In health insurance parlance, a pre-existing condition is any health issue that exists before purchasing a plan — whether or not it has been diagnosed or treated.
Common examples of pre-existing conditions include:
These chronic disorders affect a large portion of the population. According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare for students, health plans can no longer deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
However, many plans still use a "look back period", also known as an Exclusion Period or Waiting Period, to define whether and when the condition becomes eligible for coverage.
The look back or exclusion period typically varies from 6 to 18 months, depending on the insurance provider and state regulations.
Mary, a 48-year-old woman with Type 2 Diabetes, is applying for a J1 visa health insurance as a visiting scholar in the U.S.
Plan name | Medical Maximum | Deductible | Pre existing coverage | Cost* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Student Secure Smart | $200,000 | $0 | Acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to $25,000 | $32 |
Patriot Exchange Program | $50,000 | $500 | Covers after 6 months of waiting period | $47 |
Student Secure Budget | $500,000 | $0 | Covers after 12 months of waiting period | $53 |
Student Secure Select | $1,000,000 | $0 | Covers after 6 months of waiting period | $106 |
Student health advantage Standard | $500,000 | $250 | Covers after 12 months of waiting period | $118 |
Student Secure Elite | $5,000,000 | $0 | Covers after 6 months of waiting period | $181 |
Student health advantage platinum | $1,000,000 | $100 | Covers after 6 months of waiting period | $353 |
* The cost of medical insurance for an international student per month aged 20 years studying in USA.
Review student insurance plan benefits.
The cost of international student health insurance starts as low as $30 per month . The exact price may vary depending on several factors such as the student’s age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and coinsurance.
The table below provides a clear side-by-side comparison of some of the most popular student health insurance plans designed for international students. Whether you’re looking for the most affordable monthly premium ,the highest coverage amount, or flexible payment options , this chart will help you choose the plan that best fits your health needs and budget while studying in the U.S.
Costs are based on quotes for 20-year-old students traveling to the USA
Plan name | Max coverage | Deductible | Pre-existing coverage | Monthly cost | Yearly cost | Payment option |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Student Journey Lite IMG | $150,000 per injury/illness | $100 | Covered after 6 months | $30 | $360 | Annual payment |
StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips | $200,000 overall maximum | $0 | Not covered | $32 | $372 | Monthly & Annual |
Student Journey Plus IMG | $300,000 per injury/illness | $500 | Covered after 6 months | $48 | $576 | Annual payment |
StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips | $500,000 overall maximum | $0 | Covered after 12 months | $53 | $624 | Monthly & Annual |
Patriot Exchange IMG | $500,000 overall maximum | $500 | Covered after 12 months | $66 | $794 | Annual payment |
Student Joureny Platinum WorldTrips | $500,000 per injury/illness | $250 | Covered after 6 months | $74 | $888 | Annual payment |
Student health advantage standard IMG | $500,000 overall maximum | $250 | Covered after 12 months | $95 | $1,146 | Monthly & Annual |
StudentSecure Select WorldTrips | $1,000,000 overall maximum | $0 | Covered after 6 months | $106 | $1,248 | Monthly & Annual |
StudentSecure Elite WorldTrips | $5,000,000 overall maximum | $0 | Covered after 6 months | $181 | $2,135 | Monthly & Annual |
Student Health Advantage Platinum IMG | $1,000,000 overall maximum | $100 | Covered after 6 months | $282 | $3,389 | Monthly & Annual |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.
Some plans cover high school sports activities.
Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.
Student insurance who need coverage for existing medical ailments.
It's important to compare different international students insurance plans on American Visitor insurance to find one that offers the best coverage at a cost you're comfortable with. Some plans, like those that cover the "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions, can be more affordable and still provide protection in emergencies.
Student health insurance for pre-existing conditions often includes a waiting period. Below are plans that provide such coverage:
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. Some insurance providers offer reliable and best plans that are designed for international students.
Best health insurance providers for international students in the USA are:Offers a wide range of plans like Student Journey, designed for international students seeking affordable coverage for medical expenses and hospitalization.
Provides plans like StudentSecure Smart starting at $31/month with $0 deductible, covering emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation.
Offers the Navigator Student plan with unlimited medical maximum, global provider access, and coverage for U.S. and international students.
The following are some of the best international student health insurance plans in USA:
Policy maximum?
$50,000 to $5,000,000
Deductible options?
$0 to $500
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Policy maximum?
$500,000
Deductible options?
$250
Period of coverage?
