International Student Insurance
Mandatory Medical Insurance
ALL international students on an F-1 visa at TCC are required to purchase medical insurance through Firebird International Insurance Group during each academic term on campus (fall, winter, spring and summer).
Please DO NOT buy health insurance coverage from your home country as it will not be accepted by TCC. If you already have coverage from home, you will still be required to purchase Firebird Insurance.*
Health Insurance and COVID
For students who have left the U.S. or are considering leaving the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, please review the Firebird Medical Insurance Coverage chart to determine if you are eligible for coverage and how it will impact any pre-existing conditions.
Enrolling at TCC online from outside of the U.S.? You have the option to drop your medical insurance.
Why is health insurance mandatory?
The cost of healthcare in the United States is extremely expensive. You must have medical insurance to protect yourself from these high costs. In the U.S., individuals are responsible for all costs, including:
- Doctor appointments
- Dental appointments
- Vision care
- Hospital care
- Emergency care
- Prescription medications
If you are ever in a life-threatening situation or fear your life is in danger, CALL 9-1-1. You are also able to go directly to a hospital emergency room if you are sick or seriously injured.
For illnesses that do not require immediate care (ex. cold/flu), you can schedule an appointment or visit a Walk-in Clinic.
Firebird International Insurance
Firebird provides comprehensive medical coverage for international students with 24/7 customer service. They are fast to respond and care about our students.
How do I access my insurance?
Insurance ID cards are provided during New International Student Orientation. Students can obtain an additional ID card by stopping by the International Programs Front Desk or printing the card from the Firebird website.
What does Firebird Insurance cover?
- Mental health services are covered. You can also visit the TCC Counseling Center for free, professional and confidential counseling services.
- Dental Care repairs to sound, natural teeth due to an injury are covered. However, yearly cleaning and other general dental services are not covered.
- Vision Care surgery or other treatment due to an injury or sickness is covered. However, yearly checkups and other general vision services are not covered.
When does a student's coverage officially start?
Brand new students to TCC are automatically covered up to 30 days before the start of classes under the 30-day Extended Benefit provision under the policy. This provision does not apply to students transferring to TCC from other US-based schools.
Are my dependents covered?
Dependents ARE NOT covered by Firebird Insurance and therefore, we strongly encourage they purchase Firebird International Insurance. Dependents can be a spouse (husband or wife) and/or children.
For questions about other benefits, how to file a claim or deciding whether to make a doctor's appointment, please contact Firebird International Insurance Group, LLC directly in one of the following ways:
Email: admin@fiig-insurance.com
Local Phone Number: 206-909-8550
Toll Free Phone Number: 1-800-899-4233
*Students with coverage who are sponsored by their Home Government
Submit your valid, un-expired financial guarantee or government sponsorship letter in-person (Building 11, Floor 2) or by email to International Programs. The letter must include:
- Your full name
- That you are covered by your government's health insurance while attending TCC
- That you are covered for repatriation and medical evacuation
- The dates of coverage
If your financial guarantee or government sponsorship letter has expired, you must submit a new financial guarantee or government sponsorship letter as soon as possible.