Health Insurance for International Students in USA

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Which Student Insurance Is Best in USA?
  • Cheapest Student Health Insurance Student Journey Lite - From $30/month
  • Best Insurance for College Students in USA StudentSecure Most Popular
    Higher limits + Monthly payment options
  • Best health insurance for OPT / Dependents Diplomat America
    Flexible monthly coverage

International Students Health Insurance

  • International student Insurance offers medical and travel insurance benefits to students on F1 visa in the US and international students studying outside their home country.
  • Many top rated insurance providers offer the cheapest health insurance for international students in USA and worldwide.
  • In the US, most of universities student health insurance plans are quite expensive.
  • Here we offer the best health insurance for international students in USA that provide university comparable
international students insurance
  • Health insurance for international students studying in the USA. these international student insurance plans are designed to meet the needs of students studying abroad with comprehensive coverage options.
  • Countries include Canada, the UK, Australia, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Ireland.
  • These plans are international student insurance plans offered by US companies, providing reliable global coverage.

International Student Insurance – Benefits

The benefits offered under international student medical insurance varies from insurer to insurer. You can refer to this page and take a quick glance at some of the common benefits offered under different plans. The details provided on this page will be useful for students to quickly review the benefits and select a plan that can best suit their individual requirements.

Which Is the Popular Health Insurance for International Students in USA 2026?

The following are some of the best international student health insurance plans in USA:

Patriot Exchange Program IMG

  • Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports
  • Pre-existing condition: Comprehensive plan with high medical maximum and pre-existing conditions coverage after 12 months of waiting period.
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Direct Billing: First healthcare network First health care Provider Network or United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months.
  • Patriot Exchange Program insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $56 per month ($675 per year). An annual payment option is available to students.
  • Policy maximum?
    $50,000 to $5,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0 to $500

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

Student Journey Platinum IMG

  • Ideal for : J1, F1, A1 and M1 visas, Adventure Sports, Maternity
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 40 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to 30 days max
  • Direct Billing: United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 12 months.
  • Student Journey Platinum insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $74 per month ($888 per year). An annual payment option is available to students.
  • Policy maximum?
    $500,000

  • Deductible options?
    $250

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 12 months

StudentSecure Select Worldtrips

  • Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Maternity, Sports coverage
  • Acute on set of pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 30 visits, Inpatient: Max 30 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Direct Billing: United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Student Secure Select insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $106 per month ($1248 per year). You can buy the plan either on a monthly or a yearly basis.
  • Policy maximum?
    $1,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

Student Health Advantage Standard IMG

  • Ideal for : F1, J1,M1 and A1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Direct Billing: First healthcare network First health care Provider Network or United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months.
  • Student Health Advantage Platinum insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from 118 per month ($1,416 per year), both monthly and annual payment options are available. Offers high policy maximum and good coverage for various medical emergencies.
  • Policy maximum?
    $500,000

  • Deductible options?
    $250

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

StudentSecure Elite Worldtrips

  • Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Maternity, Sports coverage
  • Acute on set of pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 40 visits, Inpatient: Max 40 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Direct Billing: United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Student Secure Elite insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $181 per month ($2135 per year). You can buy the plan either on a monthly or a yearly basis.
  • Policy maximum?
    $1,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

Student Health Advantage Platinum IMG

  • Ideal for : F1, J1,M1 and A1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports, Maternity
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Direct Billing: First healthcare network First health care Provider Network or United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months.
  • Student Health Advantage Platinum insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $353 per month ($4,236 per year), both monthly and annual payment options are available.
  • Policy maximum?
    $1,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $100

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

How International Student Insurance Works?

  1. You purchase a student insurance plan online
  2. Visit a doctor or hospital (preferably in-network)
  3. Pay the deductible (if applicable)
  4. The insurance pays eligible expenses as per policy terms
  5. Claims are processed directly or reimbursed
A Working Example of Using Patriot Exchange Program Insurance

Below is a sample scenario to help students understand how Patriot Exchange insurance works in practice while studying abroad.

In this example:

  • Medical Bill: $25,100
  • Deductible: $100
  • Selected Policy Maximum: $50,000

Coverage Overview

Item Details
Insurance Coverage Up to $50,000
Deductible $100 per certificate period
Medical Expenses (Claimed) $25,100

How the Claim Is Settled

After the insured pays the $100 deductible, the Patriot Exchange plan applies its standard cost-sharing structure:

  • The plan pays 80% of the first $5,000 of eligible medical expenses.
  • Then it pays 100% thereafter up to the policy maximum.

Since the total medical bill is $25,100, the insured is responsible for 20% of the first $5,000, which equals $1,000.

All remaining eligible charges are paid by the insurance company. Because the policy maximum is $50,000, the full claim amount fits within the allowed limit.


