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International Student health insurance FAQ and Answers

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🎓 Student Medical Insurance Coverage

International student health insurance is a specially designed insurance medical coverage and financial protection to students studying abroad. It ensures that international students have access to necessary healthcare services and financial assistance in the event of illnesses, accidents, or emergencies while studying in a foreign country.

📌 Key Aspects Covered
  • check Importance of having health insurance while studying abroad
  • location_city Mandatory in many countries and educational institutions
  • local_hospital Coverage includes hospitalization, doctor visits, prescriptions, and emergency medical care
  • lightbulb How to buy the best student medical insurance?
  • balance Cost considerations
  • favorite Coverage for pre-existing conditions
🤔 Common Student Concerns
  • globe Using their home country's health insurance abroad
  • hourglass_top The length of coverage
  • sync Option of extending coverage if studies are prolonged
  • callSteps to take in case of medical assistance while abroad

✅ Conclusion: These FAQs aim to provide international students with crucial information about the necessity and benefits of health insurance coverage while studying abroad, helping them make an informed decision and to ensure their well-being during their education in a foreign country.

💬 Get Answers to All Your Questions

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

Health insurance for international students in the U.S. typically costs between $30 and $124 per month. The exact cost depends on several factors, including:

  • person Age of the student
  • hourglass_top Duration of coverage
  • 📋 Type of plan(basic vs. comprehensive)
  • 🏥 Medical benefits offered
  • 💵 Deductible amount ( what you pay before insurance kicks in)
  • 📊 Coinsurance percentage (your share of the costs after deductible)
  • Optional add-ons (e.g., dental, vision, maternity)

💡 Tip: Choosing a higher deductible can reduce your monthly premium, but you'll pay more out of pocket if you need medical care.

2. What is a deductible and coinsurance in health insurance for international students?

Deductible:This is the fixed amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance starts covering expenses. For example, if your deductible is $250, and your medical bill is $1,000, you must first pay $250. After that, your insurance will help cover the remaining $750 (depending on coinsurance).

Coinsurance:Coinsurance is the percentage of costs that you share with the insurance company after you have met your deductible. For example, if your plan has 80% coinsurance, the insurance pays 80% and you pay 20% until you have reached your maximum out-of-pocket limits.

3. When should international students buy health insurance?

International students are required to buy health insurance before enrolling at their university. The timing of when to buy student health insurance can vary depending on the type of plan:

  • Students can purchase insurance from either their home country or when they arrive in the U.S. (preferably before the academic term begins).
  • If you are enrolled in a mandatory university health plan, your insurance usually starts once the tuition fee is paid.
  • If you are enrolled in a private insurance plan, your insurance typically begins the day after purchase or depending on the terms of the plan.

4. What are the best low deductible health insurance plans for international students?

The best low deductible health insurance plans for international students are Student Secure by WorldTrips, Patriot Exchangeand Student Journey Lite from IMG student insurance.

5. What are the key benefits of choosing international student medical insurance?

International student insurance coverage offer variety of features specifically designed for international students studying abroad:

  • Coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, as well as prescription medications.
  • Emergency medical assistance with 24/7 multi-language support.
  • Coverage of mental health of students who may need extra emotional support during their transition.
  • Access to a large provider network like UnitedHealthcare so students receive the quality medical care as well as lower rates when you choose in-network providers.

Having student health insurance, international students can focus on their education without the added stress of unexpected medical expenses.

6. What is a "waiver form for international students" and how does it work?

If your university offers a school-sponsored plan but allows you to opt out, they will provide a "waiver form". This form lists all the specific benefit requirements your private student medical insurance plan must meet or exceed. You (and sometimes your insurance provider) must complete and submit this form to the university by a deadline, proving your alternative coverage is sufficient. At American Visitor Insurance, we assist international students in completing university or school insurance waiver forms by providing comparable coverage plans that meet their institution’s requirements.

7. What are some reputable providers of best F1 visa student health insurance plans?

Here are some reputable providers of F-1 visa student health insurance in the USA that often meet university waiver and visa requirements. Some popular options include:

IMG:Offers flexible and affordable student health insurance plans such as Student Journey, Patriot Exchangey and Student Health Advantage plans

WorldTrips:Offers StudentSecure plans designed specifically for international students and exchange visitors. These plans come in multiple tiers (Elite, Select, Budget, and Smart) to fit different budgets and coverage requirements.

GeoBlue:Offers premium student health insurance with worldwide access to the extensive Blue Cross Blue Shield network.Popular option includes the Navigator for Student plan, which meets many university requirements.

8. 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 student medical 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 requirementsin USA.

