Best international student health insurance

International students traveling outside their home country for higher studies need to buy international student health insurance. In the US, the Universities require international students to have a health insurance. These F1 student insurance for international students plans satisfy most US university requirements while being more affordable. Some of these international health insurance for F1 students provide worldwide coverage for students outside their home country. One of the best and cheapest health insurance for international students in the US is available here in American Visitor Insurance. Please enter required information and to compare medical insurance for international students quotes along with the benefit detailsp>

International student health insurance, F1 student health insurance

1. Student's age
2. No. of Dependents (< 18 years)
3. Start date 
End date        months days
4. Citizenship
    
5. Coverage Region
6. Covid19 coverage
     
7. Mailing & permanent address
   Same  
8. Full time student?
9. Are you registered for courses?

US student travel insurance

Student travel insurance covers specific needs and risks of US students traveling or studying abroad. It provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, personal liability, any sporting activity and more while outside the USA. When US students are traveling abroad, either in a group or alone, be it for a short trip, or for longer stays of a semester abroad, it is important to have the best student insurance from the US since healthcare is different outside the US and this US student health insurance can provide access to the best healthcare available. Having good student travel insurance will also help US students with trip cancellation insurance or any trip interruption expenses given the likely disruptions in international travel while outside the United States. US students may also want to look for additional features such as cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and get a partial refund of your trip cost.

International health insurance for students

Health insurance for international students in USA

Steps to buy medical insurance for F1 students

international student insurance USA
The steps for buying the best student health insurance for international students in the US are:
  • Find out from your University/School/College if they offer the best health insurance for international students in usa.
  • If they offer health insurance for F1 students, is it mandatory to buy that University plan, or do they allow other F1 student health insurance plans.
  • If you are allowed to buy an alternative best health insurance for F1 students in USA, then compare cheapest insurance for international students on American Visitor Insurance.
  • Compare the cheap insurance for international students here with the University plan based on price as well as coverage benefits.
  • You can also buy health insurance for F2 visa holders and medical insurance for J2 visa holders if required.
  • Select the international student health insurance plan that best fits your budget and needs.
  • On buying the best health insurance for f1 students in usa, you will receive all the relevant documents by email.

International Student Health Insurance Coverage highlights

International student insurance benefits for students

Advantages of our US Student insurance compared to University insurance

  • The student medical insurance on American Visitor Insurance are designed specifically for international students.
  • Our US Student insurance options offer comparable coverage to University insurance plans but are significantly cheaper.
  • These US student health insurance provide coverage throughout the country and are not limited to the proximity of any college.
  • Some of our student medical insurance for OPT status can be bought even if the student is not taking courses on campus.
  • We offer health insurance for international students as well as for the spouse and dependents of the student visa holder even if the primary visa holder has a different insurance.
  • The medical insurance for international students on American Visitor Insurance travels with the student and is not limited to any University. Unlike any University insurance, if the student switches a college, the health insurance for the is valid in the new University as well.
  • These US students insurance plans are valid till the end of the policy period even after the student has graduated. This is very useful for students who are on the OPT status in an F1 visa
  • We offer exchange student insurance plans that satisfy J visa requirements as mandated by US consulates.

What are the best international student insurance plans in the United States

The following are some of the best student medical insurance plans in the US:

  • IMG's Patriot Exchange insurance is designed for International students or Cultural Exchange scholars. This plan is s a very affordable plan and meets J visa requirements and F Visa for international students. The student can buy this plan with a sports rider to cover activities such as downhill skiing. This plan covers pre-existing conditions.
  • Student Secure Insurance from WorldTrips is designed specifically to meet the insurance needs of international students outside their home country. This plan meets J-1 visa requirements, covers pre-existing condition coverage after policy is in effect for 6 months and some intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports coverage.
  • Study USA Health Insurance from Travel Insure provides affordable student medical insurance to foreign students studying in the US and to US registered students studying abroad.This plan offers coverage for pregnancy, Nursery Care of Newborn, Prescription Drugs, Sports & Activities and Pre-existing conditions have waiting period. Meets J-1 visa.
  • Navigator for Student Insurance from Geoblue offers worldwide coverage for students in United States. It provides UNLIMITED annual and lifetime medical maximum with no waiting period for preventive services. The plan covers pre-existing conditions with creditable coverage. This plan as a monthly payment option.
  • Student Health Advantage from IMG which provides comprehensive international student medical insurance to students and scholars pursuing their education outside their home country.It covers mental health, organized sports and pre-existing conditions. If there is no break in coverage, the plan may be renewed for up to five years. This plan is available for J1/J2 Visa, F1/F2 Visa, M1/M2 or A1/A2 Visa holders.

