students/Scholars from more than 300 schools across USA have been insured under the ICS program. If you are not sure, you can request a Student Insurance Compliance Form (or a list of criteria/requirements) from your school and we will certify compliance for you.
 

Certainly. Many students, especially newcomers, are not aware of their legal rights and may feel obliged to purchase a school-sponsored plan (sometimes at much higher premium rates for comparable or less coverage than alternative plans). Beware that you are constitutionally guaranteed of the right to choose any insurance plan which meets the minimum standards set by your school. Your school-sponsored plan may be made mandatory only if it is a contributing plan - that is, your school is subsiding (or paying for) your insurance premium. Otherwise, they have no legal ground to force your participation.

By web:   Go to Online Enrollment (after you have input all required information correctly, just press the Submit button and you are done)!

By mail:   Complete an Enrollment Form included in the brochure or print one from web (HTML Version) or from email (Text Version), and mail completed Enrollment Form together with required premium (check, money order, or credit card payment authorization) to:

By fax:   Fax completed Enrollment Form (with Credit Card Payment Authorization) to:  1-954-772-0872

By email:   Email completed Enrollment Form (download a Text Version from web or email) with credit card payment authorization to:  enroll@icsweb.org
 

You may renew your coverage by any of the above listed means (please indicate "Renewal"), or simply mail or fax a note indicating your name, social security number, Policy No. (or plan selected, such as ICS PLAN A, PLAN B, or Prime Plan), and contact info (address/telephone/fax/ ... if there is any change), together with appropriate payment (check, money order, or credit card payment authorization, include dependents name and premium, if applicable). Your coverage will be continuous if you renew by the expiration date of your current insurance.
 

You can indicate your desired starting date (effective date) on the Enrollment Form (the effective date may NOT be earlier than the date of postmark). If no starting date is specified by the applicant, the effective date will be the day after the date of postmark when completed application and required premium are received.
 

Yes, if you are a new applicant, you will be issued an ID card as well as a receipt. When you renew your coverage, you may be issued a receipt only (since the ID card already issued to you will remain valid). However, you will be issued a new ID card for each new Policy Year (e.g., when you enroll/renew under a new Policy). A receipt will be issued as soon as completed application and required premium are received, normally within 3 work days (a receipt can be faxed to you or your school immediately upon request). Issuance of ID cards may be slower because they are printed out in batches. However, your receipt also serves as your proof of insurance (so if you need to see a doctor or get registered in school, you do not have to wait for your ID card to arrive).
 

No. Since the Policy is renewable, a new Policy Year (e.g., 2000-2001, 2001-2002, etc.) starts August 1 of each succeeding year. However, your coverage will remain effective for the entire period (until the last day) for which premium has been paid if your coverage extends beyond the termination date of the current Policy (benefits will be paid under the terms and conditions of the current Policy you are enrolled in).
 

Very simple. You may enroll/renew for any number of months (Minimum Enrollment of 3 Months) under the current Policy (i.e., you are allowed to purchase coverage beyond the Policy termination date). If you desire, you may enroll for the minimum 3 months under the current Policy, then renew under the new (succeeding) Policy (your initial enrollment/renewal must cover the August 1 Policy switchover date to be continuous). Or you may complete 2 Enrollment Forms (one for the current Policy and the other for the new Policy) for a combined length of period that you may desire (each must meet the requirement of Minimum Enrollment of 3 Months) and submit them together. For example, if you wish to enroll/renew for 8 months starting from June 8, 1998, you may submit a completed 1997-1998 Enrollment Form for 3 months (until September 8, 1998) together with a completed 1998-1999 Enrollment Form for the remaining 5 months (extending from September 8, 1998). However, you must attach the exact amount of premium payment separately for each enrollment (make check or money order payable to the Insurance Company, or complete credit card payment authorization, as indicated on the respective Enrollment Forms).
 

No, you may choose any day of any month as your effective date (which may NOT be earlier than the date of postmark when you submit your application, however) and pay for only the effective period of your coverage. Some competing plans may require payment from the first day of the month even though your effective date may be some later date of the month, or simply require you to enroll on scheduled dates with no flexibility. In either case, you may pay for some days you are not covered for, or you do not have freedom to choose period of coverage you may desire. With ICS, you do not have to deal with any of those constraints.
 

To file a claim, you need to secure a Claim Form from the Insurance Company by calling or writing their claims department (toll free number and mailing address shown in the Claim Procedure section of ICS brochures), or download a claim Form on line, or call 1-800-356-1235 (Customer Service), fill in all required information, and attach all medical and hospital bills and mail to the address specified in the Claim Procedure section of the applicable brochure.

Yes. However, you (the Insured) will still need to complete a Claim Form provided by the Insurance Company. This is necessary for ensuring accurate filing of your claims (because information contained in direct billings may be incomplete or erroneous).
 

Not necessarily. Claims may be paid directly to yourself or to your doctor/clinic/hospital per your instruction. It is entirely between you and your doctor/clinic/hospital whether you have to pay first or you may defer payment pending your insurance claims. Many hospitals/clinics will directly deal with the insurance company on your behalf. You should ask them if that is the case.