Best International student health insurance

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International student health insurance plans in the USA

International student health insurance plans are required by foreign students who pursue their higher education outside their home country. The US is one of the most popular destination for Masters and Doctoral programs for such students.

The universities in the US usually have a mandatory health insurance requirement. While the Universities often insist on specific university health insurance plans, they offer students the option of buying student insurance outside the university plan if it satisfies university requirements. There are many student insurance plans available for international students in the US.

student medical insurance USA

The International Medical Group (IMG) is an US insurance provider who has two popular student medical insurance plans.

Patriot Exchange plan from IMG is highly popular among the J1 Visa and F1 Visa holders visiting the US. It satisfies most of the requirements of the Universities. The unique feature of this plan is that the J2 or the F2 wanting to buy insurance without the J1 or the F1 being on the plan can continue to buy this plan.

This is not available with other student plans. Other plans would want the J1 or the F1 to be the primary insured. This plan however does not cover pregnancy and maternity which can be a downside of the plan.

Student Health Advantage plan from IMG is another excellent international student insurance plan that makes up for the features not available with the Patriot Exchange plan. This plan provides coverage for maternity and pregnancy for a covered pregnancy. This plan also covers mental health, substance abuse and sports.

There is coverage available for acute onset of pre existing condition with waiting period applicable. The platinum plan has 6 months waiting period and the standard plan has 12 months waiting period. WorldTrips is another US insurance provider who has a popular student health insurance plans.

Student Secure plan series from WorldTrips is another very popular international student insurance plans that have all the benefits available mentioned for the student health advantage plan. They cover maternity, pregnancy, substance abuse, sports.

What are the advantages of buying health insurance within a PPO for international students?

A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) for student health insurance can be extremely beneficial for international students seeking coverage in the USA under emergency.

  • PPOs offer a large network of doctors, specialists, hospitals, and clinics across the USA. This gives international students a much wider choice of healthcare providers compared to other plan types (like HMOs, which often restrict you to a specific network or require referrals).
  • When students are in a new country, navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming. A vast PPO network means it's usually easier to find an in-network provider near your university or temporary residence, making it convenient to seek care when needed.
  • PPOs negotiate discounted rates with their in-network providers. When international students consult an in-network doctor or visit an in-network hospital, they benefit from these lower, pre-negotiated prices.
  • Student health insurance in USA are typically structured so that the out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copayments, coinsurance) are significantly lower when you use in-network providers. For example, a common PPO structure might pay 100% of costs after deductible when in-network, but only 60% when out-of-network.
  • Many in-network providers will bill the insurance company directly, reducing the amount students have to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement for. This simplifies the financial process considerably.
  • With a PPO, students typically do not need a referral from a primary care physician (PCP) to see a specialist (like a dermatologist, orthopedist, or cardiologist). This means they can directly schedule an appointment with the specialist they need, saving time and simplifying the process, especially when dealing with specific health issues.
  • International Student Health Insurance PPO plans provide online directories or apps where students can search for in-network doctors, hospitals, and clinics by specialty, location, and even language spoken.
  • When students receive health care services, they have to present their insurance ID card. The provider will verify the coverage and bill the insurance company directly for the in-network portion.
  • Lastly the students will be responsible for the deductible amount which they need to pay before the insurance starts covering costs and any copayments or coinsurance which is the student’s share of the costs after the deductible as per the chosen plan's benefits.

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.

What are the most popular international student health insurance plans?

Choosing the right health insurance plan is essential for international students studying in the United States. With so many options available, it can be challenging to compare coverage limits, monthly costs, deductibles, and how pre-existing conditions are handled. The table below provides a clear side-by-side comparison of some of the most popular student health insurance plans tailored 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 decide which plan 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®

What factors determine international student 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 $30 to $124 per month. 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. Annual plans tend to be more expensive than short-term policies, but they offer more comprehensive benefits. The price increases with the duration of coverage required.
  • Maximum F1 student insurance coverage: Comprehensive plans that offers higher policy maximums and extensive coverage including benefits like mental health, dental, maternity, and pre-existing conditions generally comes with higher premiums. The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
  • Deductibles and Co-insurance: Plans with lower deductibles (the amount the student pays out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins) and lower coinsurance, (the percentage the student pays for most medical costs after the deductible), will also have higher premiums.
  • Type of student health insurance: University-sponsored health insurance plans are often mandatory and offers comprehensive coverage, but usually are more expensive and allow for less flexibility. The private health insurance for international students available on American Visitor Insurance offer university requirements comparable coverage and are often more affordable than the university-sponsored plans making them flexible and cost-effective.
  • Coverage region: There is significant variance in the cost of student health insurance depending on the country the student will be studying in. Student medical insurance in the US is typically more expensive than in many other countries.
  • 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.

Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA

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

The cheapest health insurance for F1 students is offered by Student Journey Lite insurance plan, starting at just $30 per month. Other affordable student health insurance option includes Student Secure Smart insurance and Student Journey Plus insurance. This cost mainly depends on different factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.

Student Journey Lite
IMG logo

$30 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $360 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $150,000
  • Deductible: $100 per injury/illness
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $45
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed from 30 days to 12 months.
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StudentSecure Smart
worldtrips logo

$32 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $372 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $200,000
  • Deductible: $0
  • Student health center copay: $25 per visit
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: No coverage
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
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Student Journey Plus
IMG logo

$48 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $576 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $300,000
  • Deductible: $500 per period
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $25
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed from 30 days to 12 months.
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What are the best health insurance for international students in USA?

The best health insurance for international students in the USA are Student Journey Platinum by IMG, Patriot Exchange Program from IMG, StudentSecure Select from WorldTrips. 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.

Patriot Exchange Program
IMG logo

$56 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $938 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $50,000
  • Deductible: $250 per illness/injury
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $5
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 12 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months
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Student Journey Platinum
IMG logo

$74 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $888 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $500,000
  • Deductible: $250 per period
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $15
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 12 months.
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StudentSecure Select
worldtrips logo

$106 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $1248 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $1,000,000
  • Deductible: $0
  • Student health center copay: $10 per visit
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
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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 $124. 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 $56
Diplomat America Global Underwriters $50,000 $250 $71
Student Journey Platinum IMG $500,000 $250 $74
StudentSecure Select WorldTrips $1,000,000 $0 $106
Student Health Advantage Standard IMG $500,000 $250 $124

Source: American Visitor Insurance®

International student health insurance USA

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International student health insurance FAQ's

1. Do international students need health insurance?

Without doubt, all students should have health insurance while they are in the US. The US health care costs are the highest in the world and a minor injury or accident could set you back tens of thousands of dollars.

Being healthy and taking care of yourself is, of course, highly recommended, but accidents happen to us all and when we least expect. Students should have proper insurance before anything emergency situation arises so that you do not find yourself in serious debt.

2. 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.

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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.

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Anirudh

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.

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Sheela

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!

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Best insurance for international students

Cheapest medical insurance for F1 students

International students studying abroad, along with their education get an opportunity to experience a new culture, see different parts of the world and meet new people with varied backgrounds. We work with all reputed US insurance providers to offer excellent F1 student health insurance.

American Visitor Insurance has a compare F1 visa student travel insurance tool along with article's and FAQ's with to help students fine the best health insurance for F1 students. The compare foreign student insurance tool displays the cost and coverage details of students medical insurance that satisfy f1 visa health insurance requirements. Students can easily find cheap health insurance for international students by comparing both cost and other F1 visa student insurance coverage benefits.

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