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International student medical insurance cost in USA

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What is student travel medical insurance?

Student travel insurance is a specialized insurance policy designed to protect students traveling internationally for higher education. It provides comprehensive protection against various risks and unforeseen events that may arise during their time abroad, allowing them to focus on their studies without the added stress of managing potential issues. It covers a wide range of medical expenses including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, prescription medications and medical evacuation.

What does international student travel health insurance cover?

  • Medical coverage: Student travel insurance typically covers medical expenses incurred due to illnesses, accidents, and dental emergencies. This can include hospitalization, outpatient treatment, diagnostic tests, medical aid, and emergency evacuation or repatriation.
  • Trip coverage: It covers travel related issues like trip delays or cancellations, loss or delay of checked-in baggage, and loss of passports or other important documents. In case of baggage loss or delay, the insurance can help cover the cost of replacing essential items.
  • Personal liability: It covers financial protection if the student accidentally causes harm or damage.
  • Emergency assistance: Many student travel insurance plans include emergency hotlines with 24/7 service, to assist you with the U.S. healthcare system, locate providers, and manage medical emergencies, even if there's a language barrier.

How to choose the best student medical insurance in the U.S.?

When choosing the best student health insurance in the USA, international students should consider several key factors to make sure they have adequate protection and are compliant with school or visa requirements. Compare the best student health insurance plans for USA at American Visitor Insurance, offering plans that meet waiver criteria and provide comprehensive coverage.

  • University requirements: Some universities require students to enroll in their insurance plan or have other private insurance plans that complies with the university's requirements.
  • Visa requirements: Ensure that your chosen plan satisfies the minimum coverage requirements related to your visa status (for instance, J1 visa holders must have coverage with $100,000 medical benefits and $50,000 medical evacuation).
  • Coverage: Look for plans that provide coverage for essential medical services such as doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, emergency services, and mental health.
  • Cost: Compare not only the premiums but also the deductibles, co-payments, and out of pocket maximums to determine which plans are in your budget.
  • Network: Choose plans which have a wider network of doctors and hospitals, especially in the area you will be located.
  • Pre-existing conditions: Check if your selected plan covers any pre-existing conditions and if there’s a waiting period.
  • Customer service and claims process: Reliable customer service and a simple claims process, is important particularly when you are navigating through a foreign healthcare system.

How much does international student health insurance cost in 2025?

How much is insurance for international students in the USA? How much does International student insurance cost per month?

The international student insurance for USA cost per month ranges from $30 to $124. The price depends on the factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance. Additionally the student health insurance cost in the US also depends on coverage for mental illness, dental expenses, hazardous sports, maternity and coverage for pre-existing ailments. Here at American Visitor insurance we have calculated the cost of health insurance for international students to help you compare and make an informed choice while buying the plan.

The cost of health insurance for an international student per month aged 20 years.
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®

How much does travel 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®

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. Do contact our customer service or email 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 »

What does international student insurance cover?

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

We want to appreciate the fine service provided by your friendly employees from the NJ office, in helping us navigate insurance plans and successfully purchase plans for my parents. They are extremely courteous, patient, efficient and knowledgeable.

Sheela

Sheela

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

What is the cheapest health insurance for international students in the USA?

The cheapest health insurance for F1 students is offered by Student Journey Lite insurance plan, starting at just $30 per month. Other affordable student health insurance option includes Student Secure Smart insurance and Student Journey Plus insurance. This cost mainly depends on different factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.

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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Which are the best health insurance for international students in the USA?

The best health insurance for international students in the USA are Student Journey Platinum by IMG, Patriot Exchange Program from IMG, StudentSecure Select from WorldTrips. Choosing the best health insurance for international students in the USA depends on factors such as personal health needs, budget, university insurance requirements, and visa status.

Patriot Exchange Program
IMG logo

$56 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $938 for 12 months

  • 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 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $888 for 12 months

  • 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 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $1248 for 12 months

  • 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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Why is the US a popular destination for international students?

The U.S. continues to be a top choice for international students, offering not only academic excellence but also practical work opportunities through programs like OPT. With rising enrollment and record-high participation in OPT, the country solidifies its position as a leader in global education and career advancement. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities to build a strong foundation for their future careers.

The total number of international students in the U.S. reached 11,26,690 in the academic year 2023-24, marking a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the U.S.'s continued appeal as a global education hub. International students now make up 5.9% of the total U.S. student enrollment, reflecting the diversity and global reach of American higher education.

Year Total international students % international students
2023-2024 11,26,690 5.9%
2022-2023 10,57,188 5.6%
2021-2022 9,48,519 4.7%

What are the best international health insurance options for students?

Student insurance USA

What factors determine international student health insurance cost?

