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Best health insurance for OPT Students in USA





Patriot America Plus

Per Month

by seven corners logo
  • Plan Maximum
  • Deductible
  • descriptionPaper Application
  • calendar_monthMonthly payment optioncheck_circle
  • sports_soccerSportscheck_circle
  • pregnancyMaternitycancel
  • ecg_heartPre-existing coveragecheck_circle
  • airplanemode_inactiveDoes not have any arrival time restriction in the US
  • This plan can be renewable up to 364 days
  • signal_cellular_alt Comprehensive coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions for OPT students in USA.
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Atlas America

Per Month

by Atlas America WorldTrips Travel Insurance
  • Plan Maximum
  • Deductible
  • descriptionPaper Application
  • calendar_monthMonthly payment optioncheck_circle
  • sports_soccerSportscheck_circle
  • pregnancyMaternitycheck_circle
  • ecg_heartPre-existing coveragecheck_circle
  • airplanemode_inactiveDoes not have any arrival time restriction in the US
  • This plan can be renewable up to 364 days
  • signal_cellular_alt Comprehensive visitor insurance plan and is available for OPT holders and H1 Visa holders
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Student Secure Smart

Per Month

by Student Secure Smart WorldTrips Medical Insurance
  • Plan Maximum
  • Deductible
  • descriptionPaper Application
  • calendar_monthMonthly payment optioncheck_circle
  • sports_soccerSportscheck_circle
  • pregnancyMaternitycancel
  • ecg_heartPre-existing coveragecheck_circle
  • airplanemode_inactiveAvailable for full time students enrolled in a college
  • This plan can be renewable up to 4 years
  • signal_cellular_alt Excellent comprehensive Student insurance suitable for OPT holders
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  • Plan Maximum
  • Deductible
  • descriptionPaper Application
  • calendar_monthMonthly payment optioncancel
  • sports_soccerSportscheck_circle
  • pregnancyMaternitycancel
  • ecg_heartPre-existing coveragecheck_circle
  • airplanemode_inactiveDoes not have any arrival time restriction in the US
  • This plan can be renewable up to 48 months
  • signal_cellular_alt Comprehensive plan suitable for OPT holders until they qualify for domestic plans.
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What are the health insurance options for STEM OPT students in the USA?

International students in the United States after completing their required academic coursework (some students choose to graduate, but others might not have formally graduated) but are still in their US international student F1 visa status will enter the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

As part of the OPT program, international students are temporarily employed in their major area of study and OPT is the work permit for them to work in their specialized field.

OPT student health insurance in the US

It works as employment authorization for F1 students. This is a transition period for F1 visa holding international students to become a full time employees, however, they are not eligible for the school health insurance as they are not enrolled in academic coursework, and they usually do not get health insurance from their employer given their current temporary nature of employment.

It is during this period that short-term insurance for opt students will cover any kind of medical assistance due to an unforeseen illness or injury.

At American student insurance, we help international students find the appropriate international student medical insurance. Similarly we have a comparison facility for best insurance for opt students. To give more insight and information on suitable plans for OPT holders, American Visitor Insurance has a compare OPT student health insurance utility.

There are some best health insurance for international students on opt. Students can also get an instant quote in this page by entering their age, start date(insurance effective start date) and the end date. This will provide the price information on the stem opt health insurance that are displayed for the input values entered.

Here, for each opt us student health insurance the maximum coverage and the deductible values can be varied to get the price for preferred coverage and deductible options. The "Know more" link will navigate the customer to the product page of the plan where all the details about that particular plan are available. The "Purchase now" button will navigate the customer to the insurance BUY page of the plan chosen where the customer can continue to fill out the application and purchase the US health insurance for OPT students.

Some more resourceful health insurance for opt international students information is available here where students can find the important student health insurance factors to consider before buying the popular student OPT health insurance and the reason for buying insurance while on the OPT status.

One of the best health insurance plans for opt students is the Atlas America Insurance plan offered by WorldTrips. Atlas America insurance plan by WorldTrips is health insurance for f1 opt students that one can have even after completing formal coursework and while on the OPT status.

Can opt students buy health insurance?

