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Buying International Student Insurance

Find the best international student health insurance plan for your needs.

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🎓 How to Buy the Right International Student Health Insurance in the USA

Step 1: Select the Appropriate Student Insurance Coverage Maximum

International students should select an adequate policy maximum as U.S. healthcare costs are very high.
Recommended coverage limits for students:

  • Minimum recommended coverage limit is $100k (often required by universities).
  • Optimal coverage limit is $250k - $500k.
  • Maximum long-term insurance coverage is $1m or more.

Higher levels of coverage protect against hospitalisation, surgical treatment and prolonged medical treatment during an academic program.

Step 2: Understand and Compare Your Deductibles and Co-Insurance
Deductible:

The deductible represents the amount of money you will pay out-of-pocket before your insurance will offer benefits.

  • If your deductible is low, your premium will be higher.
  • If your deductible is high, your premium will be lower.

Students should select a deductible that is within their budget while providing the ability to keep their out-of-pocket expenses manageable.

Co-Insurance:

After your deductible, your policy may have you sharing a portion of the total costs of your medical expenses with your insurer.
You should always read:

  • In-network vs out-of-network coverage
  • Your cost percentage after the deductible

University-approved plans usually offer better cost-sharing terms.

Step 3: Check the PPO Network Coverage of International Student Health Insurance

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) networks provide international students with low-cost healthcare.
The most popular PPO networks include:

  • UnitedHealthcare PPO
  • First Health PPO

Benefits of PPO coverage for International students include:

  • No referral requirement to visit a specialist.
  • Lower costs for using in-network providers (doctors and hospitals).

These benefits are important for International students learning about the U.S. healthcare system.

Step 4: Pre-Existing Condition Coverage for International Students

Many international students have existing medical conditions before arriving in the U.S., such as:

  • No coverage for pre-existing conditions.
  • Limited or defined coverage for pre-existing conditions (student-focused coverage).

If you have chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes and/or raised blood pressure, be sure to look at all aspects of the following:

  • Waiting periods
  • Maximums and caps on amount paid
  • What constitutes a covered pre-existing condition

Always check with your university to see if they require specific pre-existing condition benefits.

Step 5: Consider The Age of The Student and Their Visa Type

The Age of the student and their Visa Status are factors that affect the eligibility to purchase the insurance plan and the premium amount.

  • Most Student insurance plans are for age 18-40.
  • Dependent Coverage Rules may vary per insurance plan.
  • F-1, J-1, & OPT Students have different requirements.

The insurance plan must fit the student's Visa Type and School Program.

Step 6: Compare Plans for International Students Online

Through the online comparison of plans, international students can quickly find insurance coverage that meets their needs and the requirements of their universities.

You can use comparison tools to:

  • Compare student insurance plans provided by major U.S. insurance companies.
  • Review coverage limits, deductibles, visa type and other factors.
  • Verify whether the plan meets your university's and visa's compliance needs.

Many of these plans can be purchased online immediately with a digital ID card being issued shortly thereafter.

Step 7: Purchase Health Insurance Prior to Enrollment in Your Program.

It is advisable to purchase student health insurance early due to the following reasons:

  • Coverage will begin on the start date of your program.
  • Proof of health insurance coverage is often required by universities prior to enrollment.
  • Coverage may be restricted if health insurance is not purchased in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that the start date of the health insurance policy is in alignment with your academic term.
Step 8: Review Policy Exclusions Carefully

Before purchasing, students should review:

  • Excluded treatments and services
  • Waiting periods
  • Mental health and prescription coverage limits
  • Claim submission timelines

Understanding exclusions helps prevent denied claims during the semester.

⚠️ Common Mistakes International Students Should Avoid

  • Purchasing insurance that does not comply with University Regulations.
  • Opting for the cheapest plan available without reviewing coverage.
  • Not taking advantage of the PPO (Preferred Provider Option) network of available providers.
  • Thinking every existing medical problem is covered under the plan.
  • Buying medical insurance after the start of class.

✅ Final Thoughts

Health insurance for international students is an important aspect of studying in the United States. Health insurance for international students needs to comply with university requirements, provides international students access to quality healthcare, and protects them from potentially huge medical expenses.

International students should evaluate carefully the policy's coverage limits, deductibles, PPO networks, and pre-existing condition coverage to find a plan that offers both financial security and peace of mind during their academic careers.

🌍 International student Health Insurance Plans

International students who enroll in the US Universities as well as US students studying outside the US have to satisfy one important requirement of the University, which is to have adequate International student health insurance.

🏛️University Requirements

  • International students are not eligible for the domestic health care options and they need to buy student health insurance that satisfies the requirements specified by the University.
  • Most Universities in the US have student health insurance plans which the student can buy to qualify for basic health coverage.