Best insurance for international students, International student insurance review

Medical insurance resources for international students

Here are some useful resources to help foreign students (F1 visa holders in the US) compare medical insurance and understand student insurance better.

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Important factors to consider while buying student medical insurance

Here are some factors that students need to think through while comparing and reviewing international medical insurance.

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Payment options for international students buying medical insurance

Students can make either monthly or annual payments to buy international medical insurance. Read this article to find out the different payment options.
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Compare Student health insurance USA cost

How much does International student insurance USA cost? How much does health insurance for foreign students cost per month?

The cost of international students health insurance depends on different factors like the age of the student, the duration, the medical coverage, the deductible and the co-insurance for the plan. Additionally the student health insurance cost in the US also depends on coverage for mental illness, dental expenses, hazardous sports, maternity and coverage for pre-existing ailments. Here at American Visitor insurance we have calculated the cost of health insurance for international students to help you compare and make an informed choice while buying the plan.

Student health insurance for top US colleges and universities

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Factors for health insurance cost in USA for international students

Student’s age

The student’s age determines the cost of US student medical insurance. The prices for f1 visa US student insurance increases with the age of the student.

The length of coverage

The price of student health insurance in the US can be either monthly or on a daily basis. The price increases with the duration of coverage required.

Maximum medical coverage

Student health insurance USA cost is directly dependent on the medical maximum coverage required. The cost of F1 student medical insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.

Best international student health insurance USA, F1 visa health insurance cost - FAQ's

01. Does international student health insurance cover covid19 illness?

There are some US travel insurance plans available for international students that cover covid19. International students can compare best Covid student medical insurance plans and buy them online. These plans are available for students to the US, US students traveling abroad as well as non US students traveling outside their home country.

02. What is the difference between student and travel medical insurance?

Student plans: can be purchased monthly (Student Secure plans can be set up with a monthly payment plan; the others have to be purchased up front for the whole duration, but can be extended), they have a Per illness/injury deductible/max, have various coinsurances depending on company and policy

Travel Plans: can be purchased for any number of days (daily rate, not monthly rate), can be extended (need to include Diplomat America; which cannot be extended), only work outside student’s home country (expire when the student returns home), have many options for maximum and deductible, one time max/deductible, generally low coinsurance rates (and one-time only)

03. How much does international medical insurance cost for students?

International students can benefit from very reasonable rates, as low as $37 per month for coverage in the US (less for coverage outside the US). However, if there are specific requirements that must be met, you may have to choose a pricier plan.The good news is that most of comprehensive medical Insurance for f1 student in USA are much less than the plan costs offered by the institutions themselves. Note that if the institution requires the plan to be ACA compliant, then you will be forced to purchase their offered plan since none of our international student insurance plans meet ACA requirements.

04. Why do international students need health insurance?

Students who study outside their home country should compare student F1 health insurance and buy adequate F1 visa student medical insurance. As students in a foreign land, they should be focusing on their academic pursuits and not be burdened by stressful issues such as huge medical bills. Healthcare in most developed countries is very expensive and since international students are outside their home country, and exposed to a new living environment, cuisine and weather, they are also vulnerable to fall sick. The domestic health insurance may not cover students while in a foreign country. It is therefore very important to have the best travel insurance for students studying abroad to keep one secure in the event of a medical emergency.

05. Do international students have health insurance in USA? Is healthcare free for international students?

Healthcare in the USA is very expensive and it is not free for international students. While there are no f1 visa health insurance requirements, it is very important to have the best health insurance plans for international students in USA. Quite often US colleges insist that international students buy the University insurance plan and this is included as part of the overall tuition package. However, the university insurance plans are expensive, and we offer health insurance for f1 students in usa which have comparable benefits to most University insurance plans, but at a lower cost.