9. What are the eligibility requirements for buying International Student Health Insurance?

For foreign students coming to the USA Our plans are open to students who have a valid F1 or J1 visa and who are enrolled in a full-time academic/cultural program at an accredited school, college or university.

For US Citizens studying abroad Our plans are open to American students studying abroad, who are enrolled in a full-time academic/cultural program at an accredited school, college or university

10. Which are the best opt medical insurance plans?

Yes, as long as you remain eligible (see FAQ 1). To renew your policy online you may do so 24 hours before your policy lapses. If you wish to renew via fax or mail then please allow at least 10 business days for renewal.

Best health insurance for OPT students in USA, OPT student health insurance

Atlas America Insurance
Buy online
  • Comprehensive plan with worldwide coverage including and excluding the US for visitors traveling outside their home country.
  • Plan provides coverage for Covid-19
  • Plan is suitable for OPT holders, H1 Visa holders, Green Card holders as a temporary health insurance plan during transition.
  • No arrival time restriction with this plan to come to the US.


Student Secure Elite
Buy online
  • This plan provides coverage for Corona and provides a policy maximum of $500,000
  • This plan is available for full time students enrolled in a college or University
  • Full time scholar affiliated with an educational institution and performing research for at least 30 hours per week.
  • People holding an F1 Visa ,OPT or a J1 Visa are eligible to buy this plan.
  • Students must reside outside their home country for the purpose of pursuing international educational activities.

Safe Travel USA
Buy online
  • This is a comprehensive plan for visitors or Non US citizens visiting the USA.
  • This plan provides coverage for Covid-19 and needs precertification for getting tested for the virus.
  • This is not available for US citizens, residents and Green Card holders.
  • This plan provides coverage for one well doctor visit and this must occur within 21 days after the plan has become effective and the plan must be purchased for a minimum of 30 days.
  • This plan provides up to $1000 for acute onset of pre existing condition

Patriot Exchange Insurance
Buy online
  • This is a student insurance plan for international students and exchange scholars enrolled in full time University
  • This plan covers Covid-19 and covers the expense for illness.
  • This is very popular among F1 Visa and J1 Visa holders.
  • Unique feature of this plan is J2 and F2 visa holders can buy this plan without J1 and F1 Visa holders being on the plan.

Travel Medical Plus Insurance
Buy online
  • This plan provides coverage for individuals outside their home country.
  • This plan is specifically designed to cover Covid-19 illness and it provides coverage for Covid-19
  • This plan provides worldwide coverage including and excluding the US.
  • Within the US, the co insurance of this plan for in network PPO covers 90% of the expense after the deductible and for outside the PPO covers 80% of the expense up to $5000.
  • Outside the US the co insurance for the plan is covered for 100%

Diplomat America Insurance
Buy online
  • This plan is available for Non US citizens coming to the US
  • This plan covers Covid-19 as any new illness
  • This plan DOES NOT cover pre existing conditions
  • The plan also covers US citizens living abroad coming to the US on business trips or vacation while living outside their home country.
  • The covers 80% up to the first $5000 and then covers 100% coinsurance when a claim has been activated.

11. Are dependents of student's (F2 visa) eligible for coverage?

Yes. Dependents (spouse and/or child under age 18) of enrolled students may apply for F2 visa insurance with the student, or within 31 days of birth, legal adoption, marriage or arrival in country of study. If your dependents are not eligible for Student insurance, they may enroll in one of our other plans for people outside their home country.

Also Patriot Exchange insurance F2 visa insurance by IMG is an excellent health insurance for F1 & F2 visa holders. It is ideal because Patriot Exchange can be purchased by the F2 dependent visa holder even if the F1 student is not part of the same Patriot exchange plan, as long as he or she is covered by another plan offered by the school or educational institution

12. Can I buy student medical insurance if I am already outside my home country?

Yes. You may purchase Student insurance regardless of how long you have been studying outside your home country, as long as you fulfill the eligibility requirements described earlier.

13. Can I get student insurance during my OPT period?

International Students in the USA with the F1 (Students) visa are eligible to get internship on a work permit for 12 months. Since these students will no longer be taking courses in the university, many schools do not provide student insurance. These students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) will not be eligible for international student insurance as eligibility for these insurance plans require full time enrollment in the school.

International students also cannot avail of domestic insurance plans as they are not US citizens or permanent residents (Green card holders). However, we offer medical insurance for OPT students which are both affordable and comprehensive in their coverage.

Patriot Exchange insurance is available for F1 and F2 Visa holders too. It is one of the few plans that allows F2 and J2 visa holders to buy the plan when the F1 and J1 visa holder is not enrolled in the Patriot Exchange plan as a result it is highlighted in the policy brochure.