They can also compare international student insurance outside of the University options as these can be cheaper while providing similar coverage. However most Universities might expect students to complete an insurance waiver form to ensure that the external student insurance satisfies the university requirement.

Why Choose American Visitor Insurance?

The student insurance plans that we offer in American Visitor Insurance are accepted in most US universities.

📝Note: The monthly payment option is not available in all student insurance plans. Below are details of the different plans that offer the monthly payment option.

geoblue logoGeoBlue Navigator for student

Navigator Plan offered by Geoblue and is a great student health plan.

  • Includes coverage for Pre-existing conditions and Preventive care services
  • Premium payment can be made monthly, even though it is an annual plan.
  • Eligiblity:
    • US citizens and US residents.
    • Legal residents and foreign nationals coming to the US as students and faculty
  • Other required benefits such as pregnancy, maternity are included.

Key highlight: This is the only plan that is flexible with many benefits like pre-existing condition coverage, preventive care services cover availability.

geoblue logoStudent Health Advantage Plan

Student Health Advantage Plan is a student insurance option which satisfies most US Universities requirements.

  • There are 2 levels for this plan namely Standardand Platinum.
  • Coverage includes for pre-existing condition after a waiting period
  • mental health, pregnancy, maternity, sports.
  • The Platinum plan provides a higher policy maximum as high as $1,000,000
  • This plan can be purchased for any number of days or months
  • The plan has a maximum lifetime of 5 years
  • The premium payment can be made monthly or one-time an upfront payment
  • This is a comprehensive plan and meets the requirements for US international student visas like F1 and US research scholars visas like the J1 visa.

geoblue logoPatriot Exchange plan

Patriot Exchange plan is from IMG and is available for international student on F1 Visa and research scholars and exchange students on J1 Visa

  • The premium payment with this plan is one-time upfront payment for the opted duration.
  • This plan has a maximum lifetime of 2 years
  • Can be renewed after 12 months.
Key highlight: The plan has a special benefit where it is available to the spouse on F2 or J2 regardless of F1 or J1 being as the primary holder on the plan

geoblue logoStudent Secure Plans

The Student Secure plans offered by WorldTrips is one of the more popular plans among the student insurance options for international students on an F1 Visa and research and exchange scholars on the J1 Visa

  • This plan is another plan that has the flexibility of making the premium payment on monthly basis.
  • Four levels namely
    StudentSecure Select

    StudentSecure Budget
    StudentSecure Smart
    StudentSecure Elite
  • The elite plan has the highest policy maximum option of $1,000,000
  • Others vary and have a lower policy maximum.
  • Renewable and can be renewed every 6 months.
  • Can only be renewed continually for 4 years after which a new plan must be purchased.

What Are the Payment Options for International Students?

International students in the US come from different countries, with diverse economic backgrounds and face different financial needs. At American Visitor Insurance we offer health insurance for international students with flexible payment structures designed to make it more affordable and convenient, whether they are in the US for a semester or for an entire program spanning many semesters.

International Student Insurance Payment Options in the U.S.
  • Student insurance payment options vary based on the insurance provider and the length of coverage selected.
  • Most international student health insurance plans offer monthly or annual payment options. Students who prefer flexible payments can learn more about paying to buying student health insurance monthly .
  • Insurance plans can be purchased online for faster approval or submitted through a paper application for students who prefer offline enrollment or require assistance.
  • Monthly payment options may require continuous enrollment and automatic billing, while annual payments are usually made as a one-time payment.
  • Students should confirm approved payment methods (credit card, debit card, or other options) with their university’s international student or billing office.
  • Choosing the right payment option helps international students select a plan that is cost-effective, reliable, and suitable for their location and healthcare needs.
Payment Period Highlights Advantage Disadvantage
Monthly Monthly payments, with recurring installments Flexible with small installments Overall higher total cost, and time consuming, Student must remember to pay on time to keep student medical insurance active.
Yearly Pay the full premium up front (for entire policy period usually one year) Cheaper than monthly payments, no risk of losing coverage by oversight Larger upfront cost

Application Methods: Online vs Paper

Method Description Speed Highlight
Online Application Complete online application and payment on American Visitor Insurance Fast — Policy issued instantly Most common and use Credit card
Paper Application Complete paper forms and submit documents by post Slower — Takes time (few days) to process Can pay by Check

What Are the F-1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements?

If you’re an international student planning to study in the USA on an F1 visa, having the right health insurance is essential. Most of the universities typically require F1 students to have health insurance coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and often mental health or maternity care. To make sure you meet both university and visa requirements, explore our comprehensive guide on best F1 visa health insurance requirements in USA.

