International Student health insurance

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Student medical Insurance

1. How will I get insurance policy document?

After your enrollment is complete, your Certificate of Insurance will be sent to the mailing address you provided during the sign-up process.

2. Can I renew my policy if I extend the duration of my studies?

Yes, you can renew your policy if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements (see FAQ 1).

  • 🖥️ Online: Renew your policy up to 24 hours before it expires.
  • 📨 Fax or Mail: Allow at least 10 business days for processing.

3. How soon can the insurance coverage start?

Your insurance coverage can begin as early as the next day after completing your online enrollment, as long as:

  • 📝 The enrollment form is filled out correctly
  • 💳 Payment is successfully submitted

Please ensure both steps are completed accurately to avoid delays.

4. What should I do if I want to change the policy start date after I have completed my online application?

If you wish to adjust your policy start date after completing your online application, please send your correction request in writing using one of the following methods:

  • ✉️ Email
  • 📠 Fax
  • 📬 Mail

Make sure to include:

  • ☎️ Your daytime phone number
  • 🔢 Your Online Order Transaction number

We will review and confirm the changes once received.

5. I want to know more about special pre certification for maternity in the Student Health Advantage plan and how does it work?

Insurance Company(IMG) will need to know ahead of time about the hospital, etc where the delivery is to take place to arrange payment and pre-authorize benefit payment. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, then call IMG customer service (M-F 9-4 EST) to find out what you should do.
Student Health Advantage Details

6. If I need to continue coverage in the second year, will pregnancy and maternity be covered by Student Health Advantage? How does it work?

As long as you do NOT let the coverage lapse (forget to renew your policy when it expires) there will not be a break in coverage and a pregnancy started in the first year will continue to be covered in the next year of the policy. Should the policy lapse, then you may have issues getting coverage for an existing pregnancy. Conception must occur AFTER the start date of the policy. There is no waiting period or other condition.
Student Health Advantage Details

7. I see that the Patriot Exchange plan is per sickness/injury plan. So what exactly constitute the steps for sickness and injury? For example: checkup, then referral, then curing, then treatment?

Yes, your example is accurate. You would pay only one $100 deductible for one sickness regardless of how many times you had to go to the doctor for the follow up etc.

8. The plan requires only $5 copay per visit to the student health center. Does this mean the insured is entitled to visit the student health center or does this has to be allowed by University policy?

This would have to be allowed by the university. Also, a co-pay is a payment made every visit (unlike the deductible), so in your above example, the $5 would be paid for first visit, another $5 for follow up.

9. Do F1 student health insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions?

Several international student insurance plans offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is defined as by the policy as "an injury, illness or condition which was contracted or which first manifested itself, or for which a licensed physician was consulted, or for which treatment or medication was prescribed, prior to the effective date of the insurance plan. Coverage typically begins after a waiting period of 6 to 12 months, depending on the plan, and requires continuous enrollment with no gaps.

Some of the popular student insurance plans with pre-existing condition coverage are Student Secure Smart, StudentSecure Budget,Patriot Exchange, Student Health Advantage Platinum and GeoBlue Navigator for Students .For detailed coverage limits, waiting periods, and plan benefits, explore our comprehensive guide on pre-existing condition coverage for international students .

10. Does international student health insurance plans cover pregnancy?

Yes, many of our international student insurance cover pregnancy and childbirth benefits for the insured student or their enrolled spouse, as long as the pregnancy starts after the policy start date. However, they do not cover pregnancy for a dependent child.

11. I am F1 student. My wife is now 5 months pregnant. Her due date is in the early November. Is my newborn eligible for the Atlas America coverage? If so, when should I file an application or enroll for him?

Atlas America will not cover pregnancy. However once the child is born you may cover the baby by filling in an additional form, we can help you with this when the time comes.

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

The health insurance cost for the college student will depend on the student insurance coverage benefits, the age of the student, the medical maximum coverage required and the deductible for the plan. Coverage within the US is more expensive when compared to coverage outside the US. For example, the cost of student health insurance start as low as $30 per month for a 20-year-old student.

13. Which are some of best student insurance plans for maternity for dependents?

Students and scholars on F or J visas have the best student insurance coverage for maternity coverage. However, the benefits have been reduced a few years ago such that the best coverage is 80% coverage of costs, so the students will have to be aware that they will be responsible for a portion of all costs. Also note that unless their wife is the J1 visa holder they will have to be the primary on the policy and the wife (with J2) will be secondary. Also note that prices are DIFFERENT for the primary and the spouse, so when students quote the prices, quote them for two people at the same time since the cost will be MUCH HIGHER for the wife's coverage. There are two policies that cover maternity at an 80% coverage without a set limit on benefits, provided conception occur after the plan start date. Most require students to notify the insurer at least three months before the delivery date.