14. Do you have an insurance plan that offers coverage more than $500,000?

Below are some of the student insurance plans offering coverage over $500,000:

15. I am a fulltime student on F1 Visa. Am I and my family eligible for Atlas plan?

Yes, as a full-time student on an F1 visa, you are eligible for the Atlas Travel Insurance for the duration of your enrollment at the university or school.

16. I am F1 student trying to purchase Atlas plan. Can I pay by check or money order for purchasing this plan? Should I pay once in full amount?

If you wish to make the purchase online you will need to pay by credit card only. If you wish to mail in an application form then you may pay by certified check or Money Order.

Due to the way in which the plan is structured you will need to make a one-time payment for the full period of coverage.

To fill in the application online here is the link to the application form: Buy Atlas America Insurance Online

To print out an application form for mailing please go to the following link for the correct form. You will see a plan brochure and at the very end is the application form: Atlas America Paper Application

17. I intend to buy a plan for my wife and son who are F2 dependents. As I understand pediatric problems of my son though not free will still be covered under the Atlas plan right?

As long as the pediatric visits are for any new sickness or injury, they are covered but routine checkups, vaccinations/immunizations are not covered.

18. I read the brochure of the Patriot Exchange plan and found that only J1 and J2 Visa holders are eligible to buy it. Please correct me if I am wrong? I will be on F1 Visa and my dependents will be on F2 Visa.

Patriot Exchange is available for F1 and F2 Visa holders too. It is one of the few plans that allows J2 visa holders to buy the plan when the J1 visa holder is not enrolled in the Patriot Exchange as a result it is highlighted in the policy brochure.

19. My school requires an Insurance compliance form or a Waiver form to be completed as proof of my insurance. Can you do this for me? What should I do?

In order to get a compliance form signed we must first ensure that you select a plan that matches with the compliance form requirements and that the plan provider is able to sign off on it.

To do this what we suggest is that you first send us the compliance form by Email. We will check to see which of our plans match the compliance form and then check with the plan administrator to see if they agree to sign it. Once we have their approval we will inform you. Then you should purchase the international student Insurance. After your purchase (enrollment) is complete, simply fax your school's Compliance Form to us and we will ensure that it is completed and faxed back to your school.

20. I put my information to get a quote and then buy an insurance, however, it shows that J1 Visa requirements. I am international student, so I have F1 Visa but I am not J1 Visa holder. Which means I cannot buy a medical insurance from your company

As a F1 visa international student, you can definitely buy the plans that we offer on our website. TheJ1 visa requirements are specific requirements which some of our F1 visa plans also satisfy as required by the US consulates. To reiterate, as a F1 visa holder, you can buy the plans on American Visitor Insurance.

21. I am thinking to buy the one $100,000 coverage, $0 deductible plan for F1 and F2 Visa holder. Are there plans below $500,000 for F1 Visa holders?

Patriot Exchange student insurance from IMG offers flexible options for students. If you need a plan from WorldTrips, then you go for Atlas America insurance which is a comprehensive plan and suitable for F1 Visa holder unless the University has any specifications.

22. Do international students need health insurance?

Without doubt, all students should have health insurance while they are in the US. The US health care costs are the highest in the world and a minor injury or accident could set you back tens of thousands of dollars.

Being healthy and taking care of yourself is, of course, highly recommended, but accidents happen to us all and when we least expect. Students should have proper international student insurance before anything emergency situation arises so that you do not find yourself in serious debt.

23. 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 students need this benefit. The student insurance for acute onset of pre-existing conditions have a minimum 6 month waiting period.

Student health insurance 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 international student insurance offer student intercollegiate sports insurance 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.

24. Does international student insurance cover covid19?

At American Visitor Insurance, we offer several international student health insurance with Covid19 coverage. The Covid-19 cover provides coverage just like any other illness irrespective of the variant Earlier international students in the US had to buy affordable care act, ACA (Obamacare) compliant medical insurance, however recent changes have removed this requirement.

Student medical insurance faq disclaimer

AmericanVisitorInsurance and/or its associates have tried to answer these frequently asked questions to the best of our knowledge. However we make no guarantee regarding the accuracy of our answers. The exact answers for some of the questions can change periodically as insurance companies change their plans/policies. AmericanVisitorInsurance is not liable for any problem resulting from the content on this FAQ. If you do not agree with the terms of this disclaimer, please do not use any information in this FAQ..
Insurance questions, comments, suggestions, inquiries about this site, please contact us!

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.

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

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 very much!

