Get affordable F1 student health insurance plans with flexible coverage options are available starting at $30 per month.
The Cheapest health insurance for F1 students is offered by Student Journey Lite insurance plan, with premiums starting at just $30 per month.
Other affordable F1 visa health insurance option includes Student Secure Smart insurance and Student Journey Plus insurance.
Cheapest
Age: 20 years · $360 / year
Recommended
Age: 20 years · $372 / year
Best Coverage
Age: 20 years · $576 / year
The Best health insurance for f1 students is Patriot Exchange Program plan by IMG, with prices starting at $56 per month.
Other top F1 visa student health insurance include the Student Journey Platinum by IMG and the StudentSecure Select plan from WorldTrips.
Most Popular
Age: 20 years · $938 / year
High Coverage
Age: 20 years · $888 / year
Premium
Age: 20 years · $1248 / year
An F1 visa is a U.S. student visa issued to international students who want to study full-time at an accredited college, university, high school, language school, or academic institution in the USA. F1 visa holders must enroll in a full-time program, maintain academic progress, and follow all visa rules during their stay. While the U.S. government does not mandate health insurance, most schools require F1 student health insurance for enrollment, making coverage essential for protecting against high medical costs in the USA.
International student medical insurance plans are for students who travel outside their home county for higher education. These international student insurance plans provide essential coverage such as doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health benefits, and even pre-existing condition coverage like maternity after a waiting period. Most student health insurance in USA is designed to meet the insurance requirements of American universities.
To purchase F1 visa student insurance, you must be a full-time student or a full time student or a full time scholar performing research for a minimum of 30 hours every week in an educational institution. International student insurance plans usually require a valid educational visa as proof.
At American Visitor Insurance, we offer a comprehensive student insurance comparison tool that helps you view quotes from multiple companies and compare coverage benefits side by side. This allows you to choose the best student medical insurance plan that fits your specific needs. Along with premium costs, important factors to consider include eligibility rules, coverage limits, and the waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage.
Student medical insurance is also available for dependents such as the spouse or children of the student. Proof of relationship may be required for example, a marriage certificate for a spouse or documentation showing that dependent children are under 19 years old. Many universities require an insurance waiver form when using an outside plan. Your insurance provider can complete this waiver, and American Visitor Insurance can assist you in getting it processed smoothly.
F-1 student health insurance is recommended for all international students studying in the United States, especially those who may not have adequate medical coverage during their stay. You are likely to need F-1 student insurance if:
F-1 student health insurance provides financial protection and access to healthcare services, helping international students focus on their studies without worrying about high medical costs.
Buying F1 student insurance for international students is important for several reasons:
Contact American Visitor Insurance with your university’s insurance requirements, and we can help you choose an alternative F1 visa insurance that meets university requirements and your budget. We will also help complete the university insurance waiver form.
It is important that F1 visa holders must have health insurance to cover expensive healthcare costs in the United States. While the U.S. government does not mandate specific insurance requirements for F1 visa holders, most universities have their own mandatory health insurance policies. To make sure you meet both university and visa requirements, explore our comprehensive guide on best F1 visa health insurance requirements in USA.
Yes, F1 students can and should get good health insurance while studying in the United States. Many universities require F1 students to buy the school sponsored health insurance plans. These plans provide comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, routine healthcare, and other health related needs. It is important for F1 students to have health insurance to cover the high costs of healthcare in the U.S. and to meet university requirements.
When choosing F-1 student health insurance in the USA, international students usually fall into one of the following scenarios based on their university’s policy.
1. Mandatory University Health Insurance PlanSome U.S. universities automatically enroll F-1 students in a school-sponsored health insurance plan. These plans typically meet all university requirements, but they may be more expensive and offer limited flexibility compared to private insurance options.
2. Waivable University Health Insurance PlanMany colleges allow students to waive the school-sponsored plan by submitting proof of equivalent coverage. If your university permits a waiver, a private F-1 student health insurance plan may be accepted as long as it meets the school’s minimum coverage requirements.
Private plans available through American Visitor Insurance are commonly used for waiver approval when they satisfy university guidelines.
3. Private F-1 Student Health Insurance PlanOnce a waiver is approved, students can select a private health insurance plan designed for F-1 students that meets or exceeds university requirements. These plans typically offer:
A popular option is the Student Secure plan, which is specifically designed for international students. It includes benefits such as mental health coverage, maternity benefits, pre-existing condition protection, and medical evacuation.
