US Health Insurance for International Students
The United States has always been a popular student destination for students from around the world. The increase in international students to the USA is estimated to
be 5% every year.
The high quality of education in US universities is the most important reason for international students choosing USA, with priority given to an interdisciplinary
approach, student participation, and critical thinking.
Who Comes to Study in the USA?
The Chinese, Indian and South Korean students are the largest international student groups in the US. Although these three countries dominate the numbers there are interesting new patterns emerging. Among them are the increasing numbers of students from countries experiencing political unrest.
Students from Saudi Arabia have increased up to 46.3% something no other country can match and now contributes 0.8% to the total.
Most Popular Programs
Some of the most popular subjects chosen by international students in the USA are business and management, engineering, and life sciences. Other subjects in demand are math and computer science, social sciences, as well as fine and applied arts.
There is a consistent demand for both under-graduate courses as well as graduate programs. Graduate programs for master's, doctoral and professional degrees in itself attract hundreds of thousand international students.
Most Popular Universities
There are several universities in the USA attracting international students and some of the most popular universities in terms of number of international students enrollment are: University of Southern California, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, New York University (hosts the most doctoral students), University of Bridgeport, California State University-Northridge, San Jose University, Brigham Young University-Hawaii Campus, Mount Holyoke College, and Utah Valley State College.
Financial Support to Study in the USA
The survey done by several universities indicates that personal funds continue to be the most common means used by students to fund their studies. The second most prevalent method is take assistance of financial support given by the US educational institution.
Some students use their income from their current job to fund their studies in the USA. There are several governments from different parts of the world who invest in international education as a top policy priority and send their students to study in the United States by granting scholarships and financial aid.
Student Medical Insurance in the USA
Most US universities require their students to have medical insurance that satisfies certain requirements. In any case, it is unwise and very risky to remain uninsured while studying in the USA. US student medical insurance designed by top US insurers and will insure international students both inside and outside the university campus.
Though there are different insurance plans available the free quote international student health insurance comparison at our website enables international students make an informed choice while buying insurance. The user-friendly purchase facility helps students buy insurance wherever they are and even before traveling to the USA.
There are some vital factors to consider while buying international student health insurance Rates for young people coming to the US are very reasonable and our plans can be much cheaper than options you may be given by your institution.
What Does International Student Insurance Cover?
Health Care Expenses
Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.
Sports Activities
Some plans cover high school sports activities.
Repat of Remains
Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
Dental Coverage
Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
Maternity Coverage
Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.
Pre-existing Conditions
Student insurance who need coverage for existing medical ailments.
How Much Does F1 Student Health Insurance Cost In the US in 2025?
How much is Low-cost medical insurance for international students in America? How much does Insurance for foreign students in America cost per month?
The monthly cost of international student insurance for USA ranges from $30 to $124, depending on the level of coverage selected.
| Insurance Plans | Policy maximum | Deductible | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Journey Lite | $150,000 | $100 | $30 |
| StudentSecure Smart | $200,000 | $0 | $32 |
| Student Journey Plus | $300,000 | $500 | $48 |
| StudentSecure Budget | $500,000 | $0 | $53 |
| Patriot Exchange | $50,000 | $250 | $56 |
| Diplomat America | $50,000 | $250 | $71 |
| Student Journey Platinum | $500,000 | $250 | $74 |
| StudentSecure Select | $1,000,000 | $0 | $106 |
| Student Health Advantage Standard | $500,000 | $250 | $124 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
What affects the student health insurance cost?
Several factors influence the price, including:- Student’s age
- Coverage duration
- Policy maximum & medical benefits
- Deductible and co-insurance levels
- Optional add-ons (e.g., maternity, mental illness, dental expenses, hazardous sports and coverage for pre-existing ailments)
International student health insurance USA
Review student insurance plan benefits.
International Student Health Insurance Reviews
Anirudh
"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."
Amanda
"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!."
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% |
Insurance for International Students in the USA - FAQs
1. What is the best student insurance? What is the best health insurance for international students?
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, covid19 coverage for Coronavirus, coverage for pregnancy, coverage for pre-existing ailments etc…
2. For - How much is health insurance for international students?
The cost of health insurance for international students depends on the age of the student, the medical maximum coverage, the deductible and the co-insurance for the plan.
Additional factors such as coverage for hazardous sports, maternity and coverage for pre-existing ailments will also impact the cost of international student health insurance.
3. Do international students get health insurance?
The US Department of State does not mandate health insurance for F1visa students, but it requires exchange visitors on the J-1 visa and their dependents on the J-2 visa to be covered by medical insurance for the entire length of their program.
However given the cost of healthcare in the United States, most schools and colleges require all international students to purchase international student health insurance.
4. Do f1 students need 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.
How to buy US student abroad medical insurance?
Find the Best Plans
Complete the student insurance quotes request form by providing details of the student and insurance requirements.
Compare Options
Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.
Buy Your Plan
Purchase the plan that fits your requirements and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.
Review Your Policy
Review the travel insurance policy documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers.
What Factors Determine International Student Health Insurance Cost?
When choosing the best travel insurance for students studying abroad, understanding the factors that drive the cost is important.
-
1
Student’s Age
- Younger students usually pay lower premiums.
- The prices for best health insurance for f1 students in USA increase with age due to higher medical risk.
-
2
Duration of Coverage
- Whether it's a short summer program or a full multi-year degree, longer coverage = higher cost.
- Most student plans are priced monthly or daily, so your total cost scales with time.
-
3
Maximum F1 Student Insurance Coverage
- Plans typically range from $50,000 to $500,000+.
- Higher coverage = more protection, but also higher premiums.
- The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
- Important to meet visa or university requirements.
-
4
Deductible Amount
- A higher deductible reduces your monthly premium.
- Lower deductible = better emergency coverage, but increased plan cost.
-
5
Type of Insurance Plan
- Budget plans cover essentials only (emergency care, accidents).
- Comprehensive plans include broader protection (checkups, mental health, maternity) — priced higher.
-
6
Visa or University Requirements
- Some visas (like F-1 or J-1) or universities require a minimum coverage standard.
- This can increase cost if your plan needs an upgrade to meet the requirements.
-
7
Optional Add-on Benefits
- If the students need additional coverage for specific activities like adventure sports mental illness, preventive care services, home country would cost more.
For a detailed breakdown of these factors and tips on choosing the right plan, visit our guide on the factors for buying best student health insurance plan.
Best Health Insurance for International Students in USA
🎓 Health Insurance for International Students Studying In the USA
How Much Does Health Insurance for US Students Studying Abroad Cost?
The monthly cost of health insurance for U.S. students studying abroad typically ranges from $26 to $289, depending on the level of coverage selected.
| Insurance Plan | Policy Maximum | Deductible | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
What Factors Affect the Cost for U.S. Students Studying Abroad?
Several factors influence the price, including:- Student’s age
- Coverage duration
- Policy maximum & medical benefits
- Deductible and co-insurance levels
- Optional add-ons (e.g., maternity, sports coverage, CFAR)