  • Study USA Pref 300 and Pref 500 both cover maternity at a 80/70% (in network/out of network). Conception has to occur after the start of this plan.
  • Liaison Student plans Choice and Plus have a $10k limit on maternity benefits at 80/60 coverage respectively.
  • Student Secure Secure Elite, Select and Smart plans also cover at 80/70% to the maximum of the plan. The Select plan can be purchased with a $300k maximum, Smart plan can be purchased with a $250k maximum and the Elite can be purchased with $500k.
  • Student Health Advantage Platinum has a $5000 maximum limit to maternity and newborn care coverage. It has a $1 million maximum and a $35 deductible and covers at 80/60%. The plan also covers pre-existing conditions with a 6 month waiting period.

14. I'm an international graduate student who will be studying full time at Boston College. Would you be able to suggest any other medical insurance plan that provides preventive care services than the one offered at the university (UHC) so that I can waive the enrolled medical insurance plan at Boston COLLEGE?

GeoBlue student insurance is a student health insurance plan that provides preventive care services along with the other benefits that are usually available with all student health insurance plans.

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 are the advantages of buying health insurance within a PPO for international students?

A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan offers valuable flexibility and cost-saving benefits, especially for international students navigating the U.S. healthcare system.

  • Wide Network of Providers: Easier access to doctors, hospitals, and clinics near your location.
  • Discounted In-Network Rates: Pre-negotiated pricing keeps costs lower.
  • Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs: Better benefits for in-network services (e.g., 100% coverage after deductible).
  • Direct Billing: In-network providers often bill the insurer directly.
  • No Referrals Needed: See specialists without needing a primary care referral.
  • Search Tools: Use apps or directories to find providers by location, specialty, or language.
  • Simplified Claims: Show your insurance ID, and the provider handles the rest.
  • Clear Cost Sharing: Pay only your deductible, copays, and coinsurance as per plan.

Why choose a PPO? It offers flexibility, affordability, and ease of use — making U.S. healthcare more manageable for international students.

🎓Do I Need Health Insurance for an F1 Visa?

Yes, F1 visa students are strongly encouraged — and often required — to have health insurance while studying in the United States.

🏥 Why It’s Important:

  • University Requirement: Most U.S. universities require students to purchase a school-sponsored insurance plan, unless a waiver is approved.
  • High U.S. Healthcare Costs: Medical care in the U.S. can be very expensive without insurance coverage.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Most plans cover:
  • Emergency care
  • Routine doctor visits
  • Prescription medications
  • Hospitalization and specialists

💡 In Summary:

F1 students need health insurance to:
✅ Protect themselves financially
✅ Access necessary medical care
✅ Meet university and visa-related requirements

💰 Which Is the Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students in the USA?

The cheapest f1 student health insurance is the IMG Student Journey Lite Plan plan, starting at just $30 per month .This student insurance plan provides comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and accidental death and dismemberment.

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.

📝Steps to Buy International Student Insurance for an F1 Visa in the USA

  • Check with Your University: Find out if they offer a health insurance plan and if it’s mandatory.
  • Confirm If Outside Plans Are Allowed: Ask if you can opt for external private insurance.
  • Compare Plans Online: Use American Visitor Insurance to review options.
  • Evaluate vs. University Plan: Compare coverage, price, and benefits side-by-side.
  • Include Dependents: Buy separate plans for F2 or J2 visa holders if needed.
  • Select & Purchase: Choose a plan that fits your needs and buy it online.
  • Get Your Documents: Receive your ID card and policy documents by email instantly.

💰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 F1 Visa Insurance Requirements?

F1 visa holders are strongly advised to have adequate health insurance to manage the high cost of medical care in the United States. While the U.S. government does not mandate health insurance for F1 visa students, most universities require it for enrollment.

📌 Key Requirements:

  • Many U.S. universities require students to enroll in their school-sponsored insurance plan.
  • These university plans are often more expensive but include comprehensive coverage.
  • Insurance must include medical benefits, emergency evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
  • Students may need to submit a waiver form if opting for an external insurance provider.
💡 Tip: Choosing the right insurance protects your health and finances while ensuring compliance with university rules.

🔍 Learn more about selecting the most suitable plan by visiting our detailed 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.

❓Have questions?

Our support team is ready to assist you.

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!

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