best health insurance for students studying abroad , travel health insurance for students traveling abroad, health insurance for American students studying abroad

How do I choose best health insurance for students studying abroad?

The best health insurance for students traveling abroad from U.S. is a very positive experience, something all students will look back with very fond memories. Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity to experience a new culture and learn a new local language and new traditions which along with the college education adds to the memorable experience.

If you are a person who loves to explore and visit new places and know about the history and culture and conduct research of any sort then this can be your dream come true! Studying abroad allows students to be deeply involved in the new culture not just for a few days or weeks but for months, giving the individual a chance to really live as a local to experience the new culture first hand.

Stepping out of a life that you have always lived and to experience a new life can be an eye opener and gives a better insight about yourself and lets you look at your own thoughts and ideas in new light.

As exciting as it sounds, finding out about schools abroad, how to get there and the processes to be followed might not be an easy task. The first thing would be to find out if your school or University in the US has a Study Abroad program.

If they do, then that makes it easy for you to get rolling! You need approval from your School to study abroad. This means that you need to complete the Study Abroad program application which might consist of an application, transcripts, essay, new recommendations…Normally Schools and Universities in US have a list of schools that they are partnered with other countries.

Before you make a decision to study abroad make sure that the place you choose is in your School’s list. If not, you can always make arrangements through a third party program. Remember that this is going to be a little more expensive than you School’s study abroad program.

Once you are all set with choosing your study abroad program, it is time for you to make a check off some important things that you need for studying abroad. You need your updated passport, Visa and International Student Health Insurance. Make sure that the school you choose abroad has your choice of major and that you can transfer your credits back and you have funds and you have your accommodation fully planned for while you are studying abroad.

One of the most important things that is going to make your trip and stay worthwhile and hassle free is good student travel insurance. You may also need to consider some vital student insurance factors for choosing the best coverage. You can compare some popular student health insurance quotes online. Make sure that you have adequate health insurance plan that has the benefits that you prefer and need during your stay abroad.

Is medical insurance required for students studying abroad?

Yes, health insurance for study abroad students is required. Many universities and study abroad programs require health insurance as part of their enrollment to ensure students have access to medical care while studying abroad. Even if not required, having medical insurance for students studying abroad is highly recommended to protect against unexpected medical expenses, including illnesses, injuries, or emergencies while studying in a foreign country.

Why is health insurance important for U.S. students studying abroad?

Health insurance for US students studying abroad is essential to ensure they have access to necessary medical care in case of illness or injury while in a foreign country. It provides financial protection against high medical costs, covers emergency services, and often includes benefits like medical evacuation and repatriation.

Health insurance for students studying abroad ensures access to necessary care without high costs, particularly in countries with privatized healthcare. Additionally, many universities and study-abroad programs require proof of health insurance as part of their enrollment criteria or visa approval. This compliance ensures that students are prepared for any health-related issues while abroad. Students can compare and buy best health insurance while studying abroad on American Visitor insurance online. For more details please contact us at (877)-340-7910 or email and our licensed agents will be glad to help you!

What determines the cost of travel insurance for students studying abroad?

When choosing the best travel insurance for students studying abroad, cost is a major factor. Several key elements influence the total premium you'll pay for a student travel health insurance plan:

Student’s Age : The cost of student health insurance increases with age. Younger students typically pay lower premiums, while older students may see higher rates due to increased medical risk.
Duration of Coverage : Whether you need coverage for a summer program or a multi-year degree, the length of your stay abroad directly affects the price. Most travel medical insurance plans for students are priced monthly or daily—so the longer your coverage period, the higher the total cost.
Maximum Medical Coverage : Student insurance plans offer various levels of maximum medical coverage (e.g., $50,000 to $500,000 or more). Lower coverage limits come with cheaper premiums, but may not meet visa or university requirements. Choosing a higher medical maximum gives you more protection—but also increases your premium.
Deductible Amount : A higher deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in) typically lowers your monthly premium. If you want lower out-of-pocket costs in emergencies, you may opt for a lower deductible, but that will increase your premium.
Type of Insurance Plan : “Budget” student insurance plans offer essential emergency care at a low price, but often exclude extras like wellness checkups or maternity. “Comprehensive” plans offer broader protection and are typically priced higher.
Visa Requirements or University Guidelines : Some student visas (e.g., J-1 or F-1) and universities require minimum coverage standards, which may increase your premium if you need to upgrade from basic plans to comply.

Does student travel insurance cover trip cancellation or interruption?

Many U.S. student abroad health insurance plans offers trip cancellation and trip interruption to protect students financially if they need to cancel or interrupt their travel plans due to unforeseen circumstances.

Trip Cancellation: This benefit reimburses students for prepaid, non-refundable expenses, such as flight tickets, accommodation, and tour fees, if they have to cancel their trip for a covered reason, such as a medical emergency, serious illness, or injury.
Trip Interruption: If a student has to shorten their trip or return home early due to a covered event (such as medical emergency, family emergency, or unexpected events related to their studies), this benefit will reimburse them for the costs incurred due to the interruption, like additional transportation fees or unused, non-refundable trip expenses.

GeoBlue Voyager Insurance for US Students

Geoblue Voyager plans offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.

