This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hello,

I am a student in 3rd year in university in Spain. My university is from the United States, though, and I have the option to go study there, in Washington state.
For academical reasons, I have decided to do so, and am therefore trying to take my last year there.

There is a huge problem, though, and its name is health insurance.
I have had Multiple Sclerosis for four years. Since I started my treatment, Tysabri, I have only had a very mild episode, so I was rather fine in that prospect. Also, my doctor decided to switch to Fingolimod (currently in waiting period between both drugs), in order to cut costs with the prospect of said year in the US.

We contacted an agent in order to find out how and what to get as an insurance. And after looking into it, they answered that no insurance would offer us anything.
I have trouble believing, though, that current legislation allows this refusal to happen.
I have looked as hard as I could into it, and I have somewhat understood that they can't refuse, and that since my condition is covered by spanish public healthcare, they can't apply a pre-existing condition delay on it either.

But then, the agents tell us that it will be impossible to get an insurance. I am thouroughly confused, extremly stressed and I refuse to give up on my plans so easily.

So I will start by trying and asking here whether anyone knows the answer to my ordeal.

Thank you for your time ^^¿

You might try contacting the drug company. They might have a financial assistance program or they might be willing to work with an insurer on your behalf. Does your doctor in Spain have any suggestions?

Hi kano, I'm sorry about your diagnosis and also about the issue with insurance. NHE has a good suggestion about checking with the drug company to see if they can offer assistance with the price.

However, I know from my previous university job that international exchange students are required by federal law to have adequate health insurance before they enter the country to study. It's all stated on the DS-2019 that is issued by the host university. And that's where I would suggest that you start asking your questions -- at the university in Washington where you plan to study.

Contact their international programs office and find out where they suggest you turn for "international student insurance" since you would not fall under the new rules that apply to U.S. citizens. The online website of our international student office gave links to a list of international insurance companies on the NAFSA Association of International Educators website also.

The universities' international services offices will be the best sources of information for you, since that's their job -- smoothing the way for international student exchanges. Good luck!

Hi again,

Thank you both for your answers.

I hadn't thought at all about the drug company, I will look into it. I don't really know how well that can work with my situation, but I will contact them about it.

Regarding the insurance itself, my university doesn't seem very interested in helping its students looking for insurance. Actually, they just give a link to an international student insurance and that's it. I was there that I found the insurance requirements they ask for... Really, not a very helpful staff...
I have contacted said insurance, and they have finally answered that MS is not excluded from the plan, but I still have the pre-existing condition waiting period. I am guessing from that and from what you said that the new laws don't remove this waiting period in my case.
The other choice we have found is taking an international insurance with my current company here in Spain, that would cover me for almost anything but my drugs. Which I would need to come pick in Spain every three months. I really don't like this one, and I suspect it won't be acceptable for my university...
Anyway, I will talk with my advisor here at my current campus.

Thank you again ^^