F-1 visa holders are automatically eligible for this plan, and American Visitor Insurance can help you compare Student Secure with other F-1 insurance options to find the best coverage for your needs and budget.
How much is Low-cost medical insurance for international students in America? How much does Insurance for foreign students in America cost per month? How much does international student health insurance cost per month?
The F1 Visa Health Insurance Cost in the USA typically ranges from $30 to $124 per month, depending on the coverage level and benefits selected.
The monthly cost of F1 student health insurance in the USA shown below is based on coverage for students aged 20.
| Plan | Cost (Monthly) | Max Coverage | Deductible | Pre-existing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Journey Lite IMG | $30 | $150,000 | $100 | After 6 months | Budget-friendly basic coverage |
| StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips | $32 | $200,000 | $0 | Acute onset covered | Zero deductible + acute onset coverage |
| Student Journey Plus IMG | $48 | $300,000 | $500 | After 6 months | Higher coverage with affordable premium |
| StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips | $53 | $500,000 | $0 | After 12 months | Budget-friendly plan with higher coverage limits |
| Patriot Exchange Program IMG | $56 | $50,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Short-term students & adventure sports |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters | $71 | $50,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Acute onset covered |
| Student Journey Platinum IMG | $74 | $500,000 | $250 | After 6 months | Comprehensive coverage with higher limits |
| StudentSecure Select WorldTrips | $106 | $1,000,000 | $0 | After 6 months | Maximum coverage & premium benefits |
| Student Health Advantage Standard IMG | $124 | $500,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Comprehensive student health coverage |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Review student insurance plan benefits.
When choosing the best travel insurance for students studying abroad, understanding the factors that drive the cost is important.
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.
F1 student health insurance in the USA typically covers a range of health-related and travel-related services designed to protect international students during their studies.
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Maximum | Protects you from high medical bills | Higher coverage limit is better |
| PPO Network | Helps you find in-network doctors easily | Large national PPO network |
| Emergency Evacuation | Covers transport to better medical care | Included with a high coverage limit |
| Repatriation of Remains | Helps cover the cost of returning remains | Included benefit |
| Mental Health Services | Supports therapy and counseling needs | Includes counseling and psychiatric care |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Determines how much you pay for care | Lower deductibles and copays |
Compare the best F-1 student health insurance plans in the USA on American Visitor Insurance to find coverage that meets your university requirements and fits your budget.
Choosing the right F-1 student health insurance plan is important — not just to meet university requirements, but to protect yourself from high medical costs while studying in the USA.
Here’s a simple way to decide:
1. Check Your School’s Minimum RequirementsStart by reviewing your university’s health insurance policy. Most schools require:
Plans available through American Visitor Insurance are designed to meet or exceed most university requirements and are suitable for F-1 waiver submissions.
2. Compare Key Benefits (Not Just Price)When comparing F-1 student health insurance plans, focus on benefits such as:
A plan with a slightly higher premium but stronger benefits can often save you money and stress in the long run — especially when it includes a large PPO network and lower out-of-network cost sharing.
3. Consider Your Personal Healthcare NeedsAsk yourself:
American Visitor Insurance helps F-1 students compare plans side-by-side, making it easier to choose coverage that fits both your budget and healthcare needs.
Yes. If your university does not require enrollment in a specific student health insurance plan or does not impose minimum coverage requirements, you are generally free to choose the insurance plan that best fits your needs and budget.
You can select either a student insurance plan or a travel medical insurance plan depending on what coverage you prefer.
If you prefer travel medical insurance instead of student-specific plans, you can consider these popular options:
F-1 visas are primarily meant for full-time study, not employment. However, many international students can work while studying, as long as they follow U.S. immigration rules and obtain the proper authorization.
On-Campus WorkMost F-1 students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during official school breaks (such as summer).
Since each school defines “on-campus” employment differently, it’s always best to confirm job eligibility with your International Student Office before starting work.
Off-Campus Work (Authorization Required)To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain approval through their Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. The main off-campus work options include:
1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)CPT allows students to work in internships or training programs that are an integral part of their academic curriculum. CPT rules vary by institution, so students should consult their DSO for specific requirements.
2. Optional Practical Training (OPT)OPT is the most common form of F-1 work authorization. After completing one academic year, students may apply for OPT to work in a job directly related to their field of study.
OPT can be used before graduation (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion) and is typically valid for up to 12 months.
3. Severe Economic Hardship (SEH)SEH is approved only in rare cases where students experience serious, unexpected financial hardship. If authorized, students may work off-campus to help cover essential living expenses.
