The US health care system and medical insurance is complex and probably difficult to navigate for international students and scholars. To help you understand your health insurance, below are definitions of common and important health insurance terminology:

• Insurance policy: a written contract that defines the coverage, exclusions, eligibility requirements, benefits, and conditions that apply to the individual insured under the insurance plan
• Insurance premium: the amount money paid for a specific insurance coverage or policy. Depending the policy agreement, the premium may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually
• Renewal (of insurance policy): the payment of the insurance premium to continue coverage when the initial policy period has expired or will expire.
• Lapse in coverage: a break in insurance coverage, usually a result from not paying the insurance premium
• Insurance card: a card that is provided by the insurance company. It shows the name of the insured individual (you), the policy number, and the contact information for claims and insurance questions. This card must be presented when medical treatment or service is requested
• Covered expense: any expense that is partially or completely paid by the insurance policy
• Exclusion: any condition or expense that is not covered or payed by the insurance policy
• Pre-existing condition: a medical condition that existed before an insurance policy was purchased
• Deductible: the initial portion of the covered medical expense that must be payed by the insured person (you) before the insurance policy pays any part of the medical expense
• Co-payment: the portion of a covered medical expense—after the deductible is paid—that must be paid by the insured individual (you). The co-payment may be a specific dollar amount or it may be expressed as a percentage of the covered amount
• Out-of-pocket maximum: the most the insured individual (you) pays for medical treatment or service that is covered by the insurance policy
• Fee for service: the doctor, clinic, or other medical professional expects the charge to be paid at the time the medical service is provided
• Claim: a written request from the insured individual (you) to the insurance company for payment of medical expenses that are covered under the insurance policy
• Referral: a written recommendation by one health care provider to another

Source: Green, Judith A. Medical Insurance for International Students, Scholars, and their Families. NAFSA.