arrow

Going to the US to Study?

Find the best international student health insurance plan for your needs.

Where is the student studying?

What is the student's nationality?

Is the traveler looking for?

Does the traveler need Schengen Visa Insurance or Long term Europe Visa insurance?

What visa does the student have?

Coverage

Sports coverage required?

Coverage

Maternity coverage required?

traveler

Travel insurance with vacation cost coverage included?

traveler

Type Of Insurance?

traveler

Are you a resident of Latin America or the Caribbean?

Enter age
Spouse's age (if traveling)
Reset Students insurance cost details »

Why is international student insurance important in the USA?

Health insurance for international students is important to cover the costs of medical care in case of accident or sickness while studying abroad. As an international student, it is vital to ensure you have the best student health insurance for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains and accidental death and dismemberment. At American Visitor Insurance we offer a wide range of deductibles and co-insurance for foreign student insurance which meet school requirements, including for those on F1 visa, OPT status, F2 visa, sports coverage, M-1/M-2 or J visas as well as for US students studying abroad.

Best US student health insurance

Factors while buying US student insurance

If you are planning to pursue further studies in the US, it is definitely a good decision. You will meet with people from various countries and experience different cultures and traditions. You may also be able to learn a foreign language! The number of international students traveling to the US is increasing. This is no surprise as students passing out of US universities are highly preferred by employers worldwide. Along with getting quality education, living in the US also prepares one for the life ahead.

Before you start making a list of all the important items you need to take with you to the US, put some thought into purchasing international student insurance USA for yourself. The right insurance plan will cover you for all the unexpected incidents during your stay in the US. Your parents can also relax knowing that you are adequately covered for most contingencies. And you will be able to focus on just the important stuff. Here is a checklist to refer to so you know what student travel insurance needs to cover essentially.

Medical costs

It's common knowledge that even getting a routine check-up in the US can prove to be very costly. As you'll be staying in the US for at least a year to complete your course, your travel insurance will have to cover all your medical expenses.

  • Make sure that your insurance policy covers costs related to general practitioner visits, prescriptions, and hospitalization.
  • The insurance policy should cover preventive, minor and major dental treatments. Preventive treatments such as oral examinations, teeth cleaning and X-ray charges are generally reimbursed completely. For minor treatments such as root canal and fillings, insurance providers may cover up to 80% of the cost. For major treatments such as getting crowns or bridges, only up to 50% may be covered by the policy.
  • Be aware of annual caps in certain fields such as dental treatments. If you exceed the limit specified in the policy, you'll have to dole out the rest.
  • Student travel insurance should also provide optical cover.

Emergency costs

In a country where general healthcare is very costly, the costs related to air-lifting will obviously be even higher. An individual may need to be evacuated for several reasons.

  • Repatriation costs or return flight costs should be covered by student travel insurance.
  • Costs related to events where the insured needs to be medically evacuated or air-lifted should be covered by the policy. Your policy will specify the maximum amount that you can claim in such cases so be sure to take note of the same.
  • If the individual needs to be accompanied by medical professionals in case of serious injury or illness, relevant costs should be covered as well by the policy.
  • Travel insurance may also cover flight and accommodation costs to the US for family members of the insured in case of serious illness, injury or death.

Travel costs

Quite a few unexpected costs may crop up during the journey itself. Travel insurance normally covers expenses in certain cases. Go through your policy in detail and make sure your insurance covers you for the following incidents.

  • Luggage theft
  • Misplacement of baggage
  • Flight cancellation
  • Missed interconnecting flights

Remember that insurance companies have a cap on the maximum amount you can claim in the case of theft. They will also consider the depreciation value of costly items such as laptops or cameras. So don't expect to be paid the full value of such items in case they are stolen or lost.

Costs related to risks

If you are deliberately going to put your life at risk by engaging in extreme sports, you will need extra cover. Your normal student travel insurance won't be able to take care of the costs that you may have to incur in case of any mishaps.

Don't let that deter you from experiencing the thrills of sky diving, bungee jumping, hiking or river rafting though! Read through the documents with a keen eye and make note of all the exceptions and exclusions to the policy. Compare policies from different companies and assess which one is best suited to your needs.

Don't choose a policy just because the premium fits your budget. It is more important to select a policy that provides adequate coverage. Conversely, don't select a policy with the highest premium thinking that it will be the best for you. Chances are such a policy may require you to pay for coverage that you don't need at all. For instance, if you know for sure that you're not going to indulge in extreme sports, there's no need to purchase a policy that covers you for the same.