Voyager Choice Insurance

Applicant's home country must be the US,
Covers pre-existing conditions for medical services and medical evacuation, for individuals with a current U.S. health plan,
US primary health plan required.
Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.

Plan Details Brochure Buy Now

Voyager Essential Insurance

Applicant's home country must be the US.
Pre-existing conditions are covered with a 180-day exclusion.
Does not require a primary health plan.
Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
This plan is available from 1 day to 182 days.

Plan Details Brochure Buy Now

What is the best study abroad insurance for U.S. students?

The best health insurance for studying abroad provides comprehensive coverage for unexpected illness or injuries. These plans offers medical emergencies, hospital stays, doctor visits, and more while overseas. Additional benefits include coverage for medical evacuation, repatriation, and trip interruption coverage ensuring students have complete protection while abroad.

How much does health insurance for US student abroad costs?

The US student abroad cost ranges from $26 to $289 per month. The price depends on the factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.

The best student health insurance abroad cost per month for an international student aged 20 years.

Insurance Plans	Policy maximum	Deductible	Cost
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

Source:American Visitor Insurance®

Which is the cheapest health insurance for U.S. students studying abroad?

The cheapest U.S. student abroad health insurance offered by StudentSecure Smart plan, starting at just $26 per month. Other affordable student health insurance option includes StudentSecure Budget and Patriot Exchange Program .This cost mainly depends on different factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.

StudentSecure Smart

$26 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $310 for 12 months

Policy maximum: $200,000
Deductible: $0
Student health center copay: $25 per visit
Direct billing:
Pre-Existing Conditions: Cover acute on set of pre-existing conditions
Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.

Brochure Buy now

StudentSecure Budget

$47 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $551 for 12 months

Policy maximum: $500,000
Per illness/injury max: $250,000
Deductible: $0
Student health center copay: $25/visit
Monthly or annual payment options available
Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.

Brochure Buy now

Patriot Exchange Program

$39 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $469 for 12 months

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

Brochure Buy now

At American Visitor Insurance we offer the best student insurance for US students studying outside USA. This is very important for US students while outside the USA to have the best health insurance coverage for sudden sickness or unexpected injury. One can compare student insurance USA plans based on cost and benefits. Do contact our customer support for clarification or if the University has specific requirements.

One can buy the student insurance USA online, to instantly get the student insurance USA ID Card and policy details. These can used to avail any of the student insurance benefits.

Click here for popular countries for US Students study abroad »

Do U.S. students need health insurance while studying in Europe?

Health insurance U.S. students school in Europe
When studying in Europe, U.S. students are recommended to have student health insurance to access medical care and meet visa or university requirements. Most European countries require international students to provide proof of health insurance as part of their student visa application. The GeoBlue Navigator plan is highly recommended for U.S. students studying in Europe, as it is widely accepted and offers comprehensive coverage designed for study abroad students. Provides unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum. Having health insurance while studying abroad is essential not only for meeting visa requirements but also for protecting against high medical expenses that can arise from unexpected illnesses or injuries. Without insurance, students may face significant out-of-pocket costs for medical care.

Best medical insurance for students studying abroad from U.S - FAQ

US Students who study outside their home country should compare and buy good 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 US 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.

If a student falls ill or gets injured abroad without insurance, they could face high medical costs and limited access to quality care. They would be responsible for covering all medical expenses out of pocket, including emergency treatment and hospital stays. In severe cases, they could face additional challenges with medical evacuation or repatriation, which could add extra expenses.

Yes, evacuation and repatriation are included in study abroad health insurance plans. The GeoBlue Navigator insurance plan includes comprehensive coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation. Specifically, it offers a maximum benefit of $250,000 for emergency medical evacuation, ensuring that members can be transported to the nearest appropriate medical facility or back to the U.S. when medically necessary.

Yes, health insurance for American students studying abroad covers medical care overseas, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription medications. It ensures that students have access to healthcare while abroad, protecting them from high medical costs in foreign countries. However, coverage details can vary by plan, so students can compare and review the policy details to find the best student health insurance abroad.

Usually not. Most domestic health insurance plans do not cover students while they are outside the U.S., or they provide limited coverage. That’s why specialized study abroad insurance is recommended.

Some plans allow this, but it’s strongly recommended to buy through American visitor insurance before departure to ensure uninterrupted coverage.

Yes. Many providers offer flexible options to adjust coverage levels, deductibles, and add-ons like dental or vision, depending on your needs and budget.

Yes. Most providers allow you to renew or extend your insurance online, as long as there’s no gap in coverage.

Not all policies cover them if you have ongoing health needs, confirm your plan includes relevant treatment and prescription coverage.

In many countries (like Germany, France, or Australia), yes. You may be asked to show proof of medical coverage when applying for a student visa.

How can I buy the best health insurance studying abroad?

Complete the student insurance quotes request form by providing details of the student and insurance requirements.

Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.

Purchase the plan that fits your requirements and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.

Review the travel insurance policy documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers.

International student health insurance reviews

“ After rigorous searching for suitable student health insurances online, I stumbled upon the American visitor Insurance website and the customer representatives were really patient and helpful in guiding me with the best plan that suits me. ”

Anirudh

“ Your customer service provided me with perfect service and helped me very much to find policy I needed (for J2 visa). She was very polite and answered all my questions. I'm fully satisfied with the service. Thank you! ”