Smith College

Smith College International Student Insurance

When you look at a list of just a few of the alumni of Smith College, it’s hard not to be impressed. They include:

• Two former first ladies – Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush
• Famous poet and novelist Sylvia Plath
• Pulitzer Prizewinner Margaret Mitchell
• Civil rights activist Yolanda King
• Academy Award-winning director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
• New York Times journalist Julia Scott

You could be the next on the list of notable alumni.

Chartered in 1871 by Sophia Smith, Smith College is based in Northampton, Massachusetts. It is the largest member of the Seven Sisters Colleges. It is also a member of the Five College Consortium, and the first women’s college to offer an undergraduate degree in engineering. Smith College is open to applications from all women, including transgendered individuals who identify as women. 

The admission policy is highly selective. However, once you are accepted, you will be proud to know you are a part of a historic institution. 

Smith College Academic and Research Opportunities

Smith College offers programs in 50 courses of study. The college follows an open curriculum where you can choose from a wide range of subjects, including the following:

• Social sciences
• History
• Arts
• Science
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Language
• Literature

There are several non-degree programs as well. There are also writing, public discourse, and research initiatives available for students.

Health Risks for Smith College International Students

Northampton, Massachusetts is considered a safe city for students to live and study in. The most pertinent threat to health for students comes in the form of winter weather. If you’re used to a warmer climate, winters in Massachusetts will take some getting used to. You will need warm, insulated footwear, a hat and gloves if you’re spending time outdoors to avoid hypothermia and frostbite.  

Beyond dressing correctly for the weather, international students will have to watch their diets. Unfamiliar American foods can cause upset stomachs, and widely available fast food can exacerbate health issues if eaten too frequently. You’ll also have to watch your step when walking to class in the winter to avoid slipping on icy patches. 

Cover Your Risks with Health Insurance for Smith College

No matter how well you take care of your health, everyone is susceptible to minor ailments such as allergies, colds, and injuries from slips and falls. Though basic care for common ailments is available for free on campus at the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness, their services will not suffice for every situation. 

More serious medical issues will require treatment at a local hospital or urgent care facility. This sort of treatment will not be cheap in the U.S., so it’s very important to protect your pocketbook from big medical bills with adequate international student health insurance. 

International Student Health Insurance for Smith College - FAQs

Do international students need health insurance before joining Smith College?

Yes, Smith College, Northampton, MA, requires health insurance as an admission prerequisite. You can either choose to be billed for the college-provided insurance, or you can apply for a waiver after showing proof of sufficient private insurance.

What’s the need for Smith College health insurance for international students?

Many students think that having access to a free campus wellness center negates the need for health insurance. After all, if you get sick or hurt, you can just get treated there, right? This could not be more wrong. While a campus wellness center can treat some minor maladies, it will not be equipped to handle every sort of illness or injury. Anything serious will require treatment off-campus. If you don’t have insurance to cover these expenses, you could be responsible for paying a massive medical bill yourself. 

You can avoid being put in this situation by purchasing and maintaining international student health insurance for the duration of your program. A small investment in insurance can save you a lot of money if you need treatment. 

How to find the best student health insurance for Smith College?

The right way to find the best medical insurance for international students in the USA is as follows:

• Find insurance providers who meet your requirements and Smith College’s requirements.
• Determine what types of treatment or conditions you want to have coverage for. 
• Compare your options based on cost and level of coverage.
• Pick the policy that offers you maximum peace of mind.