Optional Extras

While the above are basic things that a student travel insurance policy should cover, there are many optional extras provided by insurance companies. These may include providing cover for medical treatment even after the insured has reached his home country, expatriation costs so that the insured can fly back to the foreign country to continue with his studies, costs related to kidnapping, ransom, and false arrest.

Conclusion

With any insurance policy you purchase, you will need to pay an excess amount whenever you need to claim the money. If your finances allow you, you can opt to pay a higher excess amount. This will reduce the amount of the premium that you'll have to pay. Lastly, purchase the right policy as soon as you spot it.

At times, policies don't come into effect until a certain time period has lapsed. It could also be possible that the right offer may be available only for a limited time. You need to be armed with the right student travel insurance policy so that you're all set to fly to the US and enjoy a new phase of your life!

How much does F1 student health insurance cost in the US 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 $115. 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 $58
Diplomat America Global Underwriters $50,000 $250 $63
Student Journey Platinum IMG $500,000 $250 $74
StudentSecure Select WorldTrips $1,000,000 $0 $104
Student Health Advantage Standard IMG $500,000 $250 $115

Source: American Visitor Insurance®

International student health insurance USA

Review student insurance plan benefits.

Show Plans »

What does international student insurance cover?

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

Click here to read more »

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. However, here is a list of plans which provide great coverage for sports activities:

The best sports health insurance for international students on American Visitor Insurance offer are the Diplomat America or Diplomat LongTerm insurance for intercollegiate sports coverage. The policy allows students to put a specific sports rider on the policy (low, medium, or high) depending on the sport to be covered. Under this enhancement, the maximum benefit pay out is reduced to $20K for any covered injury or illness resulting from the sports activity. The cost depends on the sport to be covered.

The Low Option -(additional $12.00 flat monthly rate) is for Ballet; Baseball; Cheerleading; Cross Country; Diving; Equestrian; Fencing; Field Hockey; Golf; Polo (Horse); Polo (Water); Rowing; Softball; Surfing; Swimming; Tennis; Track & Field; and Volleyball.

The Middle Option (additional $26.00 flat monthly rate) will cover Basketball; Competitive Cycling (Road, Track, CX); Ice Hockey; Inline Skating (Helmet & Proper Equipment Required); Lacrosse; Martial Arts/Karate; Modern Pentathlon; Skiing (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill); Ski Jumping; and Wrestling.

The High Option (additional $80.00 flat monthly rate) will cover Football (No Division One); Gymnastics; Rugby (No Division One); and Soccer. The LongTerm plan can be extended, but the Diplomat America plan cannot be extended or renewed.

Patriot Exchange Insurance plan from IMG is more affordable than Diplomat America and covers high school sports teams. However, it does not include coverage for varsity sports regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) nor the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). You only get this coverage if you choose the “Add-on” Rider (NOT the Adventure Sports Rider) . Patriot 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.

Student Health Advantage from IMG and Student Secure Elite from WorldTrips plans offer coverage for intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports with a $5,000 benefit limit.

However, some other plans like Navigator for Students (GeoBlue) and StudentSecure Select (WorldTrips) limit coverage to $5,000 or less for student athletes.

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.

  • 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 $50,000.
  • This plan can be available from 5 days to 365 days.
  • Repatriation of remains coverage is available for up to $25,000.
  • 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.

