Frequently Asked Questions
Select a topic to jump directly to the answers:
General Questions
Who is Compass Student Insurance? +
Compass is a trusted provider of health insurance plans for international students, scholars, and professionals in the U.S.
We’ve been helping people navigate U.S. healthcare for over 25 years and are part of FutureHealth Systems, a group of companies dedicated to international education, cultural exchange, and wellbeing.
What kind of plans do you offer? +
We offer medical insurance plans tailored to the needs of international students, J-1 scholars, and visiting professionals in the U.S.
Our plans include coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency services, mental health care, and more. We support various visa categories, including F-1, J-1, H-1B, and OPT.
Am I eligible to purchase a Compass Student Insurance plan? +
You are eligible if you are an international student, J-1 scholar, on OPT, or an H-1B visa holder in the U.S. Please check each plan’s eligibility section for specific requirements.
Do I really need health insurance in the U.S.? +
Yes, having health insurance is strongly recommended – and often required.
Medical care in the U.S. can be extremely expensive without insurance. Many schools and visa programs (like J-1 and F-1) also require proof of adequate coverage.
Our plans help protect you from unexpected medical costs and meet most institutional and visa requirements.
Do your plans meet the J1 visa requirements set by the US department of state? +
Yes ,they do! Click here to learn more about the J1 Visa Insurance Requirements.
Enrollment & Payment
How do I enroll in a plan? +
You can easily enroll online at studenthealthusa.com. Simply choose your visa category on the homepage or use our Plan Finder to find the right plan for you.
Then fill out the form and pay securely by credit card.
You will receive your insurance confirmation by email immediately after completing your enrollment — perfect for your visa application.
When will I receive my insurance confirmation and ID card? +
You’ll receive a confirmation email immediately after completing your enrollment.
This email includes instructions on how to create your MyInsurance Account, where you’ll find all important documents, including your insurance ID card, policy details, and claims information.
What payment methods do you accept? +
We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, and UnionPay.
You can also pay using Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Do you offer support during the enrollment process? +
Yes! If you have questions or need help during enrollment, our support team is available via live chat on the website.
We’re happy to guide you step by step.
When should I enroll in health insurance? +
We recommend enrolling before your program starts or as soon as you receive your visa.
Having insurance in place early ensures you're protected from day one and helps avoid delays with your visa or school requirements.
What should I do if I’m having trouble completing the payment? +
If your payment doesn’t go through, please double-check your card information and make sure your card is authorized for international transactions.
If the problem continues, contact our support team via chat – we’re happy to assist and can help you complete your enrollment.
Can I get a refund if my visa is denied? +
Yes. If your visa is denied and no claims have been submitted, we will refund your insurance premium in full upon receiving official proof of the denial.
Just send us the documentation, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Can I pay monthly? +
We do not offer a monthly payment option. However, for most of our plans, you can choose a minimum enrollment of 3 months and pay in 3-month increments.
This gives you flexibility while ensuring continuous coverage.
Using the Insurance
I’m sick—what’s the first thing I should do? +
Start by logging into your MyInsurance Account!
You’ll find tools called “Find a Provider” or “Search for a Doctor.” That way, you can quickly locate a doctor or clinic that works with your insurance.
How do I know which doctor I should go to? +
It depends on what you need.
For common issues (like a cold or flu), look for a general practitioner. If it’s something more specific (like skin issues or allergies), search for a specialist. The Provider search filters can help!
Why does “in-network” matter so much? +
Because it saves you money! In-network providers have a deal with your insurance company, so your costs are lower and claims go smoother. Out-of-network? Hello, higher bills.
Do I really need to carry my insurance card every time? +
Yep – always!
Whether it’s printed or digital, your insurance card is a must when you visit a doctor, go to the pharmacy, or have an emergency. No card = delays and confusion.
Is the Student Health Center a good option? +
Absolutely!
It’s often the most affordable and easiest place to get care—right on campus. Many services are even free or included in your student fees.
Claims & Reimbursements
Where do I find claim forms and instructions? +
Log in to your MyInsurance Account!
You’ll find everything you need there—claim forms, contact details, and step-by-step instructions based on your plan. It’s your go-to guide for smooth reimbursement.
How do I know if something is covered? +
The insurance provider checks this during the claims process.
They’ll verify whether the service or treatment falls under your plan. You can also check your Schedule of Benefits or log into your MyInsurance Portal for details.
I got a medical bill! What now? +
Don’t panic—this happens sometimes.
It may just mean the doctor didn’t send the bill to your insurance. First, contact the provider and ask them to follow the claims instructions on your insurance ID card. Then, send a copy of the bill to the claims administrator. And whatever you do—don’t ignore it!
How do I submit a claim? +
Log in to your MyInsurance Account, download the claim form, and upload it with receipts. Claims are usually processed in 2–4 weeks.