06. What is the best insurance for international students in USA? What is the cheapest health insurance for international students in USA?

There are different factors for buying best student insurance for USA students. While the best student insurance for USA varies from students to students, the following list can be considered the best student insurance for students to USA based on their popularity.

07. Can international students get health insurance?

Yes, international students can and should get good international student health insurance. At American Visitor Insurance, we work with US insurance providers who have designed excellent health insurance for f1 students studying in the usa as well as for US students studying outside the USA.

International students can compare best insurance plans for international students in USA on our website and buy the best student insurance plan that suits their needs. The best health insurance for f1 students in USA policy document will be emailed to the student on completing the online transaction.

08. Which is the best health insurance for F1 students from USA?

There is no f1 visa health insurance requirements mandated by US consulates, and unless the University insists on the College insurance plans, international students can compare international student insurance plans offered on American Visitor Insurance and buy the F1 student health insurance that they like best. Their plans offer coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, accidental death and dismemberment, and more. They also have a wide range of deductibles and co-insurance options to choose from.

  • Patriot Exchange Insurance: This is a plan designed by International Medical Group (IMG) which is the best international health insurance for F1 visa students and is also ideal for F2 visa holders. Patriot Exchange insurance can be bought by the F2 visa dependents even if the F1 visa student is not covered by the Patriot exchange plan. Their plans offer coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, accidental death and dismemberment, and more. They also have a network of providers that accept direct billing, which means you don’t have to pay upfront and file a claim later. The cost of their plans starts from $50 per month for individuals and $100 per month for families.
  • Student health advantage: This is a plan designed for students and scholars who are studying abroad outside their home country. It also meets the student visa requirements and health regulations of most countries. There are two levels of the plan: standard and platinum. The standard plan offers a maximum limit of $500K per illness or injury for students and $100K for dependents. The platinum plan offers a maximum limit of $1M per illness or injury for students and $500K for dependents. Both plans have a deductible of $100 per illness or injury.

09. Which insurance is best for international students in USA?

The "best" student medical insurance USA varies depending on Students’ needs, preferences, and budget. Different factors should be considered when choosing the most suitable medical insurance for students, such as coverage, cost, benefits, network of healthcare providers, and the specific requirements of your educational institution. Here are some options to consider:

Best health insurance for students studying abroad on American Visitor Insurance: American Visitor Insurance specializes in providing health insurance international students. These plans may offer a range of options and coverage levels, and some may be accepted by various educational institutions. Student insurance plans offered on American Visitor Insurance are comparable to University insurance plans but are cheaper and with similar benefits.

When comparing student health insurance plans, consider the following factors:

  • Coverage: : Look for plans that provide comprehensive coverage for medical services, hospitalization, emergency care, prescription drugs, and preventive care.
  • Network of health care providers (PPO Network): Check if the plan has a network of healthcare providers and hospitals near your university or college to ensure easy access to medical services.
  • Cost: Compare premiums, deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance , and any additional fees to find a plan that fits your budget.
  • Coverage benefits: Evaluate the additional benefits provided by the plan, such as mental health coverage, maternity coverage, and coverage for pre-existing conditions.
  • Customer Service: Consider the customer service reputation of the insurance provider and customer testimonials to ensure a smooth experience when dealing with claims and inquiries.
  • Policy Duration: Make sure the student medical insurance plan's coverage duration aligns with your academic program's duration, including any optional practical training (OPT) periods.

Before buying the best student insurance on American Visitor Insurance, it is essential to compare student medical insurance plans and read the policy details and terms carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us or call us at 877-340-7910.

10. How to get best insurance for international students in USA?

International students studying in the USA can obtain health insurance through their university or a private health insurance policy. Some universities require their international students to purchase school-sponsored insurance coverage, or even offer it for a reduced fee or free through an on-campus job.

11. Are F1 visa students required to have health insurance?

While there is no US government requirement for international students to buy health insurance, most schools require it. Not having an insurance plan can actually prevent you from attending the school of your choice! The requirement to purchase health insurance is meant to ensure international students are protected from unexpected medical expenses that can be quite costly in the US.

12. How much does health insurance cost in USA for international students?

The cost of best international student health insurance USA can vary depending on the type of plan and the level of coverage. The cost of student health insurance in the USA can be quite variable, depending on whether your plan covers pre-existing conditions and which extra features it includes.

