Insurance guide for international students in China
For international students studying in China, safety and health are undoubtedly the utmost priorities. Before embarking on your academic journey, it is essential to learn the basics of insurance to ensure that you have immediate coverage.
This guide will help you understand the options and procedures for purchasing insurance, ensuring everything goes smoothly.
Why do I need to purchase insurance?
According to the regulations jointly issued by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Public Security of China, educational institutions are required to implement a comprehensive insurance system for all international students.
International students must purchase insurance according to national regulations and university requirements. Those who fail to purchase insurance within the specified period will not be admitted by the university, and those already enrolled may face refusal for registration or deregistration.
What type of insurance do I need to purchase?
In general, institutions in China require international students to purchase comprehensive insurance covering death and accidental disability, outpatient and emergency care, inpatient care, and accidental injury treatment.
The premium varies for each coverage category. Please review the details carefully before purchasing.
Death and accidental disability: In the case of death or disability due to an accident or illness, the insurance company will provide a one-time payment of the agreed amount.
Outpatient and emergency care: This category covers the expenses for daily medical visits, such as colds, fever, or gastritis, including examinations, prescriptions, and injections at outpatient or emergency departments.
Inpatient care: This category covers hospitalization charges due to illness or accidents, including surgery fees, accommodation fees, treatment costs, and medication expenses.
Accidental injury treatment: This category covers treatment costs for sudden accidental injuries, such as fractures from sports or scalds and burns.
Key tips for choosing the right insurance
1) Is the medical coverage sufficient?
Scope of coverage: Ensure the insurance includes outpatient care, emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and medication costs. These are particularly important for students unfamiliar with China's healthcare system.
Covered medical institutions: Typically, university-recommended insurance does not cover costs incurred at private hospitals, international hospitals, or the VIP section of public hospitals.
2) Is the coverage amount adequate?
Insured amount: Different insurance packages offer different coverage amounts, which determine the reimbursement you can receive in case of an incident.
Reimbursement limits: Insurance plans vary in their reimbursement limits. They usually include deductibles. For example, the claim threshold may be 500 yuan ($69.70), the reimbursement rate may be 85 percent, the maximum claim limits for outpatient services may be 20,000 yuan, and daily claims limits may be 600 yuan per day. Please confirm the relevant details before purchasing.
3) What is the validity period?
Duration: Confirm the start and end dates of your insurance immediately after purchase. Most insurance policies are valid for one year from the purchase date.
Renewal: Set a reminder to renew your insurance before it expires to avoid any breaks in coverage.
4) What is not covered?
Exclusion clause: Carefully review the exclusions, such as plastic surgeries, dental implants, and high-risk sports such as skiing or bungee jumping.
Waiting period: For first-time or noncontinuous applicants, insurance companies may impose a waiting period. Most medical expenses during this period are not eligible for reimbursement.
5) How to claim reimbursement?
Required documents: Review the necessary materials for claims in advance, so you can ensure prompt insurance services when needed. Typically, the following documents are necessary when applying for an insurance claim: a copy of your passport, a copy of your medical record, copies of the front and back of your bank card, invoices/receipts for hospitalization charges, discharge summary/hospitalization records (for hospitalization), a list of medications (for hospitalization), and, in the case of accident insurance, an accident certificate.
Claims procedures: This usually involves reporting the incident, submitting documents, review by the insurance company, and reimbursement. Check whether the insurer offers advance payment services in medical emergencies.
How to purchase insurance?
To fully safeguard your study and life in China, universities usually designate specific insurance plans. However, options and requirements may vary across institutions. Please contact the school for confirmation and complete the insurance purchase before registration.
Most insurance companies offer online purchase channels for international students. You can complete payment through their official websites or apps.
In addition to the designated insurance, you may also consider purchasing additional coverage for specific risks, such as travel insurance that includes flight delays or lost luggage.
For step-by-step purchase instructions, please refer to:
We hope these guidelines help ensure your safe studying in China!
Source: Official WeChat account of China Scholarship Council at "gh_afaa09c3e5f3"
