International Student Medical Insurance (USA F1 insurance holders)

International student medical insurance plans are for students who travel outside their home county for higher education. These student health insurance plans provide coverage for health expenses, prescription drugs, mental health coverage, and even pre existing conditions such as maternity expenses after a waiting period. International student insurance plans are designed to satisfy the requirements of American universities. To purchase student insurance, you should be either 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 America visitor Insurance we have developed a student insurance comparison facility where you can get quotes of plans offered by different companies, as well as compare them based on different coverage details. You can select the plan that suits your specific needs best. Some of the factors that you should consider other than the premium rates are the eligibility requirements and the waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage. Student insurance is also available for dependants of the actual students such as the spouse and child/children of the student.

However you should have documentation to prove dependence. In the case of spouse a proof of marriage might be requested, and the dependant children should be less than 19 years old. Quite often your university will ask for an insurance waiver form to be completed. This can be provided by the insurance provider from whom you purchase the insurance plan. At American visitor Insurance, we can facilitate getting the insurance waiver form completed.

International Student Health Insurance Coverage highlights

International student insurance benefits for students

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Health Insurance for International Students resources

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How to buy student insurance?

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Student group insurance

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Compare International health insurance for students in USA

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Medical insurance for F1 students - plan highlights

01. Do students qualify for medicaid?

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.

02. Can college students get free health insurance?

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.

03. Do f1 students need health insurance? Are F1 visa students required to have health insurance?

International students on the F1 visa are not required by any government agency to have international student insurance when studying in the USA. However, given the very high cost of healthcare in the United States, most schools have their own requirements and often require international students to buy health insurance.

04. What is the best student insurance? What is the best health insurance for international students? What is the best insurance for international students in USA?

There is no single best insurance for international students. The best student insurance plan varies depending on the needs of different international students. Each best health insurance for international students will have some unique advantage such as being very cheap and affordable, or being more expensive but providing better coverage. Some best insurance for international students offer unique advantages such as coverage for hazardous sports, covid 19 coverage for Coronavirus, coverage for pregnancy, coverage for pre-existing ailments etc…

05. Does any plans of f1 student insurance will covers pregnancy?

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.

06. What are the benefits of health insurance for F1 visa?

Health insurance F1 visa is most important given the high US healthcare costs and provides the following coverage:

  • Medical expenses related to diagnosis, testing, treatment, and hospitalization for accidents and illnesses, including COVID-19 if contracted after the policy effective date
  • Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation in case of complications or emergencies

07. Is health insurance mandatory for F1 visa insurance holders? Are F1 visa students required to have health insurance?

Having health insurance is not mandatory by U.S. government for F1 visa holders (it is mandatory for J1 visa holders). However, many U.S. universities require international students to have health insurance due to high US healthcare costs. Requirements vary, so check with your school's international student office for details.

08. Can a student on a visa get health insurance in 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, COVID-19, 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:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains coverage amounting to $25,000
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
  • A deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness

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.

Best health insurance for F1 students FAQs

Best international student health insurance in USA

  • Which is the best student insurance in USA?

    Health insurance for F1 students in USA, Medical insurance for international students

