How To Submit an Insurance Claim as an International Student
Studying in a foreign country is an exciting experience, but dealing with unexpected medical bills can be overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with how health insurance works. While some medical providers bill your insurance company directly, there may be times when you’ll need to submit an insurance claim yourself to get reimbursed for your medical expenses.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about filing a health insurance claim as an international student. You'll learn when you may have to submit a claim yourself, what you need to submit your claim, and what happens upon submission.
In most cases, healthcare providers handle the insurance claim process for you. They send the bill directly to your insurance company, and you’re only responsible for any remaining balance like a deductible or services not covered under your insurance plan.
However, there are situations where you’ll need to file the claim yourself, including:
If you visit a doctor or specialist who doesn’t bill your insurance directly, you may have to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement later.
If your medical provider mistakenly charges you instead of your insurance company, you may need to file a claim to correct the issue.
Some US health insurance for expats requires them to submit claims for durable medical equipment, prescription medications, or specific types of treatment.
If you receive care from an out-of-network provider or after a car accident, you might need to handle the claim process yourself.
Understanding when to submit a claim ensures you don’t overpay for medical services and get the coverage you’re entitled to.
Filing a health insurance claim requires proper documentation to prove what treatment you received and how much you paid. Before submitting your claim, make sure you have the following:
Itemized bill: This detailed receipt lists all the services provided, their cost, and any payments already made. It ensures your insurance company understands what was billed.
Completed claim form: Most insurance companies require a form that includes your details, the medical provider’s information, and a treatment description.
Receipts for payments made: If you paid for your treatment upfront, keep all receipts as proof of payment.
Supporting documents: Depending on the circumstances, you may need a doctor’s note, a police report (if the claim is due to a car accident), or additional paperwork related to your treatment.
Before submitting an insurance claim, you’ll need to obtain the correct claim form from your insurance company. Most health insurance providers offer these forms on their official websites, in online student portals, or by request through customer support.
Some universities also assist by offering direct links to claim forms or helping students navigate the claim process.
If you’re unsure where to find your claim form, check these sources:
Your insurance company's website. Most providers have a dedicated section for forms and claim submissions.
Some universities work with specific insurance companies and may provide claim forms or additional support.
If you can’t find the form online, you can contact your insurance provider to request one.
Filling out your claim form accurately ensures a smooth claim process. The form typically includes several sections, so take your time and double-check your details before submitting it.
Here’s what you’ll usually need to fill out:
Personal Information: Your name, student ID (if applicable), policy number, and contact details
Medical Provider Information: The name, address, and services your doctor or medical provider provides
Treatment Details: A brief description of the treatment received, including the date, diagnosis, and reason for the visit
Payment Information: If you paid upfront, list the cost, attach receipts, and specify how you’d like reimbursed
Before submitting, make a copy of the completed form and all supporting documents for your records. This will be helpful if you need to follow up on the status of your claim.
Once your claim form is filled out, you’ll need to send it to your insurance company using the appropriate submission method. Each insurance provider has different options, which may include:
Many insurance companies allow students to submit claims through their website or mobile app.
Some providers accept claim forms and documents via email for faster processing.
If your insurance company requires physical copies, you may need to mail your claim form and supporting documents to their office.
Some universities have designated insurance representatives on campus who can help with claim submissions.
Check your insurance plan guidelines to confirm the best way to submit your claim and ensure it reaches the right department.
Submit your claim as soon as possible to avoid delays or denied claims. Most insurance companies have deadlines ranging from 30 to 90 days after medical treatment.
Here’s why submitting your claim on time is important:
Late claims may not be covered, leaving you to pay out of pocket.
The sooner you file, the sooner you can expect a reimbursement if eligible.
Submitting early lets you follow up on the status and resolve any issues quickly.
If unsure about your insurance company’s deadline, check your policy documents or contact customer support.
If you run into any issues while submitting your claim, there are several resources available to help:
Your insurance company’s customer service. They can guide you through the claim process, check your claim status, and help with any paperwork errors.
Many universities support international students who are dealing with insurance claims.
If you need clarification on your itemized bill, receipts, or other documents, your doctor’s office or hospital billing department can help.
Getting help when needed ensures your claim is processed correctly and reduces the chances of delays or denials.
Once you submit your insurance claim, the company will begin processing it. This involves verifying the claim form, checking your coverage, and determining if the medical bills are eligible for reimbursement.
Depending on your insurance provider and the complexity of the claim, the process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
After filing your claim, monitoring its status is important to ensure no delays. Here’s how you can follow up effectively:
Many insurance companies allow you to track your claim status through their website or mobile app.
If you don’t see updates, call or email your insurance provider to check the progress.
If there’s a delay, confirm that you submitted all required documents, such as your itemized bill, receipts, and the completed claim form.
If additional documents are requested, provide them as soon as possible to avoid further delays in processing your insurance claim.
Sometimes, an insurance claim may be partially approved or denied. If this happens, don’t panic—there are steps you can take:
Review the Explanation of Benefits (EOB): Your insurance company will send an EOB detailing why certain costs weren’t covered.
Check your insurance plan: Make sure the medical services you received fall under your coverage. Some treatments, like preventive care or durable medical equipment, may have specific eligibility rules.
Contact your insurance provider: Ask an insurance adjuster to clarify the issue if you believe your claim was wrongly denied.
File an appeal: If necessary, you can submit an appeal with supporting documents, such as a doctor’s letter or additional receipts.
Ask your medical provider for help: Some providers assist in challenging denied claims, especially if they believe the treatment should be covered.
Understanding these next steps can help you get the reimbursement you deserve and prevent future claim issues.
Submitting an insurance claim as an international student might seem complicated initially, but it becomes much easier once you understand the process. By keeping track of your medical bills and following your insurance company’s guidelines, you can ensure a smooth claim process and avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
The right health insurance plan can make a huge difference in your experience studying abroad. To explore the best options for your health insurance needs or to learn more about navigating the claim process, visit WellAway. Staying informed and prepared ensures you can focus on your studies while staying protected.