I’m on OPT and considering my health insurance options. Does anyone know what the best plans are for OPT students or H-1B visa holders? What are the requirements and what should I be looking out for?
For OPT students, many universities include health insurance in their fees. Some, like UC Berkeley, automatically enroll students in plans like SHIP. If you’re no longer in school, private insurance like Student Secure or Atlas Travel can be good options.
@Cairo
I used Atlas Travel when I transitioned to OPT. The deductible options and coverage lengths are flexible. It’s affordable and covers emergencies well.
Reece said:
@Cairo
I used Atlas Travel when I transitioned to OPT. The deductible options and coverage lengths are flexible. It’s affordable and covers emergencies well.
Same here. I liked that you could add more benefits if needed. It’s helpful when you don’t have employer coverage yet.
H-1B visa workers have different options. In the first 6 months, you might need short-term plans like GeoBlue or IHC Secure. After that, you can switch to long-term plans through ACA-compliant marketplaces or employer-sponsored insurance.
@Zayden
GeoBlue Xplorer Premier is a solid plan for H-1B holders. It’s customizable and offers coverage for maternity, dental, and vision.
Kelby said:
@Zayden
GeoBlue Xplorer Premier is a solid plan for H-1B holders. It’s customizable and offers coverage for maternity, dental, and vision.
I agree. The unlimited medical maximum and evacuation coverage are great features. It’s also easy to extend for dependents.
@Zayden
Employer plans can be cheaper if your company offers them. Mine covers everything from hospitalization to mental health, but it’s worth checking what’s included.
Vern said:
@Zayden
Employer plans can be cheaper if your company offers them. Mine covers everything from hospitalization to mental health, but it’s worth checking what’s included.
True, but not all employers offer coverage for dependents. My family had to use a separate plan for a while.
Does anyone know how maternity coverage works for OPT or H-1B plans? I’m considering GeoBlue Navigator for this.
Kim said:
Does anyone know how maternity coverage works for OPT or H-1B plans? I’m considering GeoBlue Navigator for this.
Most OPT plans include basic maternity coverage, but H-1B plans like GeoBlue Navigator or Aetna are more comprehensive. Check for prenatal and delivery coverage specifically.
@Denali
I used GeoBlue for my maternity care, and it covered about 80% of the costs. Make sure to read the fine print for pre-authorization requirements.
What about mental health services? Do these plans cover therapy sessions or counseling?
Rey said:
What about mental health services? Do these plans cover therapy sessions or counseling?
Yes, but the coverage varies. Plans like Humana and Cigna offer decent mental health support. For OPT students, Student Secure has options that include counseling.
@Bliss
I used Cigna for therapy sessions, and it covered a good portion of the costs after a small co-pay. The 24/7 virtual care option is great, too.
Do these insurance plans cover COVID-19 related expenses? It’s something I’m worried about as I’m traveling soon.
Brett said:
Do these insurance plans cover COVID-19 related expenses? It’s something I’m worried about as I’m traveling soon.
Many plans now include COVID-19 coverage. For example, Atlas Travel and GeoBlue added it to their policies in recent updates. Check with your provider to be sure.
@Zen
I’m with ISO insurance, and they covered my COVID-19 test and treatment. It’s worth asking about quarantine-related costs as well.