Final Calculation

Expense Type Amount Billed Amount Insurance Pays Amount Student Pays
Deductible $100 $0 $100
Hospital Room Rent $9,000 $8,000 $1,000 (20% of first $5k)
Surgery $15,000 $15,000 $0
X-ray & Diagnostics $1,000 $1,000 $0
Total $25,100 $24,000 $1,100 (Deductible $100 + Coinsurance $1,000)

Summary for Students

In this example, the student pays a total of $1,100 ($100 deductible + $1,000 coinsurance), and Patriot Exchange covers the remaining $24,000. This demonstrates how the plan protects students from major medical expenses while studying abroad.


Disclaimer

We have made every effort to ensure the information above is accurate and current. However, policy terms, benefits, and limits may change periodically. Please refer to the official Patriot Exchange policy brochure for exact details.

Why Buy International Student Insurance at American Visitor Insurance?

With over 20 years of experience, American Visitor Insurance is a trusted marketplace helping international students find affordable, university-compliant student health insurance while navigating the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system.

Side-by-Side Plan Comparison

AmericanVisitorInsurance.com is one of the leading platforms for comparing international student health insurance in the USA. Students can easily review multiple plans, compare pricing, check coverage levels, and understand policy features.

We offer plans from top-rated U.S. insurers such as IMG, WorldTrips, and Global Underwriters all in one place.

Coverage Designed for International Students

Whether you are an F-1 student, J-1 exchange visitor, OPT participant, CPT intern, language school student, or attending a U.S. university or high school, you can choose from plans that offer:

Affordable & Transparent Pricing

Our student plans are often much cheaper than university insurance, offering strong coverage at lower rates. You can get instant quotes, compare policies, and enroll online with no hidden fees.

Flexible Policy Options

  • Purchase coverage from anywhere in the world
  • Start your insurance immediately or schedule a future date
  • Renew, extend, or cancel your policy online
  • Keep your coverage active during OPT, STEM OPT, or while waiting for employment

Access to U.S.-Based PPO Networks

Many plans give access to large U.S. PPO networks like UnitedHealthcare, helping students:

  • Reduce out-of-pocket costs
  • Avoid upfront payments at many hospitals
  • Enjoy smoother, faster claims processing

Expert Customer Support & Guidance

Our licensed and highly experienced support team is here to help you at every step:

  • Answering plan and university requirement questions
  • Guiding you through choosing the right student plan
  • Helping extend or update your policy
  • Available across time zones to assist students and parents abroad
  • Instant support via phone, email, and chat so you always get quick, clear answers
  • Guidance through purchase and documentation, ensuring you are never left navigating the process alone
  • Personalized recommendations tailored for international students, OPT participants, and exchange visitors
  • Support across time zones, ensuring students and parents abroad can reach us easily

What Is the Best Medical Evacuation Insurance for International Students?

International students may need medical evacuation and repatriation insurance to meet visa or school requirements.

Atlas MedEvac Insurance

Designed for Study abroad student seeking supplemental Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage to meet school or visa requirements.
  • US Citizens traveling outside USA are eligible for coverage.
  • Coinsurance: Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage is available for up to $50,000.
  • Acute onset of pre-existing condition: The overall policy maximum is $75k and the deductible is $0.
  • Emergency medical evacuation: Up to $50k
  • Renewable: up to 365 days.
  • Repatriation of Remains: Up to $25k
  • Policy maximum?
    $75k

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    364 days

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation provides annual coverage that meets J Visa and other visa requirements.
  • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation provides annual coverage that meets J Visa and other visa requirements.
  • Coinsurance: Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the J1 visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50k
  • Acute onset of pre-existing condition: Medical benefits of at least $100k per accident or illness
  • Emergency medical evacuation: Up to the maximum limit (Medical order or treatment plan required)
  • Renewable: 5 days to 364 days
  • Repatriation of Remains: $25k
  • Policy maximum?
    $100k

  • Deductible options?
    $50k

  • Period of coverage?
    365 days

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 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

How can international students apply for insurance without online payment or a credit card?

For international students who are unable to complete an online purchase, some student medical insurance plans offer a paper application option. This offline method is ideal for applicants who do not have access to international credit cards, online banking, or U.S.-based payment methods.

American Visitor Insurance assists international students with both paper applications and online insurance purchases. Students can apply without online payment by submitting required documents manually through a paper application, or they may complete enrollment online with step-by-step guidance from experienced representatives. Applications can also be coordinated through schools, sponsors, or program coordinators when needed.

With flexible payment options and multiple enrollment methods, American Visitor Insurance supports international students applying from outside the United States and those seeking a simple, reliable, non-digital, or assisted way to purchase student medical insurance.

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.

Highlights of Medical Insurance for International Students in USA

What Are the Best International Health Insurance Options for Students?

Student insurance USA

Compare International Student Health Insurance Online

Use our easy insurance compare quote engine. International student health insurance benefits can be reviewed and compared. You need to fill the quotes form with your basic information to get competing quotes

  • All the available options from top rated insurance providers will be displayed.
  • You can now easily compare different plans based on their price and coverage details.
  • You can select the plan a few plans to compare the benefits in detail and select the best international student insurance and buy it online quickly.
  • For applicant who are not taking any courses in the University but are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the Curricular practical training (CPT) in the US can compare OPT insurance plans.

