OPT Health Insurance

1. What is OPT?

OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a work permit for international students on F-1 visas after they graduate from U.S. colleges. Most students get 1 year of OPT, but STEM majors can extend it to 3 years.

After getting OPT approval, students receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card), which is a work permit issued by USCIS that allows them to work in the U.S. for a set period.

2. Why is OPT Health Insurance Important?

Healthcare in the U.S. is expensive. Many students aren’t aware that their school health insurance ends as soon as they graduate. Without new coverage, an unexpected health issue could result in surprise medical bills.

For students just entering the workforce, without the students' health services available during school, handling healthcare in a foreign system and language can feel especially challenging, and navigating insurance options can become confusing. However, for recent graduates, going without health insurance after leaving school is definitely not recommended.

Why Health Insurance is Essential:

Preventing Unexpected Events

If you unfortunately experience a serious accident or illness, the high medical costs in the U.S. could impose severe financial difficulties, potentially disrupting your work or travel plans. It's crucial to have adequate health insurance coverage to mitigate these risks.

Preventing Surprise Medical Bills

Medical costs in the U.S. can be exorbitant, and going uninsured may lead to surprise medical bills that many students can't afford. For example, an appendectomy in the U.S. can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Students on OPT without health insurance face the full brunt of these costs after treatment. A single hospital visit could deplete your savings and plunge you into significant medical debt.

Preventative Care Coverage

During OPT, the health insurance you had through your school will automatically expire. Maintaining personal health protection while working and living in the U.S. is essential. In most cases, if you have a reliable OPT insurance plan, the costs for receiving multiple common vaccines will be covered by the insurance company. You can visit our website to learn more and purchase our OPT health insurance plans.

3. Who Can Purchase OPT Insurance?

International students who hold an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and are on OPT status are eligible to purchase OPT insurance.

You can purchase Tigerless OPT health insurance at any stage between graduation and the start of employment, during the active OPT period, and even throughout the OPT grace period. This flexibility ensures that you remain covered during all phases of your transition from student to professional in the U.S.

4. What to Consider When Purchasing OPT Insurance?

When selecting OPT insurance, students should consider several key factors including the cost, the scope of coverage provided by the plan, and the extent of the medical network available.

We have previously provided content on medical insurance terminology, which can help students determine whether an OPT insurance plan is suitable for their needs based on this information.

5. Highlights of Tigerless Insurance's OPT Plans

Tigerless Insurance offers OPT insurance plans that stand out for their comprehensive coverage and attention to the needs of international students on OPT. Here are some of the key features:

Extensive Medical Network

Partnering with Aetna, one of the most renowned insurance providers in the U.S., we always ensure that our users have access to a vast network of healthcare providers across all 50 states. This network includes both general practitioners and specialists, ensuring that students can receive care wherever they are in the U.S. Aetna, owned by CVS Health, leverages the widespread CVS Pharmacy chain, allowing our users to access care without upfront payments, reducing the wait for reimbursements and ensuring ease of access even while traveling or relocating.

Pharmacy Network Access

Our plans include a pharmacy network managed by Express Scripts, one of the largest pharmacy benefits managers in the U.S. with over 30 years of history. This network includes major chains such as CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, and many others, making prescription medications more accessible and affordable.

Comprehensive Health Coverage

At Tigerless, our plans cover a range of medical needs, from emergency services to preventive care. The plan also covers specialized outpatient visits without referrals, as well as ambulance services, hospitalizations, and surgeries, making it a comprehensive solution for students studying, working, or traveling in the U.S.

Professional 24/7 Customer Service

We pride ourselves on our industry-leading 24/7 customer support team, offering bilingual assistance in both English and Mandarin. The team provides detailed explanations of insurance policies, helps with scheduling doctor appointments, facilitates the communication of medical conditions, and assists with insurance claims. For any inquiries, the customer service team is readily available to help.

Affordable Pricing

We offer OPT insurance plans at competitive rates, starting as low as $3 per day. This affordable pricing ensures comprehensive medical protection, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students.

6. How to Purchase Tigerless OPT Insurance Plans?

1. Visit the Tigerless Insurance website and navigate to the OPT health insurance page.

2. Enter your date of birth in the designated section, then select the plan that best suits your needs to proceed with the purchase.

*Note: Be sure to select a coverage start date that is at least 90 days away!

We hope this information is helpful to all international students. If you have any questions about OPT insurance or any health and student insurance options, please feel free to contact Tigerless Insurance customer service, available 24/7 to answer all your inquiries!