    • IMG's Patriot Exchange insurance is designed for International students or Cultural Exchange scholars.
    • It is a very affordable plan and meets J visa requirements and F Visa for international students.
    • Covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of continuous coverage $500 per period of coverage; $1,500 lifetime maximum.
    • The student can buy this plan with a sports rider to cover activities such as downhill skiing.
    • Patriot Exchange Insurance can be renewed online up to 48 months.
    • Provides coverage for international student medical insurance to students and scholars pursuing their education outside their home country.
    • Student Health Advantage Platinum covers Maternity Newborn Care.
    • Standard plan covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of a waiting period.
    • Platinum plan covers pre-existing condition after 6 months of a waiting period.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to five years.
    • Student Secure provides excellent insurance cover to international students and scholars outside their home country.
    • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to $25k lifetime maximum for eligible expenses.
    • This plan is ideal for J1 and F1 and OPT students.
    • Sports activities, leisure, recreational,entertainment or fitness is covered upto overall maximum limit.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to four years.
    • Study USA Health Insurance provides affordable student travel insurance for students studying in USA and to US registered students studying abroad.
    • Covers Sports & Activities - Leisure, Recreational, Entertainment, or Fitness.
    • Study USA standard, preferred and platinum covers maternity care for a covered pregnancy.
    • Study USA Standard and Preferred plans have 12 months waiting period for pre-existing conditions and platinum covered after 6 months waiting period.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to four years.
    • Offers worldwide coverage for international students and faculty outside their home country.
    • Offers Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum.
    • Pre-existing conditions exclusion can be waived with proof of prior creditable coverage.
    • Coinsurance is waived for care outside the U.S.
    • Sports, terrorist and alcohol-related injuries are covered.
    • Exceeds J-1 visa requirements.
    • No waiting period associated with any preventive services.
    • Available for International students and exchange program participants.
    • Excellent plan for international students who are on the OPT status.
    • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age of 79 years.
    • Available for Non-US Citizens traveling outside their home country.
    • Covers treatment of complications of pregnancy during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy.
    • Offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.
    • Covers pre-existing conditions for medical services and medical evacuation, for individuals with a current U.S. health plan.
    • Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
    • Applicant's home country must be the US.
    • Requires a primary health plan.
    • This plan is ideal for students, study abroad and international exchange students.
    • Covers pre-existing conditions after 24 months waiting period.
    • Available for Non Us citizens and Non US residents visiting the US.
    • Covers athletic & hazardous sports activities.
    • This plan can be available from 15 days to 365 days.
    • Offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.
    • Pre-existing conditions are covered with a 180-day exclusion.
    • Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
    • Applicant's home country must be the US.
    • Does not require a primary health plan.
    • Offers coverage for students.
    • Worldmed is international health insurance for people traveling outside their home country and is available to both US and Non US citizens.
    • Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to $200k up to age 60 and for age 60-64 it is $20k.
    • Intercollegiate sports activities, recreational activities and hazardous activities are optional add on benefits on the plan.
    • Available from 5 days to 364 days.
    • This plan is ideal for study abroad, work study programs and international exchange students.
    • Available for Non US Residents while visiting the US.
    • Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition(US Citizens only)
    • Offers optional Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider.
    • Covers optional war risk coverage.
    • This plan is ideal for students, study abroad and international exchange students.
    • Available for people traveling outside their home Country excluding USA.
    • Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition(US Citizens only)
    • Offers optional Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider.
    • Covers optional war risk coverage.
    • Designed for Study abroad student seeking supplemental Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage to meet school or visa requirements.
    • Offers coverage to international students and visitors traveling to the U.S.
    • Available for people age above 14 days and below 50 years.
    • Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage is available for up to $50k.
    • This plan can be available from 5 days to 365 days.
    • Repatriation of remains coverage is available for up to $25k.
    • Offers coverage for International students or scholars.
    • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation provides annual coverage that meets J Visa and other visa requirements.
    • Any non US citizen and non US resident who is travelling to the United States and Participating in full-time educational activities can buy this plan. You are not required to have a visa.
    • Available from 5 days to 364 days.
    • Available for people age above 14 days and below 65 years.

Best health insurance for f1 students in USA on OPT status

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. Compare medical insurance for OPT students in USA and buy a plan that satisfies your needs.

Resourceful insurance information for students

Student travel insurance FAQs

Commonly asked questions about international student travel insurance.


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Student insurance resources

Here are some useful resources to help you understand insurance.


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Factors for student insurance

Factors while buying best international student health insurance USA.


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Student benefits

Popular student insurance coverage benefits.
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Maternity Coverage

Health insurance plans offering coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born baby.
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Sports Coverage

Medical insurance plans offering coverage for high schools sports and other group sports activities.
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Pre-existing Coverage

International student medical insurance for students who need coverage for existing medical ailments.
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Patriot Exchange insurance ideal for spouse of F1 visa health insurance holders

Patriot Exchange student insurance is available for spouse and dependent children of F1 visa holders even if the primary F1 holder is not on this insurance plan. If a F1 Visa holder wants to buy this plan for his/her F2 visa holder spouse or children, then the Patriot Exchange insurance plan can be purchased exclusively for the F2 visa holders.

j1 visa

Not on a F1 visa? Please review these other visa categories

J1 visa holders

Insurance for Exchange scholars satisfying visa requirements

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F2 dependents

Insurance plans for dependents of an F1 visa holders.