What Does International Student Insurance Cover?

local_hospital

Health Care Expenses

Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.

sports_soccer

Sports Activities

Some plans cover high school sports activities.

local_hospital

Repat of Remains

Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.

dentistry

Dental Coverage

Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.

pregnancy

Maternity Coverage

Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.

cardiology

Pre-existing Conditions

Student insurance who need coverage for existing medical ailments.

💰 What Is the Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students In the USA?

The Cheapest health insurance for F-1 international students is the Student Journey Lite plan, with premiums starting at just $30 per month.

Other Affordable student health insurance options also includes the StudentSecure Smart plan and the Student Journey Plus plan.

Student Journey Lite
IMG logo

$30 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $360 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $150,000
  • Deductible: $100 per injury/illness
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $45
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed from 30 days to 12 months.
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StudentSecure Smart
worldtrips logo

$32 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $372 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $200,000
  • Deductible: $0
  • Student health center copay: $25 per visit
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: No coverage
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
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Student Journey Plus
IMG logo

$48 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $576 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $300,000
  • Deductible: $500 per period
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $25
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed from 30 days to 12 months.
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🏆 What Is the Best Health Insurance for International Students?

The Best health insurance plans for international students in the USA include Student Journey Platinum by IMG, the Patriot Exchange Program from IMG, and StudentSecure Select from WorldTrips.

Selecting the right plan depends on several factors such as your individual health needs, budget, university insurance requirements, and visa status.

Patriot Exchange Program
IMG logo

$56 per month

Age: 20 years | $938 per year

  • Policy maximum: $50,000
  • Deductible: $250 per illness/injury
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $5
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 12 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months
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Student Journey Platinum
IMG logo

$74 per month

Age: 20 years | $888 per year

  • Policy maximum: $500,000
  • Deductible: $250 per period
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $15
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 12 months.
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StudentSecure Select
worldtrips logo

$106 per month

Age: 20 years | $1248 per year

  • Policy maximum: $1,000,000
  • Deductible: $0
  • Student health center copay: $10 per visit
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
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How Much Does F1 Student Health Insurance Cost In the US in 2026?

How much is Low-cost medical insurance for international students in America? How much does Insurance for foreign students in America cost per month? How much does international student health insurance cost per month?

The monthly cost of international student insurance in the USA typically ranges from $30 to $124 for students Aged 20, depending on the level of coverage selected.

Insurance Plans Policy maximum Deductible Cost
Student Journey Lite IMG $150,000 $100 $30
StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips $200,000 $0 $32
Student Journey Plus IMG $300,000 $500 $48
StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips $500,000 $0 $53
Patriot Exchange IMG $50,000 $250 $56
Diplomat America Global Underwriters $50,000 $250 $71
Student Journey Platinum IMG $500,000 $250 $74
StudentSecure Select WorldTrips $1,000,000 $0 $106
Student Health Advantage Standard IMG $500,000 $250 $124

Source: American Visitor Insurance®

What Affects the Student Health Insurance Cost?

Several factors influence the price, including:
  • Student’s age
  • Coverage duration
  • Policy maximum & medical benefits
  • Deductible and co-insurance levels
  • Optional add-ons (e.g., maternity, mental illness, dental expenses, hazardous sports and coverage for pre-existing ailments)
Graduating Student

International Student Health Insurance USA

Review student insurance plan benefits.

View Plans »

How Much Does Health Insurance for US Students Studying Abroad Cost?

The monthly cost of health insurance for U.S. students studying abroad typically ranges from $26 to $289, depending on the level of coverage selected.

Insurance Plan Policy Maximum Deductible Cost (USD)
StudentSecure Smart
WorldTrips
$200,000 $0 $26
Patriot Exchange Program
IMG
$50,000 $250 $39
StudentSecure Budget
WorldTrips
$500,000 $0 $47
Student Health Advantage Standard
IMG
$500,000 $250 $82
StudentSecure Select
WorldTrips
$1,000,000 $0 $80
Student Health Advantage Platinum
IMG
$1,000,000 $25 $246
Navigator Student
GeoBlue
Unlimited Coverage $0 $289

What Factors Affect the Cost for U.S. Students Studying Abroad?

Several factors influence the price, including:
  • Student’s age
  • Coverage duration
  • Policy maximum & medical benefits
  • Deductible and co-insurance levels
  • Optional add-ons (e.g., maternity, sports coverage, CFAR)
For example, the best student health insurance for a 20-year-old international student can start as low as $26 per month for basic coverage and go up to $289 per month for comprehensive plans with higher benefits and unlimited coverage.