  • Student's age: The student's age determines the cost of US student medical insurance. Students under age 20 can expect health insurance costs ranging from $30 to $124 per month. The prices for best health insurance for f1 students in USA increases with the age of the student.
  • Length of health insurance for F1 students: The cheapest student health insurance in the US can be either monthly or on a daily basis. Annual plans tend to be more expensive than short-term policies, but they offer more comprehensive benefits. The price increases with the duration of coverage required.
  • Maximum F1 student insurance coverage: Comprehensive plans that offers higher policy maximums and extensive coverage including benefits like mental health, dental, maternity, and pre-existing conditions generally comes with higher premiums. The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
  • Deductibles and Co-insurance: Plans with lower deductibles (the amount the student pays out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins) and lower coinsurance, (the percentage the student pays for most medical costs after the deductible), will also have higher premiums.
  • Type of student health insurance: University-sponsored health insurance plans are often mandatory and offers comprehensive coverage, but usually are more expensive and allow for less flexibility. The private health insurance for international students available on American Visitor Insurance offer university requirements comparable coverage and are often more affordable than the university-sponsored plans making them flexible and cost-effective.
  • Coverage region: There is significant variance in the cost of student health insurance depending on the country the student will be studying in. Student medical insurance in the US is typically more expensive than in many other countries.
  • 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.

Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA

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

The steps for buying the best student health insurance for international students in the US are:

  • Find out from your University/School/College if they offer the best health insurance for international students in USA and if it is mandatory to enroll in their plan.
  • If your university provides a health insurance plan, determine if you are required to purchase it or if you can opt for an alternative plan that meets your needs.
  • If you are allowed to buy an alternative best health insurance for F1 students in USA, then compare cheapest insurance for international students on American Visitor Insurance.
  • Compare the cheap insurance for international students here with the University plan based on price as well as coverage benefits, including deductibles, co-pays and exclusions.
  • You can also buy health insurance for F2 visa holders and medical insurance for J2 visa holders to ensure all dependents are covered.
  • Select the best F1 student medical insurance that fits your budget and healthcare needs, ensuring it complies it with your university requirements.
  • On buying the best health insurance for f1 students in USA, you will receive all the relevant documents by email which may be required for enrollment verification at your university.

Cheapest health insurance for international medical graduates in USA

Compare and buy Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA

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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.
  • syncDiplomat 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_baseballBoth Student Secure Elite and Student Secure Select plans provide coverage for organized sports including intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports.
  • request_quoteCovers 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, or fitness activities.
  • paidCoverage available up to the overall maximum limit, depending on the plan level selected.

International student health insurance USA FAQs

1. Do I need travel insurance for student travel?

All students should have travel insurance student for international travel. Health care costs outside your home country are very high 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 the best student travel health insurance plans before any emergency situation arises so that you do not find yourself in serious debt.

2. Can I choose the duration of my international student medical insurance coverage?

Yes, most insurance providers offer flexibility in choosing the duration of coverage based on the length of your academic program. You can typically select coverage for a semester, an academic year, or multiple years, depending on your needs. The cost of most student insurance plans are on a per day basis, so you can choose the length of coverage exactly according to your needs.

3. Can I purchase international student medical insurance after arriving in the host country?

Yes, most US insurance providers on American Visitor Insurance allow you to purchase coverage after arriving in the host country. It is however recommended to obtain student insurance before your departure to ensure you are protected from the moment you arrive.

4. Are pre-existing conditions covered under international student medical insurance?

Coverage for pre-existing conditions can vary depending on the student insurance plan and insurance provider. Some student health insurance plans may exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, while others may offer limited coverage or require a waiting period before covering such conditions.

5. Can I extend my international student medical insurance if my study period is extended?

Yes, the US insurance providers on American Visitor Insurance allow international student insurance policy extensions if the student academic program is extended.

6. How long can I purchase student travel insurance for?

Student travel insurance policies available in American Visitor Insurance have flexible availability, ranging from a weeks to a few years, depending on the length of your academic program.

7. Can I extend my student travel insurance if needed?

Most insurance providers offered in American Visitor Insurance allow policy extensions, but it's essential to inquire about the extension options and any limitations beforehand.

8. How do I file a claim if something goes wrong during my travel?

To file a claim, you will need to contact your insurance provider's claims department as soon as possible. They will guide you through the process and provide the necessary forms and information.

9. Can I use student travel insurance for personal travel during my stay in the USA?

Yes, in most cases, you can use your student travel insurance for personal travel within the USA. However, it's essential to compare the different plans using the student travel insurance comparison tool in American Visitor Insurance to review the details to ensure that it covers your needs well.

10. Can I buy travel insurance policy if I am already studying abroad?

Yes, you can buy student travel insurance policy even if you are already studying abroad. However, not all student travel insurance plans give you this option and you can find a policy on American Visitor Insurance that covers student travelers who are already abroad.

11. Who is eligible for student travel insurance?

Student travel insurance covers the specific needs and risks of students who are studying abroad and outside their home country. It can provide coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, personal liability, and more. These are some common eligibility criteria for student travel insurance. Different insurers may have different terms and conditions, so it is advisable to check the policy document carefully before buying one. You can also compare different plans and features on American Visitor Insurance online to find the best one for your needs and budget.

What is International travel insurance for US students?

International travel insurance for U.S. students, often called as overseas student health insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to cover American students while they are studying, or traveling abroad. It provides financial protection and medical support for unexpected events that may occur during their time outside the U.S.

Students can purchase the best health insurance for studying abroad plans online on American Visitor Insurance. International students can compare a wide range of study abroad health insurance options online and choose the most suitable travel medical insurance plan.

US students studying abroad

Coverage can begin as early as the next day after purchase. International student travel insurance typically covers:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Hospitalization and surgery abroad
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Trip interruptions or delays
  • Lost or stolen baggage and passport
  • Personal liability coverage
  • Mental health coverage

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