Significance of student medical insurance for foreign students

Away from home and family many students don’t realize the importance of student medical insurance, however in most US universities it’s mandatory to get an insurance proof along with enrollment for the course.

Given the possibility of unexpected illness and high cost of medical care in the US, getting student health insurance is very important and it’s not something that a student can ignore. Student medical insurance will keep you from financial difficulty if you are not healthy and will save some money that you may pay the doctors if uninsured.

Students who are young adults between 19-30 years are often with high rates of being uninsured. Uninsured students are ironically prone to have more illness as there is a lack of health care support for them. In order to save money students often times skip taking preventive precautions as they are expensive.

However with these sacrifices on health care, if fallen sick student’s often spend a huge percentage of their savings move to cover unexpected illness. These unexpected expenses will lead the student to endure difficult times with less money for rent, tuition, less money for groceries and daily expenses.

Getting adequate student medical insurance will relive the financial stress that is associated with health care. Paying the doctors’ fees and treatment are not as onerous with adequate insurance coverage. The student health insurance plans are designed to fulfill the needs of international student’s unique situation with affordable prices while meeting the requirements of US universities. With America visitor’s insurance you can compare international student health insurance plans available for international students. These student health insurance plans are designed to provide affordable plans and when compared with other options the pricing and the coverage offered are comparable and competitive. The student medical insurance plan can be purchased for a specific time of your choice. You can choose to pay on a monthly basis cover or on an annual cover until the student completes the academic course.

Some of the other factors that you should consider other than the premium rates are the eligibility requirements and the waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage. Student insurance is also available for dependants of the actual students such as the spouse and child/children of the student. However you should have documentation to prove dependence. In the case of spouse a proof of marriage might be requested, and the dependant children should be less than 19 years old.

Given all these factors to consider while buying international student health insurance, it is advisable that students compare the different covers available online and purchase the best student health insurance plan on America visitor’s insurance to suit your specific requirements and budget.

Quite often your university will ask for an insurance waiver form to be completed. This can be provided by the insurance provider from whom you purchase the insurance plan.

At American visitor Insurance, we can facilitate getting the insurance waiver form completed.

US student F1 visa medical insurance FAQs
student group travel insurance

Group travel insurance for F1 visa students

Students traveling overseas in groups can purchase the group insurance plans. This makes it a lot easier to administer the plan and these plans are cheaper than buying individual student travel plans.

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j1 visa

Not on a F1 visa? Please review these other visa categories

J1 visa holders

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F2 dependents

Insurance plans for dependents of an F1 visa holders.

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US Student Abroad

Insurance plans for US students studying outside their home country.

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J2 dependents

Insurance for J2 visa dependants satisfying visa requirements.

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OPT Status within F1 visa

Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student health insurance.

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M1 visa holders

Medical insurance for students on vocational training.

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Health insurance for international students in USA, F1 student health insurance

Student insurance FAQs

Commonly asked questions and answers about students medical insurance details and benefits.

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Compare student insurance Blogs

Blogs providing information about the importance of medical insurance for international students.

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Students insurance forum

Our real customer queries and answers for international student medical insurance coverage details.

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Popular countries among international Students

Best international student health insurance in USA

  • Which is the best student insurance in USA?

    Health insurance for F1 students in USA, Medical insurance for international students