What Is the Best Insurance for International Student Athletes?

There are quite a few US health insurance for students that cover sports activities. It is hard to pick one plan as the best plan. There might be slight differences in the kind of sports activities that they cover. On American Visitor Insurance we offer the best sports health insurance plans for international students.

  • schoolDesigned for international students participating in intercollegiate sports.
  • add_boxStudents can choose a specific sports rider (low, medium, or high) depending on the sport to be covered.
  • warningMaximum benefit payout is limited to $20,000 for any covered injury or illness resulting from the sports activity.
  • sync
    Diplomat LongTerm Insurance plan can be extended and offers worldwide coverage, with a minimum purchase period of 90 days.
  • sync_disabledDiplomat America plan cannot be extended or renewed.

Sports rider options and coverage levels for Diplomat insurance plans

Coverage level

Add-on cost (flat monthly rate)

Sports covered

Low Option $12.00 Ballet, Baseball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Golf, Horse Polo, Water Polo, Rowing, Softball, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Middle Option $26.00 Basketball, Competitive Cycling (Road, Track, CX), Ice Hockey, Inline Skating (with helmet/proper gear), Lacrosse, Martial Arts/Karate, Modern Pentathlon, Skiing (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill), Ski Jumping and Wrestling
High Option $80.00 Football (No Division I), Gymnastics, Rugby (No Division I) and Soccer
  • schoolMore affordable student insurance plan than Diplomat America and covers high school sports teams.
  • paidPatriot Exchange insurance cost starts at $73 per month for a young adult without the rider, and it covers up to $250,000 with a $100 deductible.
  • blockIt does not include coverage for varsity sports regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) nor the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
  • sports_baseballVarsity sports are only covered when the “Add-on” Rider is selected — not the Adventure Sports Rider.
  • sports_baseballProvides coverage for intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports
  • paidBenefit limit of $5,000 per illness or injury during the coverage period.
  • sports_baseball
    Both Student Secure Elite and Student Secure Select plans provide coverage for organized sports including intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports. Covers medical expenses related to sports injuries, up to $5,000 per injury or illness.
  • done_allAll four levels of the Student Secure plans (Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite) offer coverage for leisure, recreational, entertainment and fitness activities, with benefits available up to the plan’s overall maximum limit, depending on the selected level.

❓International Student Travel Insurance FAQ's

1. How much does health insurance cost for a college student?

The student health insurance cost ranges from $150 to $2,223 for a 6-month period, and from $360 to $4,447 for annual coverage, depending on the chosen plan and coverage level.

The cost of student medical insurance coverage within the US is more expensive when compared to coverage outside the US. It’s important for international students to compare different plans to find the right plan and cost that fits their healthcare needs and budget.

2. Why should international students compare health insurance?

Most international student health insurance plans seem similar on first impressions. However, while they have many benefits in common and the premium is also similar, different student insurance plans do have some additional benefits or perhaps some specific constraints.

In order to choose the best plan based on the students requirements and to get sufficient coverage from the international student insurance plan, it is important to compare different features available in the student health insurance plan.

The following are important factors for comparing student health insurance plans:

Policy Maximum: This is the maximum amount on the insurance plan which normally ranges from $50,000 up to $1,000,000. This is the maximum a policy can cover in case of an extreme emergency as per the policy guidelines and conditions mentioned in the policy.

Deductible: The deductible options can range anywhere from $50 up to $5000 between the plans. A larger deductible means lower premium price and vice versa.

Picking a large deductible thus low premium by choosing a comprehensive plan is usually recommended, as most of the comprehensive plans have an one time deductible and is cost effective.

Pre existing condition coverage: This is very important benefit factor as many customers need this benefit. The student plans have a minimum 6 month waiting period for coverage of pre-existing conditions.

Coverage for mental illness and drug abuse: This coverage is required by most of the universities.

Cancellation and Renewability: Each plan have their unique cancellation and renew-ability policies. It is important to pay attention to it if there is any ambiguity while booking insurance initially.

Sports and other unique activities: Some of the plans provide coverage for intercollegiate and interscholastic sports.

Based on these factors, American Visitor Insurance provides an excellent compare student medical insurance facility where getting quotes as per students’ requirements. Once the required information is entered in the form, a summary of popular student insurance plans are displayed which can be compared.

3. How to get international student health insurance?

International student health insurance is health insurance coverage for individuals who are studying abroad either short or long term while away from their home countries. Many of the US domestic health insurance plans may not cover a person fully while abroad. Also, some international programs may require certain levels of health insurance while participating in their programs. Luckily, we at American Visitor Insurance have made it easy to compare and find a student health insurance plan just right for you and your situation.

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