Students coming for full-time study in the Communication Skills and Integrated Skills courses must obtain an F-1 student visa. Along with your application, you must submit a financial statement showing sufficient resources to study in our program. ESI will then issue an I-20 form which you must take to a U.S. consulate or embassy in your country. When applying for the F-1 student visa, you must also show that you have paid the $200 SEVIS fee. The English Studies Institute is not responsible for delays or denials in the processing of visas. In order to avoid problems, we urge you to apply as early as possible. (Students transferring from schools within the U.S. should submit a Transfer Verification Form.) When you enter the United States, you must have a valid passport, I-20 form, F-1 visa, and I-94 card (which you will get on the airplane). Bring all these documents to registration on the first day.
Health Insurance
Due to the high cost of medical care in the U.S. and the even higher price of hospital costs in Berkeley (which can reach $2,000 - $3,000 per day), ESI requires that you purchase a health insurance policy before you come to Berkeley. You should buy a policy that covers all medical and hospital costs and provides a minimum of $50,000 for each accident or illness. Your insurance should have a deductible of $500 or less and cover at least 75% of hospital and physician costs. The insurance should cover you from the time you leave your country to the time that you return. Please bring a full description of your medical plan with you to Berkeley. ESI cannot enroll you if you do not have proof of health insurance.
Here are two of many possible companies that offer health insurance for international students. Prices are subject to change. Look carefully at their websites for policies and exclusions. Students can sign up online.
Gateway www.gatewayplans.com
Plan name: Gateway USA
Plan A $50,000 medical Benefit. Age 18-29: $49 per month
Plan B $100,00 medical Benefit, Age 18-29: $66 per month
Deductible: $150 per period of coverage
Plan pays eligible expenses @ 80% up to $5,000, thereafter @ 100%
Includes:
Medical Expense Benefit: $50,000 or $100,000 Maximum per injury or illness
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $50,000
Repatriation of Remains: $20,000
Medical and Travel Assistance Services: Included and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Accidental Death & Dismemberment: $25,000 Principal Sum
Travel Insurance Services http://www.travelinsure.com/
Click on “International Students in US”
Plan name: Study USA- HealthCare
Plan A $200,000 medical benefit
Age 0-24: $39 per month + $5 administration fee
Age 25-29: $42 per month
Deductible: $150 per incident
Plan pays eligible expenses @ 80% up to $25,000, thereafter @ 100% for Network provider.
(i.e. if your bill is $20,000 you will have to pay $4,000.)
Includes:
Medical Expenses, per incident: $200,000
Accidental Death and Dismemberment: $10,000
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $30,000
Mental or Nervous Disorders &
Alcohol & Substance Abuse Benefits: $5,000
Repatriation of Remains: $10,000