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US Student Abroad

Insurance plans for US students studying outside their home country.

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J2 dependents

Insurance for J2 visa dependants satisfying visa requirements.

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OPT Status within F1 visa

Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student health insurance.

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M1 visa holders

Medical insurance for students on vocational training.

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Steps to 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 student travel insurance

Factors for health insurance cost in USA for international students

Student’s age

The student’s age determines the cost of US student medical insurance. The prices for f1 visa US student insurance increases with the age of the student.

The length of coverage

The price of student health insurance in the US can be either monthly or on a daily basis. The price increases with the duration of coverage required.

Maximum medical coverage

Student health insurance USA cost is directly dependent on the medical maximum coverage required. The cost of F1 student medical insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.

Student health insurance related links

Student medical insurance forum

Customer queries and answers about medical insurance.
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Student Medical Insurance Blogs

Blogs about buying student health Insurance.
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Student travel insurance FAQs

Commonly asked questions about student travel insurance.
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International student medical insurance – Blogs and Articles

Compare best student insurance online

Compare different US students medical insurance plans online.

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Best medical insurance for international students in USA

Compare US international student insurance to find the plan for your budget and needs.

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Going to the US to Study?

Compare US students medical insurance for the plan that fits your needs best.

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International student insurance for Covid

F1 visa student insurance

At American Visitor Insurance, we are committed to getting you the best international student health insurance in USA for Covid

Earlier students had to buy affordable care act, ACA (Obamacare) compliant medical insurance. However recent changes by the US government has removed this requirement and international students can buy affordable health insurance for international students studying in the USA offered here without violating any US government requirements. There are few Covid19 international student health insurance USA plans:

IMG health insurance for international students in the US:

The International Medical Group offers affordable student health insurance coverage for Covid. Their popular Covid19 International student health insurance plans that offer coverage for medical expenses from Covid are

Students can compare cheap health insurance for international students in the USA with Covid coverage that fit their needs.

There are also many F1 Visa international students currently stranded in the US who are not enrolled in any classes. In this situation international students are not limited to buying USA student health insurance and can buy short term US visitors medical insurance. The visitors health insurance plans are cheaper and ideal for international students in the US while they are not enrolled in classes. International students can review and visitors insurance USA and find student travel insurance USA with Covid coverage that fit your needs.

Please know we are here to help you make the best, informed decision to get international students insurance plans! Let us know how we can assist you. Feel free to contact us by email or phone at any time.

TravelInsure insurance for F1 students

TravelInsure Covid19 student health insurance by Study USA (Plus, Preferred and Platinum plans ONLY) offers international health insurance with coronavirus coverage for students outside their home country.

GeoBlue insurance for F1 students

GeoBlue student health insurance by Navigator for Student covers medically necessary COVID testing and treatment.

International students can compare student insurance plans to most appropriate plan that suits their specific needs.

There are some F1 visa students on the OPT status who are not enrolled in any classes. In this situation students are not limited to buying US student health insurance and can buy short term US visitors medical insurance. The visitors insurance plans are cheaper and work well for international students while they are not enrolled in classes. International students can review US visitors medical insurance plans that fit your needs.

Please know we are here to help you make an informed decision to get international students insurance! Let us know how we can assist you. Feel free to contact us by email or phone at any time.

Best insurance for international students

Cheapest medical insurance for F1 students

Students when they travel outside their home country to study along with the university academic experience also get an opportunity to experience a new culture and to see different parts of the world and meet new people with varied backgrounds. We work with several US insurance providers that offer excellent student F1 health insurance.

We have developed an excellent compare F1 visa student travel insurance tool and have article and FAQ's with information for the best travel insurance for F1 students studying abroad. Our international student insurance plan comparison facilities lists the travel insurance for students that satisfies the f1 visa health insurance requirements.

Student health insurance

Students can find the affordable health insurance for international students in USA as well as outside the USA. Other than the cost, we also display relevant coverage details of health insurance for international students on F1 visa studying in the USA.

Nationalities of large international student groups in the US

US Colleges and Universities

Student health insurance for top US colleges and universities


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