    • IMG's Patriot Exchange insurance is designed for International students or Cultural Exchange scholars.
    • It is a very affordable plan and meets J visa requirements and F Visa for international students.
    • Covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of continuous coverage $500 per period of coverage; $1,500 lifetime maximum.
    • The student can buy this plan with a sports rider to cover activities such as downhill skiing.
    • Patriot Exchange Insurance can be renewed online up to 48 months.
    • Provides coverage for international student medical insurance to students and scholars pursuing their education outside their home country.
    • Student Health Advantage Platinum covers Maternity Newborn Care.
    • Standard plan covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of a waiting period.
    • Platinum plan covers pre-existing condition after 6 months of a waiting period.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to five years.
    • Student Secure provides excellent insurance cover to international students and scholars outside their home country.
    • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to $25k lifetime maximum for eligible expenses.
    • This plan is ideal for J1 and F1 and OPT students.
    • Sports activities, leisure, recreational,entertainment or fitness is covered upto overall maximum limit.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to four years.
    • Study USA Health Insurance provides affordable student travel insurance for students studying in USA and to US registered students studying abroad.
    • Covers Sports & Activities - Leisure, Recreational, Entertainment, or Fitness.
    • Study USA standard, preferred and platinum covers maternity care for a covered pregnancy.
    • Study USA Standard and Preferred plans have 12 months waiting period for pre-existing conditions and platinum covered after 6 months waiting period.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to four years.
    • Offers worldwide coverage for international students and faculty outside their home country.
    • Offers Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum.
    • Pre-existing conditions exclusion can be waived with proof of prior creditable coverage.
    • Coinsurance is waived for care outside the U.S.
    • Sports, terrorist and alcohol-related injuries are covered.
    • Exceeds J-1 visa requirements.
    • No waiting period associated with any preventive services.
    • Available for International students and exchange program participants.
    • Excellent plan for international students who are on the OPT status.
    • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age of 79 years.
    • Available for Non-US Citizens traveling outside their home country.
    • Covers treatment of complications of pregnancy during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy.
    • Offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.
    • Covers pre-existing conditions for medical services and medical evacuation, for individuals with a current U.S. health plan.
    • Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
    • Applicant's home country must be the US.
    • Requires a primary health plan.
    • This plan is ideal for students, study abroad and international exchange students.
    • Covers pre-existing conditions after 24 months waiting period.
    • Available for Non Us citizens and Non US residents visiting the US.
    • Covers athletic & hazardous sports activities.
    • This plan can be available from 15 days to 365 days.
    • Offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.
    • Pre-existing conditions are covered with a 180-day exclusion.
    • Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
    • Applicant's home country must be the US.
    • Does not require a primary health plan.
    • Offers coverage for students.
    • Worldmed is international health insurance for people traveling outside their home country and is available to both US and Non US citizens.
    • Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to $200k up to age 60 and for age 60-64 it is $20k.
    • Intercollegiate sports activities, recreational activities and hazardous activities are optional add on benefits on the plan.
    • Available from 5 days to 364 days.
    • This plan is ideal for study abroad, work study programs and international exchange students.
    • Available for Non US Residents while visiting the US.
    • Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition(US Citizens only)
    • Offers optional Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider.
    • Covers optional war risk coverage.
    • This plan is ideal for students, study abroad and international exchange students.
    • Available for people traveling outside their home Country excluding USA.
    • Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition(US Citizens only)
    • Offers optional Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider.
    • Covers optional war risk coverage.
    • Designed for Study abroad student seeking supplemental Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage to meet school or visa requirements.
    • Offers coverage to international students and visitors traveling to the U.S.
    • Available for people age above 14 days and below 50 years.
    • Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage is available for up to $50k.
    • This plan can be available from 5 days to 365 days.
    • Repatriation of remains coverage is available for up to $25k.
    • Offers coverage for International students or scholars.
    • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation provides annual coverage that meets J Visa and other visa requirements.
    • Any non US citizen and non US resident who is travelling to the United States and Participating in full-time educational activities can buy this plan. You are not required to have a visa.
    • Available from 5 days to 364 days.
    • Available for people age above 14 days and below 65 years.

International student medical insurance – Blogs and Articles

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Compare different US students medical insurance plans online.

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Best medical insurance for international students in USA

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Going to the US to Study?

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Best insurance for international students

Cheapest medical insurance for F1 students

Students when they travel outside their home country to study along with the university academic experience also get an opportunity to experience a new culture and to see different parts of the world and meet new people with varied backgrounds.

We work with several US insurance providers that offer excellent student F1 health insurance. We have developed an excellent compare F1 visa student travel insurance tool and have article and FAQ's with information for the best travel insurance for F1 students studying abroad.

Our international student insurance plan comparison facilities lists the travel insurance for students that satisfies the F1 visa health insurance requirements.

Students can find the affordable health insurance for international students in USA as well as outside the USA. Other than the cost, we also display relevant coverage details of health insurance for international students on F1 visa studying in the USA.

Student health insurance

Nationalities of large international student groups in the US


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