Pre-Departure Health Preparation

Student health insurance

Read the complete policy, including definitions, imitations and exclusions, or download a less detailed brochure.

If you obtained medical care abroad that was paid out-of-pocket, complete a claim form to obtain reimbursement. Do not send reimbursement requests to the Office of Study Abroad.  Follow the mailing instruction on the claim form.

The information below summarizes information regarding your study abroad student insurance coverage through HTH Worldwide. It is not intended to be inclusive but to supplement the certificate of insurance (see link below). Please read over all information carefully to obtain full understanding of your coverage.

All students participating in MSU study abroad programs are covered by a relatively inexpensive mandatory accident and sickness program administered by HTH Worldwide Insurance Services, Inc (HTH). Full coverage begins the day the program starts and ends two days after it ends.  Limited coverage applies after one’s return to the U.S. The policy does not cover international students who return to their home country upon completion of the study abroad program.

There is no need for you to enroll since this is automatically done by the Office of Study Abroad. Regardless of one’s U.S.-based insurance coverage, study abroad participants cannot waive coverage for the duration of the program.

Students traveling before or after the program dates are strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Gap coverage.  See the next section for more information.

You are fully covered during the program dates while you are abroad. This policy also provides limited coverage for illness or injuries that occurred abroad once you return to the United States. This coverage starts on the last day of the program and lasts for 60 days.

Additional coverage will be provided by OSA for students participating in programs that have portions in the U.S., including the Virgin Islands or Alaska.

There is a no deductible for the cost of treatment associated with a medical condition or injury. 

In the case of a hospitalization, HTH will work with the treating facility to arrange for direct payment of services. However, there are some countries where such arrangements are not permitted. In these locations, the student may be required to pay for services upfront and seek reimbursement from HTH upon return to the United States. See “Reimbursement claims” on page (35).

Coverage highlights include:

• Zero deductible
• A lifetime maximum benefit for medical or mental health care expenses to $1,000,000. The policy year benefit is limited to $500,000. Examples include:
  • Physician office visits
  • Inpatient office services
  • Hospital and physician outpatient services
• The maximum benefit per injury or sickness is $500,000.
• Medical evacuation lifetime benefit up to $200,000.
• Professional ground or air ambulance services to nearest hospital up to $350
• Dental treatment to alleviate pain or tooth repairs due to an injury up to $500.
• Bedside visit for qualified family member (conditions apply) up to $2,500.
• Repatriation of remains maximum benefit up to $100,000.
• Death or dismemberment benefit up to $25,000. There is a monetary allowance for loss of a limb or essential function (such as sight).  A death benefit of $25,000 is awarded to the next of kin.
• 60 days coverage for continued treatment in the U.S. of a condition that began abroad
• Same coverage for program leaders accompanying the group (regardless of employment status).
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions is included

EXCLUSIONS: Please note that losses arising from participation in any professional sport, contest or competition; sky diving; hang gliding; or bungee jumping will not be covered.

One month before your departure, your medical insurance ID card will be e-mailed directly to your MSU account. It may look like junk mail, so be sure to check your mail for anything with HTH in the subject line. Always carry your ID card with you while you are abroad. If you lose your card you can request an electronic version from the Office of Study Abroad by e-mailing us.