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.

Click here to read more »

K-12 International Student Health Insurance in the USA

Give your child the protection they deserve while studying in the United States. The K–12 international student health insurance on American Visitor Insurance is specially designed for school-aged children, offering reliable coverage for accidents, illnesses, and medical emergencies throughout the school year.

With benefits like hospitalization, outpatient care, prescription coverage, and accident protection, parents can feel confident knowing their child is protected no matter where they study.

Affordable, flexible, and easy to enroll, this plan ensures peace of mind for parents and uninterrupted learning for students - so they can focus on education while K-12 health insurance takes care of their medical expenses.

What Factors Determine International Student Health Insurance Cost?

When choosing the best travel insurance for students studying abroad, understanding the factors that drive the cost is important.

  1. 1

    Student’s Age

    • Younger students usually pay lower premiums.
    • The prices for best health insurance for f1 students in USA increase with age due to higher medical risk.
  2. 2

    Duration of Coverage

    • Whether it's a short summer program or a full multi-year degree, longer coverage = higher cost.
    • Most student plans are priced monthly or daily, so your total cost scales with time.
  3. 3

    Maximum F1 Student Insurance Coverage

    • Plans typically range from $50,000 to $500,000+.
    • Higher coverage = more protection, but also higher premiums.
    • The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
    • Important to meet visa or university requirements.
  4. 4

    Deductible Amount

    • A higher deductible reduces your monthly premium.
    • Lower deductible = better emergency coverage, but increased plan cost.
  5. 5

    Type of Insurance Plan

    • Budget plans cover essentials only (emergency care, accidents).
    • Comprehensive plans include broader protection (checkups, mental health, maternity) — priced higher.
  6. 6

    Visa or University Requirements

    • Some visas (like F-1 or J-1) or universities require a minimum coverage standard.
    • This can increase cost if your plan needs an upgrade to meet the requirements.
  7. 7

    Optional Add-on Benefits

    • If the students need additional coverage for specific activities like adventure sports mental illness, preventive care services, home country would cost more.

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.

Compare and Buy Best International Student Insurance

1: Finding the available best health insurance for international plans

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

2: Compare the different medical insurance options

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

3: Buy the student health insurance that you like best

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

4: Review the students medical insurance plan documents received by email

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

Step by step travel insurance

International Student Insurance – Frequently Asked Questions

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

The health insurance cost for the college student will depend on the coverage benefits of the student insurance plan, the age of the student, the medical maximum coverage required and the deductible for the plan. The cost of student health insurance coverage within the US is more expensive when compared to coverage outside the US.

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 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.

3. Can Bangladeshi students get health insurance on a student visa?

Yes, students from Bangladesh can definitely get good student health insurance on the student F1 visa. F1 visa holding students can compare international student insurance plans offered by US student insurance providers and buy the F1 student health insurance that they like best.

The popular student insurance plans on our website are not aca compliant health insurance for international students, however international students insurance are not required to satisfy ACA requirements up to five years in the USA.

4. Do you offer student insurance even if I am not taking any courses on campus?

Yes, we do have student insurance plans for international students on a valid student visa, who are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and are currently not taking any courses on campus.

5. Which is the best Health insurance for international students in USA?

There are many health insurance providers for international students in the USA. Some of the best health insurance companies for international students in the United States are:

  • IMGlobal
  • Seven Corners
  • Worldtrips
  • Travel Insure
  • Geoblue

When buying international student insurance, it is important to compare policies from multiple providers to find the best coverage at the best price. This can be done easily at American Visitor Insurance, where student medical insurance prices and benefits of the plans offered by the top US travel insurance providers are displayed in an user friendly comparison tool. As a student, you should also carefully review the policy's brochure and understand the exclusions that are not covered. Do also check on the policy renewal rules which are displayed in the American Visitor Insurance comparison facility.

6. How much is health insurance in USA for international students?

The cost of health insurance for international students in the USA varies depending on several factors such as the duration of time you are planning on studying and the kind of coverage you need. On average, a student insurance plan may cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 annually.

7. Can an international student get health insurance in USA?

Yes, international students can get health insurance in the USA. In fact health insurance for international students is a requirement for enrolment in most U.S. colleges and universities. There are different types of health insurance plans for international students, such as scheduled benefit policy or comprehensive coverage. International students can purchase health insurance from their school or from a specialized company, or from the open market, as long as it meets the minimum visa and school requirements. Student insurance on American Visitor Insurance offers coverage similar to University insurance but is considerably cheaper.

8. How do I choose the best health insurance plan?

Choosing the best health insurance plan for international students in the USA can be overwhelming. It is important to compare policies from multiple providers to find the best coverage at the best price. This can be done easily at American Visitor Insurance, where student medical insurance prices and benefits offered by the top US international student insurance providers are displayed in an user friendly comparison tool.

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
👉 Read International Travel Insurance Reviews

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