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Buying International Student Insurance

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

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🌍 International student Health Insurance Plans

International students who enroll in the US Universities as well as US students studying outside the US have to satisfy one important requirement of the University, which is to have adequate International student health insurance.

🏛️University Requirements

  • International students are not eligible for the domestic health care options and they need to buy student health insurance that satisfies the requirements specified by the University.
  • Most Universities in the US have student health insurance plans which the student can buy to qualify for basic health coverage.

They can also compare international student insurance outside of the University options as these can be cheaper while providing similar coverage. However most Universities might expect students to complete an insurance waiver form to ensure that the external student insurance satisfies the university requirement.

Why Choose American Visitor Insurance?

The student insurance plans that we offer in American Visitor Insurance are accepted in most US universities.

📝Note: The monthly payment option is not available in all student insurance plans. Below are details of the different plans that offer the monthly payment option.

geoblue logoGeoBlue Navigator for student

Navigator Plan offered by Geoblue and is a great student health plan.

  • Includes coverage for Pre-existing conditions and Preventive care services
  • Premium payment can be made monthly, even though it is an annual plan.
  • Eligiblity:
    • US citizens and US residents.
    • Legal residents and foreign nationals coming to the US as students and faculty
  • Other required benefits such as pregnancy, maternity are included.

Key highlight: This is the only plan that is flexible with many benefits like pre-existing condition coverage, preventive care services cover availability.

geoblue logoStudent Health Advantage Plan

Student Health Advantage Plan is a student insurance option which satisfies most US Universities requirements.

  • There are 2 levels for this plan namely Standardand Platinum.
  • Coverage includes for pre-existing condition after a waiting period
  • mental health, pregnancy, maternity, sports.
  • The Platinum plan provides a higher policy maximum as high as $1,000,000
  • This plan can be purchased for any number of days or months
  • The plan has a maximum lifetime of 5 years
  • The premium payment can be made monthly or one-time an upfront payment
  • This is a comprehensive plan and meets the requirements for US international student visas like F1 and US research scholars visas like the J1 visa.

geoblue logoPatriot Exchange plan

Patriot Exchange plan is from IMG and is available for international student on F1 Visa and research scholars and exchange students on J1 Visa

  • The premium payment with this plan is one-time upfront payment for the opted duration.
  • This plan has a maximum lifetime of 2 years
  • Can be renewed after 12 months.
Key highlight: The plan has a special benefit where it is available to the spouse on F2 or J2 regardless of F1 or J1 being as the primary holder on the plan

geoblue logoStudent Secure Plans

The Student Secure plans offered by WorldTrips is one of the more popular plans among the student insurance options for international students on an F1 Visa and research and exchange scholars on the J1 Visa

  • This plan is another plan that has the flexibility of making the premium payment on monthly basis.
  • Four levels namely
    StudentSecure Select

    StudentSecure Budget
    StudentSecure Smart
    StudentSecure Elite
  • The elite plan has the highest policy maximum option of $1,000,000
  • Others vary and have a lower policy maximum.
  • Renewable and can be renewed every 6 months.
  • Can only be renewed continually for 4 years after which a new plan must be purchased.

What Are the Payment Options for International Students?

International students in the US come from different countries, with diverse economic backgrounds and face different financial needs. At American Visitor Insurance we offer health insurance for international students with flexible payment structures designed to make it more affordable and convenient, whether they are in the US for a semester or for an entire program spanning many semesters.

There are different student insurance payment options available depending on the insurer and the length of coverage. The payment options are mainly either monthly or yearly, and the purchase can be either by paper or bought online. Here are some details of the different payment options for international student insurance in the U.S.

Payment Period Highlights Advantage Disadvantage
Monthly Monthly payments, with recurring installments Flexible with small installments Overall higher total cost, and time consuming, Student must remember to pay on time to keep student medical insurance active.
Yearly Pay the full premium up front (for entire policy period usually one year) Cheaper than monthly payments, no risk of losing coverage by oversight Larger upfront cost

Application Methods: Online vs Paper

Method Description Speed Highlight
Online Application Complete online application and payment on American Visitor Insurance Fast — Policy issued instantly Most common and use Credit card
Paper Application Complete paper forms and submit documents by post Slower — Takes time (few days) to process Can pay by Check

What Are the F-1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements?