Do I need to pay upfront? +
Sometimes yes – especially if the provider is out-of-network. Keep all receipts and submit a claim if needed.
Why is my claim taking so long? +
Sometimes extra info is needed.
The insurance company might need your medical records, a signed authorization form, or a questionnaire. Check your messages and respond quickly—delays happen if these documents are missing.
What happens if I don’t send the documents they ask for? +
The claim will be put on hold or even denied.
If insurance doesn’t get what they need, they’ll close the case until everything’s submitted. No documents = no payment. So stay on top of your inbox and forms!
Understanding Terms - What means:
Coinsurance +
After you pay your deductible, insurance doesn’t just cover everything 100%. You still share a bit of the cost.
If your coinsurance is 80/20, that means insurance pays 80%, and you pay 20%. It’s like splitting a pizza—insurance takes the big slices, you take the small ones.
Copay +
A copay is a small, fixed amount you pay every time you see a doctor. Let’s say you visit a clinic, and the doctor fee is $150, but your copay is just $20. That means you only pay $20, and insurance covers the rest. It’s like a VIP discount for medical care.
Deductible +
Before your insurance pays anything, you have to cover some costs yourself. That’s your deductible. Imagine going to an amusement park—before you can ride the rollercoasters (get insurance benefits), you have to buy a ticket (pay your deductible).
EOB (Explanation of benefits) +
An EOB is not a bill – it’s like a receipt from your insurance company telling you what they paid and what you might still owe.
Think of it as your healthcare report card: what was charged, what insurance covered, and what’s left for you. Don’t panic when you get one – just read it carefully!
Emergency Room (ER) +
ER visits are crazy expensive! Insurance only covers them fully if it’s a real emergency (think broken bones, chest pain, or serious accidents). If you go to the ER for a mild headache, get ready for a BIG bill and a deductible on your response.
It’s like calling a limo when you just need a taxi.
In-Network +
“In-network” means the provider has a deal with your insurance company.
Translation? Lower bills, smoother claims, less stress.
Always check if a doctor or clinic is in-network before making an appointment – it’s like booking a hotel with breakfast included!
Medical Evacuation +
If you’re seriously ill or injured and need to be transported to another city (or even country) for proper treatment, that’s medical evacuation.
It’s like calling an emergency air taxi to get you safely to the right hospital. Super important if you're in a rural area or small town.
Medical Repatriation +
This is when your condition is stable, and it’s safer or better to continue your recovery back in your home country.
Think of it as a first-class flight home for your health – arranged and paid for by your insurance in serious cases.
MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) +
An MVA is any accident involving a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle.
Insurance may have special rules for these – so if you’re hurt in a crash, read the fine print or contact support.
It’s not always covered like a regular doctor visit.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum +
Good news! There’s a limit to how much you’ll ever pay in a year.
If you hit your out-of-pocket maximum, insurance may cover 100% of eligible costs after that. It's like a video game- once you hit the maximum level, you pay a lot less!
PPO Network +
A PPO Network is a preferred group of doctors and hospitals that work with your insurance to give you better prices.
Use in-network providers = lower costs and fewer surprises.
Out-of-network = like shopping without a coupon – it works, but it’s more expensive.
Pre-existing Condition +
A pre-existing condition is any health issue you had before your insurance started – like asthma, diabetes, or a past surgery.
Some plans don’t cover treatment for those in the first year, so always check.
It’s like trying to return a broken item you bought before the warranty began.
Preventive Care +
Preventive care = stopping problems before they start.
We’re talking vaccines, check-ups, screenings – things that keep you healthy.
Many plans cover it 100%, because prevention is cheaper than a cure.
Think of it as your health tune-up.
Provider Network +
This is your insurance-friendly list of doctors, clinics, specialists, and hospitals.
Stay inside the network for best results – like using your phone with full bars instead of roaming.
Schedule of Benefits +
This is the cheat sheet of your insurance – a summary of what’s covered, how much is paid, and what you’ll owe.
Always check the schedule to know what’s included and what’s not.
It’s your menu of benefits, and nobody likes ordering surprise bills.
Student Health Center +
Most colleges have a Student Health Center (SHC) – your on-campus spot for basic care, like colds, injuries, or prescriptions.
Often cheaper than outside clinics, sometimes even free.
It’s like having a mini-clinic just for students, steps from your dorm.
URC (Usual, Reasonable and Customary Charges) +
This is how insurance decides how much they’ll pay for a service.
If a doctor charges way more than the average in your area, insurance might say, “Nope, too much!”
URC = the average price tag your insurance thinks is fair for a service in a certain location.
Urgent Care +
Need a doctor fast, but it’s not life-threatening? Urgent care centers are cheaper than the ER and get you in and out quicker. It’s like going through the express lane instead of waiting in a long checkout line.
Still have questions?
Use the chat to speak with Agent BeWell or check your plan details in MyInsurance for more information.