30 days to 12 months
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$0
Period of coverage?
30 days to 364 days
Policy maximum?
$500,000
Deductible options?
$250
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$0
Period of coverage?
30 days to 364 days
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$100
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
International students may need medical evacuation and repatriation insurance to meet visa or school requirements.
Policy maximum?
$75k
Deductible options?
$0
Period of coverage?
364 days
Policy maximum?
$100k
Deductible options?
$50k
Period of coverage?
365 days
Most international student health insurance plans may appear similar at first glance. However, despite having common benefits and comparable premiums, each plan can differ in key areas like specific benefits or coverage limitations.
To choose the best plan based on student requirements, it's important to compare different features carefully.
📌 Key Factors for Comparing Student Health Insurance Plans:At American Visitor Insurance, we provide a powerful student medical insurance comparison tool to make decision-making easy:
Cost-Effective Alternatives: Enjoy students insurance coverage on par with university-sponsored plans, but at significantly lower premiums—without compromising on benefits. You're getting exceptional value.
Whether you're on an F-1, J-1, OPT, M-1, or even a dependent visa like F-2 or J-2, our plans are engineered to meet those unique requirements so you stay compliant, covered, and stress-free.
From acute illness and chronic condition support to maternity, mental health, sports, and even device protection our plans are flexible and globally effective no more battling campus restrictions when heading off-site or on OPT.
Not just limited to semesters renewable coverage through OPT, transfer between universities without hassle, and extensions beyond graduation make our plans a seamless companion throughout your U.S. journey.
The most important types of insurance plans that a student need to have are:
They should also consider buying the following if applicable to their needs.
Student travel insurance is an international travel insurance when the student travels abroad. This insurance will provide various benefits for the student which are requested by the University abroad in which the student is admitted for higher studies.
The international student travel insurance plan covers all the requirements of the students Here are some of the things that they cover:
Pre-existing conditions refers to a health condition or medical condition that was and has been in the individual before obtaining the insurance coverage.
The exact definition and scope of pre-existing conditions can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy. Here are some characterizations of pre existing conditions:
Some of the student travel insurance plans provide coverage for pre-existing conditions. There are some plans that do not cover pre-existing conditions and most of them have waiting periods to cover this benefit. There are few more situations where this coverage will be addresses as mentioned here:
Waiting period is the time period during which the benefits related to pre-existing conditions may not be covered. After the waiting period the coverage for pre-existing conditions will begin. Some plans have short waiting periods as few weeks while some have waiting periods of 6 months to one year.
Some of the popular Student insurance plans and their waiting periods to cover pre existing conditions:
A pre-existing condition refers to any illness, injury, or medical condition that you had before buying your student health insurance. These pre-existing ailments can range from chronic diseases like diabetes or asthma to previous injuries or surgeries.
It is important to compare coverage on the compare tool in American Visitor Insurance and carefully review the policy documentation and talk to the licensed insurance agents on American Visitor Insurance to inquire about pre-existing condition coverage. It is important to pay attention to the policy's terms and conditions, exclusions, and limitations related to pre-existing conditions.
If your current plan does not cover pre-existing conditions, you can explore other insurance options on American Visitor Insurance that provide such coverage. Some student medical insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after a waiting period. It is important and useful to compare different student insurance plans on American Visitor Insurance to find one that suits your needs.
Student insurance plans that offer coverage for pre-existing conditions may have higher premiums to make it viable to pay for this increased benefits. The exact premium cost will however depend on various factors, including the pre-existing condition and the insurance provider's pricing structure.. It is most useful to compare different student insurance plans on American Visitor Insurance to find one that suits your needs.
It is crucial to be honest and transparent when providing information about pre-existing conditions during the insurance application process. Intentionally withholding information or providing false details may result in claim denials or even policy cancellations.
Some student insurance plans impose waiting periods before coverage for pre-existing conditions becomes effective. During this waiting period, the insurance provider will not cover any medical expenses related to the pre-existing ailment. Waiting periods can vary, and it's essential to understand the specific terms outlined in your student insurance policy.
If your student insurance policy has a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, you will not receive coverage for treatments related to those conditions until the waiting period has expired. During this time, you may have to cover the expenses out of pocket.
Yes, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, requires health insurance companies to cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Complete the student insurance quotes request form by providing details of the student and insurance requirements.
Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.
Purchase the plan that fits your requirements and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.
Review the travel insurance policy documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers.
"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."
"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!."
Customer queries and answers about medical insurance.
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