Why Having Health Insurance in Winter is Important

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John Garrido Ayala | Jul 07, 2023 Health

As the winter season approaches, our bodies become more susceptible to a range of health risks. From seasonal infections to unexpected emergencies caused by icy conditions, the importance of having health insurance during this time cannot be overstated. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why being insured during the winter season is crucial.

Seasonal Health Risks

Research shows that the decrease in temperatures that occur throughout winter negatively affects our immune systems, making us more susceptible to illnesses. For international students who come to the United States, this is particularly important to consider, as some students may come from countries that may not have very cold seasons. Being prepared beforehand with health insurance becomes crucial in such cases. This is not to mention that injuries can happen very easily in the winter due to icy conditions. Even if you go on a vacation to a warm weather climate to escape this, accidents can happen at any time.

Influenza, common colds, respiratory infections, and weather-related accidents are a lot more prevalent during the winter. The winter season can also be challenging for many international students in terms of mental health. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, commonly affects individuals during the winter. Increased feelings of isolation, and depression are not uncommon during this time. These ailments can lead to missed classes, decreased productivity, and potential complications that require medical attention.

Coverage For Visits That You May Need During Winter

The financial burden of winter-related health issues can be significant for international students and their families without insurance coverage. Even the simplest of doctors visits will cost you money in the US. Medical bills can quickly accumulate, adding to the stress of dealing with health problems. A simple slip and fall incident in the snow or ice can cost you up to $33,000.

Health insurance offers a safety net, providing coverage for medical care, emergency room visits, and necessary treatments, both domestically and internationally. Insurance grants access to doctors to prioritize prompt healthcare for international students, such as yourself - safeguarding your recovery and academic pursuits. This is especially useful during winter break since your school’s student services may not be able to provide services as quickly as usual. With insurance coverage, you can find outside doctors quickly if needed and put emphasis on your well-being without the added worry of exorbitant healthcare costs.

Many health insurance plans also cover mental health services, counseling, and therapy, enabling you to seek professional help when needed. Mental health support is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and having insurance coverage ensures that individuals can access the necessary resources to address their mental health concerns.

For many schools, you may not have a requirement to have health insurance over the winter, but you shouldn’t take this as a sign to leave a gap in your coverage. The above should show how easy it is to incur expenses that can throw a wrench in your long-term goals studying in the US. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

How can I purchase health insurance

As winter settles in, health insurance becomes an invaluable asset in safeguarding your well-being. From the increased healthcare utilization and seasonal health risks to the need for mental health support and accessibility to preventive care, health insurance plays a pivotal role. ISO Health Insurance provides financial protection, ensures access to necessary prescription medications, and offers security during travel or vacations. By being insured through the various plans we offer, you can focus on their health, knowing that you will have the support you need to face any unexpected health challenges that winter may bring.

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About ISO Student Health Insurance

Founded in 1958, ISO prides itself on being the leader in providing international students with affordable insurance plans. Administered by former and current international students, we are able to assist our member with multilingual customer service in Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, and more. ISO serves over 3,200 schools/colleges and more than 150,000 insured students every year.

For more information, please visit www.isoa.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.

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