Many international students want to know what maternity insurance coverage options are available while they study in the US, either for themselves, or for their dependent spouse with health insurance for international students in the USA. What happens if an international student gets pregnant? Does international student insurance cover pregnancy?
While bringing a child into your life is very exciting and fulfilling, you should consider the financial aspect of your pregnancy before conception.
Stages of Pregnancy
A typical pregnancy includes the following stages:
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Prenatal Care
Prenatal care includes regular visits to an obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) for routine checkups to monitor the baby's development and your health. They will advise of any complications that you should be aware of, and whether any medical measures need to be taken. It also includes periodic ultrasounds.
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Delivery
Delivery is the most expensive part of any pregnancy. It includes the actual childbirth, either natural or cesarean (C-section). Compared to natural childbirth, a C-section will cost more and requires longer recovery time.
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Postnatal Care
This requires the followup visits and care, around six to eight weeks after childbirth to ensure good health of both mother and the newborn.
As healthcare is very expensive in the US and the exact charges vary based on a multitude of factors, there is no estimated price list for different procedures, and cost estimates are not available. We are unable to provide you with any estimates, but we can give you an idea of the total expenses that could be incurred. Expenses typically range from $5,000 to more than $50,000 if there are complications.
International Students Who are Already Pregnant
If you are already pregnant before the effective date of the insurance policy, there is no international student insurance plan that will cover maternity expenses, or even childbirth.
International Students Who are Not Yet Pregnant
If you are not pregnant at the time of effective date of the insurance policy, there are many international student insurance plans that can provide maternity coverage.
Some may argue that they are not sure whether they are pregnant or not, but that does not help make sure that you are covered. Either you are pregnant or you are not. You can use self-testing kit available at the pharmacy, or schedule an appointment with a doctor. A doctor will calculate conception based on the last menstrual cycle.
It is possible that the international student or scholar is pregnant, or their dependent spouse is pregnant. It is very important to know that not all international student insurance plans provide coverage to dependents, but only for the primary visa holder. If you and your dependent spouse are ready to bring a baby into your lives, make sure you purchase the right plan to meet her prenatal, labor and delivery, and postnatal needs.
International Student Insurance Plans
We offer many international student insurance plans, the most popular ones are:
- StudentSecure Insurance
It insures only the primary visa holder and does not provide coverage to dependents. Budget, Select and Elite plans offer maternity coverage. Smart plan has no maternity coverage.
- Student Health Advantage
The primary visa holder as well as the dependents can have coverage with the Platinum plan. Standard plan has no coverage for maternity only the Platinum plan provides the coverage.
- GeoBlue Navigator Student
No maternity coverage.
Again, please note that if you are already pregnant at the time of the effective date, no insurance will provide coverage.
Please look at the certificate wording for the details of the coverage.
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