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

Health insurance for F1 students in USA, Medical insurance for international students
  • Affordable student health insurance plan designed for international students and scholars studying outside their home country.
  • Student Secure Smart cost starts at $32 per month and $372 per year with a medical maximum of $100,000 and deductible $0.
  • Meets J1 visa requirements. Monthly and annual payment options are available.
  • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to $25,000 lifetime maximum.
  • Sports activities, leisure, recreational, entertainment or fitness is covered upto overall maximum limit.
  • Complete your Student Secure Insurance application form to ensure you have the coverage you need while studying abroad.
  • Offers comprehensive health insurance for international students studying abroad.
  • Student Secure Budget cost starts at $53 per month and $624 per year with a medical maximum of $250,000 and deductible $0.
  • Meets J1 visa requirements. Monthly and annual payment options are available.
  • Covers pre-existing conditions and maternity care (after waiting periods).
  • Sports activities, leisure, recreational, entertainment or fitness is covered upto policy limit.
  • Complete your Student Secure Insurance application form to ensure you have the coverage you need while studying abroad.
  • Affordable medical insurance plan designed for international students or Cultural Exchange scholars.
  • Patriot Exchange insurance cost starts at $56 per month or $675 per year with a medical maximum of $50,000 and a $250 deductible. An annual payment option is available.
  • Meets J visa requirements and also suitable for F Visa for international students.
  • Covers pre-existing conditions after 12 months: $500 per coverage period, $1,500 lifetime max.
  • The student can buy this plan with a sports rider to cover activities such as downhill skiing.
  • Can be renewed online up to 48 months.
  • Complete your Patriot Exchange insurance application form to ensure you have the coverage you need while studying abroad.
  • Provides comprehensive health coverage for international students and scholars studying outside their home country.
  • Student Health Advantage Standard cost starts at $118 per month or $1,416 per year, with a medical maximum of $500,000 and a $250 deductible.
  • Ideal for J1/J2, F1/F2, M1/M2, and A1/A2 visa holders.
  • Covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of a waiting period.
  • Can be renewed for up to 5 years with no break in coverage.
  • Offers worldwide coverage for international students and faculty outside their home country.
  • Geoblue Navigator student insurance cost starts at $463 per month or $3,468 per year, with an unlimited medical maximum and a $0 deductible. Both monthly and annual payment options are available.
  • Exceeds J-1 visa requirements.
  • Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum with no waiting period for preventive care.
  • 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.

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 factors determine international students 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 $32 to $460 per month, or $400 to $4,200 per year. 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. The price increases with the duration of coverage required.
  • Maximum F1 student insurance coverage: Travel health insurance cost in USA for international students is directly dependent on the medical maximum coverage required. The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
    Click here to read more »

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."

Ron W

"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"

Konstantin V.B

"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

Best health insurance for international students -FAQ's

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 customers need this benefit. The student plans have a minimum 6 month waiting period for coverage of pre-existing conditions.

Coverage 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 of the plans provide coverage 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. What is the best health insurance for international students? What is the best insurance for international students?

The best student medical insurance will vary for each student. There is no single student insurance which will work as the best international student health insurance plan for all students.

The factors to consider while identifying the best student insurance will be the coverage benefits, the provider network and the cost of the health insurance for international students.

4. Is travel insurance mandatory for USA student visa?

F1 students in the USA are not required to have health insurance. However, most universities mandate that international students have health insurance coverage, either by enrolling in the school's health plan or providing proof of equivalent coverage. This ensures that students have access to necessary medical care and are protected from high medical costs.

Health insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a USA student visa. However, it is highly recommended for international students to have travel health insurance for USA to cover unforeseen events. Once in the US, students should focus on securing comprehensive health insurance for their stay.

5. Why do international students need health insurance?

In the USA, healthcare isn’t free and given the high cost of healthcare in the US a minor injury or accident could set you back tens of thousands of dollars. This can cause financial strain on students, especially those with limited budget. International student health insurance is highly recommended in the U.S. and essential for ensuring peace of mind while studying in the U.S.

6. Can international students get medicare?

No. International students are not eligible for Medicare. Medicare is a US government program only available to US citizens or US permanent residents who have paid into the US system.

7. What is international student health insurance?

International student health insurance is health insurance coverage for individuals who are studying abroad either short or long term while away from their home countries. Many of the US domestic health insurance plans may not cover a person fully while abroad. Also, some international programs may require certain levels of health insurance while participating in their programs. Luckily, we at American Visitor Insurance have made it easy to compare and find a cheapest health insurance for international students in USA just right for you and your situation.

Resourceful international student health insurance information

help

Cheap international student health insurance FAQs

Commonly asked questions about cheapest international student health insurance.

Click here to read more »
school

Student health insurance resources

Resources for cheapest insurance for international students in USA.

Click here to read more »
description

Factors to consider for student insurance

Factors while buying best international student health insurance USA.

Click here to read more »

F1 Student health insurance, Foreign student insurance USA – Information

rss_feed

Student Insurance blog

Blogs about buying student health Insurance.

Click here to read more »
forum

Student insurance forum

Customer queries and answers about medical insurance.

Click here to read more »
description

Student Insurance Claims

Claims about the student insurance.

Click here to read more »

USA students study overseas insurance plans

International student medical insurance plans for students studying abroad.

Click here to read more »

Best insurance for international students

Cheapest F1 student health insurance

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 student travel insurance that satisfies the student requirements.

Students can find the cheapest 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.

Student health insurance

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

You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), WorldTrips, GeoBlue insurance.

US visitors insurance providers

handshake
Expertise in offering travel insurance
20+ years!
US health insurance
Customers from
All U.S. states!
globe
Customers from over
180 countries!