If you’re an international student planning to study in the USA on an F1 visa, having the right health insurance is essential. Most of the universities typically require F1 students to have health insurance coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and often mental health or maternity care. To make sure you meet both university and visa requirements, explore our comprehensive guide on best F1 visa health insurance requirements in USA.

What Does International Student Insurance Cover?

local_hospital

Health Care Expenses

Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.

sports_soccer

Sports Activities

Some plans cover high school sports activities.

local_hospital

Repat of Remains

Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.

dentistry

Dental Coverage

Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.

pregnancy

Maternity Coverage

Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.

cardiology

Pre-existing Conditions

Student insurance who need coverage for existing medical ailments.

💰 What Is the Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students In the USA?

The Cheapest health insurance for F-1 international students is the Student Journey Lite plan, with premiums starting at just $30 per month.

Other Affordable student health insurance options also includes the StudentSecure Smart plan and the Student Journey Plus plan.

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 Is the Best Health Insurance for International Students?

The Best health insurance plans for international students in the USA include Student Journey Platinum by IMG, the Patriot Exchange Program from IMG, and StudentSecure Select from WorldTrips.

Selecting the right plan depends on several factors such as your individual health needs, budget, university insurance requirements, and visa status.

Patriot Exchange Program
IMG logo

$56 per month

Age: 20 years | $938 per year

  • 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 per month

Age: 20 years | $888 per year

  • 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 per month

Age: 20 years | $1248 per year

  • 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 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)
Graduating Student

International student health insurance USA

Review student insurance plan benefits.

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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)
For example, the best student health insurance for a 20-year-old international student can start as low as $26 per month for basic coverage and go up to $289 per month for comprehensive plans with higher benefits and unlimited coverage.

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. On American Visitor Insurance we offer the best sports health insurance plans for international students.

  • schoolDesigned for international students participating in intercollegiate sports.
  • add_boxStudents can choose a specific sports rider (low, medium, or high) depending on the sport to be covered.
  • warningMaximum benefit payout is limited to $20,000 for any covered injury or illness resulting from the sports activity.
  • sync
    Diplomat LongTerm Insurance plan can be extended and offers worldwide coverage, with a minimum purchase period of 90 days.
  • sync_disabledDiplomat America plan cannot be extended or renewed.

Sports rider options and coverage levels for Diplomat insurance plans

Coverage level

Add-on cost (flat monthly rate)

Sports covered

Low Option $12.00 Ballet, Baseball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Golf, Horse Polo, Water Polo, Rowing, Softball, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Middle Option $26.00 Basketball, Competitive Cycling (Road, Track, CX), Ice Hockey, Inline Skating (with helmet/proper gear), Lacrosse, Martial Arts/Karate, Modern Pentathlon, Skiing (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill), Ski Jumping and Wrestling
High Option $80.00 Football (No Division I), Gymnastics, Rugby (No Division I) and Soccer
  • schoolMore affordable student insurance plan than Diplomat America and covers high school sports teams.
  • paidPatriot 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.
  • blockIt does not include coverage for varsity sports regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) nor the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
  • sports_baseballVarsity sports are only covered when the “Add-on” Rider is selected — not the Adventure Sports Rider.
  • sports_baseballProvides coverage for intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports
  • paidBenefit limit of $5,000 per illness or injury during the coverage period.
  • sports_baseball
    Both Student Secure Elite and Student Secure Select plans provide coverage for organized sports including intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports. Covers medical expenses related to sports injuries, up to $5,000 per injury or illness.
  • done_allAll four levels of the Student Secure plans (Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite) offer coverage for leisure, recreational, entertainment and fitness activities, with benefits available up to the plan’s overall maximum limit, depending on the selected level.

❓International Student Travel Insurance FAQ's

1. How much does health insurance cost for a college student?

The student health insurance cost ranges from $150 to $2,223 for a 6-month period, and from $360 to $4,447 for annual coverage, depending on the chosen plan and coverage level.

The cost of student medical insurance coverage within the US is more expensive when compared to coverage outside the US. It’s important for international students to compare different plans to find the right plan and cost that fits their healthcare needs and budget.

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. How to get 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 student health insurance plan just right for you and your situation.

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