When deciding on a university to earn a PhD, one might choose based on certain qualities like reputation, research, or post graduate opportunities. However most may not consider health care.
H, born in South Asia, chose a university that would cover his chronic kidney issues. The salary that was given at the other university option was not enough to be able to offset the cost of paying for health insurance.
The US does not have universal healthcare, so options vary from university to university. International students have different types of visas, each with different health care requirements. Not all universities require health insurance, but getting medical care without insurance is costly. International students are often not eligible for programs that provide low cost or public health insurance.
“I’m most proud of never having to compromise on my passions.”
Many international students come into the US with a different idea about health insurance since other countries have universal health care or a similar variety form. While there are differences in the quality of care in his country, health insurance is still universal, which is less than what can be said for the US. This can pose a problem for international students as some can be blindsided by the health insurance in the US.
All students at the university are required to have health insurance. Undergrad students have to pay for it, but for graduate and PhD students, like H, it is partly or fully covered by the school. There are basic medical services provided by the university Student Health Services. These health insurance plans are only available while the person is a student at the university and expire right after graduation. This could potentially leave international students who plan to stay in the US after graduation without any sort of health insurance.
During his time at his university, H had to take time off from school in order to go home to get a kidney transplant. Working towards earning a PhD is a difficult endeavor already, and adding in chronic health issues makes this feat even more challenging. However, throughout all of this H is the most proud of that he has never had to compromise on any of his passions. After a successful kidney transplant he has returned to University to continue on his health insured path to success.
H is…
- 28 Years-Old
- Male, Cisgender
- South Asian
- Upper Middle Class
- Heterosexual
