international student insurance

Why International Students Need Renters Insurance

March 21, 2019

Going away to college for the first time can be a scary thing to anyone, but what if you were going to a different country? International students are not only smart but incredibly brave for making the journey to a foreign country to further their education. However, that transition is not always seamless. There are many thing international students can do to make that transition a little easier and safer; a major one is being sure to have renters insurance.

“Why Do I Need Renters Insurance?”

As a college student in general, renters insurance is a must; even more so for international students. When you travel to a foreign country, something you might not always think about is “What would I do if something of mine gets stolen?” or “What if there’s a fire in my dorm room and I lose everything I brought with me?” That’s where renters insurance comes in! GradGuard is the leading renters insurance agency on the market for college students, and especially international students. Here are some of our benefits:

Low deductibles! This benefits the insured because they are paying less out of pocket when something gets damaged or stolen. With most other companies, your renters deductible can be upwards of $500-$1000. That doesn’t do you much good if your $600 iPhone gets stolen.
No background or credit check! With many companies, they require you to provide your social security number to get a proper quote for renters insurance. Not us! We do not run a background or credit check on our customers. Most college students have little to no credit history. We do not increase your rates due to this because we understand your situation and hardships as a student. We want to make things easier, not harder.
No raising of rates! A huge pain of insurance is that rates usually increase if you need to file a claim, even if the claim doesn’t pay out! That doesn’t seem fair. Not with GradGuard! We do not raise your rates regardless of the result of the claim. Just another way we are marketing towards those college students who are needing to be more money-conscious.
Worldwide personal property coverage! Every GradGuard policy comes with worldwide personal property coverage! So if you’re at the library or traveling home for spring break and your phone gets stolen, that’s covered! Definitely a must for every international and college student.

Do we have you convinced yet? GradGuard is always here to help you when it comes to the hard times that college brings, especially to international students who seem to be taking a larger leap than others. Remember that college is the time of your life! Though you are there to get an education, don’t forget to have a little fun and protect yourself properly. Worry about your homework, not your stuff. Get the peace of mind that you need and deserve with GradGuard.

Other Safety

Valuable Protection for International College Students

June 2, 2017

This is a big week for professionals who serve international students.

The Association of International Educators, (NAFSA) is the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange, is hosting its annual meeting and EXPO in Los Angeles.

With nearly one million international students attending American colleges and universities, it is important to understand the risks facing this valuable population. International students will benefit from securing tuition insurance, renters insurance, and student health insurance prior to attending classes.

Three forms of insurance are particularly important for international students to consider securing to protect themselves from financial losses while studying in the United States.

International student health insurance – International students are often required to purchase student health insurance. Typically students can purchase an affordable plan through their college or university or if they prefer they can also purchase it directly through GradGuard.

Tuition Insurance – If an international student becomes ill, injured or is forced to withdraw from classes mid-term, colleges and universities most often will only refund only a pro-rated amount of tuition and fees.

As a result, it is prudent for international students to become aware of the institution’s refund policy and to consider purchasing tuition insurance. Tuition insurance is not drop out insurance but it can pay for the non-refunded losses to international students for tuition, academic fees, books, and housing. Check the policy for complete details but tuition insurance is most often a smart buy for international students.

Tuition insurance is affordable and valuable protection but remember it must be purchased before the start of classes.
College Renters Insurance – Many international students are concerned about campus crime and safety. Most are unprepared to replace a stolen computer or backpack, and many would benefit from the protection provided by renters insurance.

GradGuard’s renter’s insurance program is ideal for international students in that it does not require a credit check and provides worldwide property coverage

For less than $.50 cents a day, an international student can protect themselves from financial losses that they experience or are found responsible for.

GradGuard works with schools to provide our insurance programs to protect all students, but we are particularly sensitive to the unique needs of international students. We know from experience that our student benefits provide real value to all students and particularly international students who may face even greater financial risk due to the investment they are making to attending college in the United States. In a small way, we hope that GradGuard can improve the satisfaction and success of international college students.