AIFS Insurance Package
AIFS provides the most comprehensive medical and program/tuition refund package available to students studying abroad through its insurance division, Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). CISI is the leader in providing the most comprehensive insurance coverage to the international education sector, currently providing insurance coverage, travel/technical/medical assistance and claim paying services to more than 100,000 international students and cultural exchange participants worldwide. The cost of this required insurance/assistance package is $475 for each quarter or semester program which includes your insurance premium, tuition refund plan, assistance services and crisis handling. It covers you for the duration of your program, plus up to one month of independent travel. Students will receive an individual insurance policy describing the coverage in detail. Please check this carefully as some exclusions and limitations apply - for example pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.
Unlike other plans, the AIFS student plan settles claims abroad, in your host country's respective currency. This facilitates immediate entry to a hospital for treatment. Treatments must of course be documented. The Resident Director helps with administrative matters concerning claims. Each campus has a doctor and infirmary available to handle minor ailments. The Resident Director arranges for students requiring treatment for more serious illnesses and accidents to receive immediate attention from the recommended university doctor and hospital in the area.
Medical and baggage insurance
Coverage is provided through AIG (underwritten by the Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania), but all claims are processed on a fast track basis by AIFS staff.
The coverage includes the following:
- Medical expenses while abroad
The insurance covers medical bills up to a maximum of $250,000 for each medically covered illness or accident abroad for up to 52 weeks from the date of such illness or injury. There is a deductible of $50 per covered accident or sickness and pre-existing complaints are not covered. Among items covered are treatment by a physician or surgeon, nurse fees, x-rays, ambulance, therapeutic services, operations, drugs and medicines prescribed by a physician, hospital room and board (semi-private accommodations).
- Mental/Nervous coverage
The insurance plan covers mental or nervous disorders up to $500 for outpatient treatment or up to $10,000 for inpatient treatment per lifetime. See Plan of Insurance brochure for further details.
- Baggage insurance
Personal effects are covered up to $3,000 with a $50 deductible. There is a per item limitation of $100 ($250 for cameras) Some exclusions apply. Please see the insurance policy for further details.
- Program cancellation insurance
If after any scheduled payment has been made, but before departure, you are prevented from embarking on your trip because of either 1) covered accidental bodily injuries, disease or covered sickness for which you are under the care of a legally qualified physician or surgeon or 2) quarantine at the place of residence or epidemic in the area of travel, the plan will reimburse the insured in full for payments in excess of the non-refundable deposit and application fee of $845 and insurance/assistance package fee of $475.
- Program interruption insurance
For participants who have already begun their program, the insurance plan will provide for the reasons indicated under program cancellation insurance up to $1000 towards a flight home from abroad to your U.S. city of departure. There is no provision for recovery of other transportation, room, meals, tuition or other fees once the program has begun.
- Return Air fare expense
If you travel on an AIFS College Division flight, this plan will cover the cost up to a maximum of $1,000 of your return air transportation on a regularly scheduled commercial flight (tourist class) to the original AIFS point of departure if you are unable to complete the program for any reason outlined under the Program cancellation insurance. A certificate of illness from a physician, other than a relative or member of your household, is necessary in making claims.