Even while working, your employer may not provide health insurance immediately. Maintaining an active student health insurance plan is important to protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and to ensure continuous coverage while you are on OPT or CPT.
International students on the F1 visa are allowed to enroll for optional practical training(OPT). This allows students to work off campus, or work without being enrolled for coursework in the university. Since students in this OPT visa status are not enrolled in coursework, they will be ineligible for some student insurance plans.
The best student health insurance plan for someone on OPT status is generally the Atlas America insurance. If you are not concerned about COVID-19 as an illness, you can choose Atlas Essential insurance which is cheaper than the Atlas America plan because it excludes COVID coverage. The plan is a good comprehensive plan from a major visitor insurance company and has excellent ratings. Compare medical insurance for OPT students in USA and buy a plan that satisfies your needs.
Below is a sample scenario to help students understand how Patriot Exchange works in practice while studying in the USA on an F1 visa.
In this example:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurance Coverage | Up to $50,000 |
| Deductible | $100 per certificate period |
| Medical Expenses (Claimed) | $25,100 |
After the insured pays the $100 deductible, the Patriot Exchange plan applies its standard cost-sharing structure:
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.
| 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) |
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 F1 students from major medical expenses while studying in the USA.
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.
A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) for student health insurance such as UnitedHealthcare PPO student insurance can be extremely beneficial for international students seeking emergency coverage in the USA.
A buying student health insurance with good PPO network provides international students with a balance of broad access to quality healthcare providers and significant cost savings when using in-network services. This makes navigating the complex US healthcare system much more manageable and affordable.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Many plans give access to large U.S. PPO networks like UnitedHealthcare, helping students:
Our licensed and highly experienced support team is here to help you at every step:
Medicaid is a US government program available to US citizens in some sort of financial need. Check with your state's guidelines for eligibility. Medicaid is however not available for international students who are not US citizens.
US college students can be covered by their parent's health insurance up to the age of 26 years. It is technically not "free" as their parents are paying for it, but it may be subsidized by the parent's employer.
While the US government does not mandate health insurance for F1 visa holders, most US universities have their own requirements and require international students to buy health insurance due to the high cost of healthcare in the United States.
There is no single best health insurance for f1 students in USA. The f1 student health insurance differs depending on the needs and budget of the students. Each f1 student insurance USA plan has some advantage such as being cheap and affordable or being more expensive but providing better coverage. Some of the best health insurance for international students in USA offer unique advantages such as coverage for hazardous sports, coverage for pregnancy, coverage for pre-existing ailments etc… The Student Secure budget plan by WorldTrips is a cheap and popular plan. The Patriot Exchange plan by IMG is also very popular as a F1 visa insurance plan.
Yes, some of our international student insurance cover pregnancy of an insured student or enrolled spouse if the pregnancy begins after the waiting period in the policy. They usually do not cover the pregnancy of a dependent child.
Most Indian health insurance plans offer little or no coverage for medical treatment in the United States. While a few policies may include limited overseas benefits, they often do not meet U.S. university insurance requirements or provide adequate coverage for high medical costs.
To ensure proper coverage and compliance with university requirements, F-1 students are generally advised to purchase a dedicated international student health insurance plan while studying in the USA.
Yes, an international student on a student Visa (F1 of J1) can get health insurance in the USA. However, not all health insurance plans are the same and some may not cover pre-existing conditions, or other specific benefits. Therefore, it is important to compare different F1 Visa student insurance plans and read the policy before buying one. You can compare different types of US Visa insurance plans on American Visitor Insurance online.
There are different types of Visas for international students who want to study in the US, such as F-1, J-1, M-1, and Q-1. Each visa has different requirements and regulations regarding health insurance. For example, students on a J-1 visa are required by the U.S. government to obtain health insurance that meets the following criteria:
Students on an F-1 visa do not have a set of government mandated requirements and instead must purchase insurance that meets their school requirements. Depending on the college or university, they may be required to purchase their group insurance plan or have the option of choosing their own.
Is your family or dependents traveling to the USA on an F2 visa? Make sure they’re fully protected. Explore affordable US health insurance for F2 dependents and compare top-rated plans designed for their safety and well-being.
Commonly asked questions about international student travel insurance.
Know More »Here are some useful resources to help you understand insurance.
Know More »Factors while buying best international student health insurance USA.
Know More »Customer queries and answers about medical insurance.
Learn More »Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student insurance.
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