Amanda

Amanda

❓Have questions?

Our support team is ready to assist you.

What factors determine international students health insurance cost ?

personStudent's Age

Younger students generally pay lower premiums.

  • Students under 20 typically pay $30 to $124/month.
  • Premiums for best health insurance for f1 students in USA increase with age, as older individuals are considered higher-risk.
calendar_monthDuration of Coverage

The length of health insurance for F1 students significantly affects the price.

  • Short-term or daily plans are more affordable.
  • Annual plans offer broader coverage but come with higher costs.
attach_moneyMaximum F1 student insurance coverage

The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.

  • Plans that include services like mental health, dental, maternity, and pre-existing condition coverage will cost more.
  • Choosing a lower policy maximum reduces your premium.
balanceDeductibles & Coinsurance

Your out-of-pocket expenses play a major role in determining monthly costs.

  • Lower deductibles (what you pay before insurance kicks in) raise your premium.
  • Lower coinsurance (your percentage of covered expenses) also increases premiums.
local_hospitalType of student health insurance
  • University-sponsored plans are often mandatory, offer robust coverage, but are expensive and less flexible.
  • Private plans (like those from American Visitor Insurance) often meet university waiver requirements and provide cost-effective and flexible alternatives.
globeCoverage Region

Where you're studying affects cost.

  • Health insurance in the United States is generally more expensive than in other countries.
squareOptional Add-Ons

Adding specific benefits can increase your premium. These may include:

  • Adventure sports coverage
  • Mental health treatment
  • Preventive care services
  • Home country coverage

For a detailed breakdown of these factors and tips on choosing the right plan, visit our guide on the factors for buying best student health insurance plan.

💡Tip:

  • Always balance your budget with the level of coverage you need.
  • Consider the duration of your studies
  • your health needs, and your university’s insurance requirements.

💰What are the most popular international student health insurance plans?

The cost of international student health insurance starts as low as $30 per month . The exact price may vary depending on several factors such as the student’s age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and coinsurance.

The table below provides a clear side-by-side comparison of some of the most popular student health insurance plans designed for international students. Whether you’re looking for the most affordable monthly premium ,the highest coverage amount, or flexible payment options , this chart will help you choose the plan that best fits your health needs and budget while studying in the U.S.

Costs are based on quotes for 20-year-old students traveling to the USA

Plan name Max coverage Deductible Pre-existing coverage Monthly cost Yearly cost Payment option
Student Journey Lite IMG $150,000 per injury/illness $100 Covered after 6 months $30 $360 Annual payment
StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips $200,000 overall maximum $0 Not covered $32 $372 Monthly/ Annual
Student Journey Plus IMG $300,000 per injury/illness $500 Covered after 6 months $48 $576 Annual payment
StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips $500,000 overall maximum $0 Covered after 12 months $53 $624 Monthly/ Annual
Patriot Exchange IMG $500,000 overall maximum $500 Covered after 12 months $66 $794 Annual payment
Student Joureny Platinum WorldTrips $500,000 per injury/illness $250 Covered after 6 months $74 $888 Annual payment
Student health advantage standard IMG $500,000 overall maximum $250 Covered after 12 months $95 $1,146 Monthly/ Annual
StudentSecure Select WorldTrips $1,000,000 overall maximum $0 Covered after 6 months $106 $1,248 Monthly/ Annual
StudentSecure Elite WorldTrips $5,000,000 overall maximum $0 Covered after 6 months $181 $2,135 Monthly/ Annual
Student Health Advantage Platinum IMG $1,000,000 overall maximum $100 Covered after 6 months $282 $3,389 Monthly/ Annual

Source: American Visitor Insurance®

What are the steps to buy medical insurance for F1 students?

1

Check with your university or college

Ask if they provide the best health insurance for international students in the USA and whether enrollment in their plan is mandatory.

2

Understand your university’s requirements

If your university offers a plan, determine whether you must purchase it or if you can choose an alternative plan that meets their standards.

3

Compare alternative plans

If alternatives are allowed, compare the most affordable and best-rated F1 student health insurance options on American Visitor Insurance.

4

Evaluate coverage and costs

Compare university-offered insurance with alternative plans, considering price, coverage benefits, deductibles, co-pays, and exclusions.

5

Include dependents if needed

If you have dependents, review options for F2 visa health insurance and J2 visa medical insurance to ensure everyone is covered.

6

Choose the best plan

Select the F1 student health insurance that fits your budget, meets your healthcare needs, and complies with university requirements.

7

Complete enrollment

After purchasing your plan, keep all documents you receive by email, as they may be needed for enrollment verification at your university.

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