Yes, OPT students can buy health insurance. Since they are not typically eligible for school-sponsored health insurance or employer-provided coverage due to the temporary nature of their employment, OPT students can purchase short-term or specialized health insurance plans. OPT health insurance for students on American Visitor Insurance are designed to provide coverage for medical emergencies, illnesses, and injuries during their OPT period.

International Student Health Insurance 2025 highlights

Foreign student insurance benefits

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

The cheapest OPT student insurance is Student Secure Smart insurance plan, starting at just $67 per month. Other affordable student health insurance option includes Student Journey Lite insurance and Student Secure Budget insurance. This cost mainly depends on different factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.

StudentSecure Smart
worldtrips logo

$67 for 1 month

Age: 30 years | $792 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $200,000
  • Per illness/injury max: $100,000
  • Deductible: $0
  • Student health center copay: $25/visit
  • Monthly or annual payment options available
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
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Student Journey Lite
IMG logo

$96 for 1 month

Age: 30 years | $1,152 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $400,000
  • Per illness/injury max: $150,000
  • Deductible: $100 per injury/illness
  • Student health center copay: $45/visit
  • Annual payment option only available
  • Renewal: Can be renewed from 30 days to 12 months.
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StudentSecure Budget
worldtrips logo

$100 for 1 month

Age: 30 years | $1,175 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $500,000
  • Per illness/injury max: $250,000
  • Deductible: $0
  • Student health center copay: $25/visit
  • Monthly or annual payment options available
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
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Which is the best health insurance for opt students in USA?

The best OPT student health insurance is Student Journey Platinum by IMG. Other most popular plans are Patriot Exchange Program from IMG and 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

$134 for 1 month

Age: 30 years | $1,605 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $500,000
  • Deductible: $0 per injury/illness
  • Student health center copay: $5/visit
  • Annual payment option only available
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months
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StudentSecure Select
worldtrips logo

$240 for 1 month

Age: 30 years | $2,832 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $1,000,000
  • Per illness/injury max: $500,000
  • Deductible: $0
  • Student health center copay: $10/visit
  • Monthly or annual payment options available
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
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Student Journey Platinum
IMG logo

$293 for 1 month

Age: 30 years | $3,516 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: Unlimited
  • Per illness/injury max: $500,000
  • Deductible: $250 per period/in-network
  • Student health center copay: $15/visit
  • Annual payment option only available
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 12 months.
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OPT student health insurance cost calculator in 2025

How much does OPT student insurance cost per month? How much does health insurance for OPT students cost per month?

The OPT student health insurance cost per month ranges from around $42 to $463. The price depends on different factors like the age of the student, the duration, the medical coverage, the deductible and the co-insurance for the plan. 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 average cost of OPT student health insurance for a 25 years opt student for one month.

Insurance Plans Policy maximum Deductible Cost * Buy Plans
Patriot America Plus IMG $50,000 $250 $47 Buy now shopping_cart
Atlas America WorldTrips $50,000 $250 $47 Buy now shopping_cart
StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips $100,000 $0 $65 Buy now shopping_cart
Diplomat America Global Underwriters $50,000 $250 $67 Buy now shopping_cart
Patriot Exchange IMG $50,000 $250 $70 Buy now shopping_cart
Navigator Student GeoBlue Unlimited Coverage $0 $463 Buy now shopping_cart
Source: AMERICAN VISITOR INSURANCE®

What are the best international health insurance options for students?

Student insurance USA

Do international students need opt health insurance?

Yes, international students on OPT (Optional Practical Training) need health insurance. While they are no longer covered by their university's health plan after completing their coursework, they are required to have health insurance to protect against unexpected medical expenses. Since OPT students are often not eligible for employer-sponsored insurance during their temporary employment, purchasing a separate health insurance plan is essential to ensure they have medical coverage during their OPT period in the U.S.

Do I need health insurance during opt?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you have health insurance during your OPT (Optional Practical Training) period.

While on OPT, you are no longer enrolled in your university’s health insurance plan, and you may not have health insurance through your employer since many OPT jobs do not offer health benefits. Without insurance, you could be responsible for significant medical expenses in case of illness or injury.

Is it worth buying US OPT health insurance:

  • Medical emergencies: Accidents or unexpected health issues can occur, and having insurance will cover the cost of treatment, reducing your financial risk.
  • F1 visa compliance: Some health insurance plans are required to meet certain standards for F1 visa holders, especially if your university has specific requirements.
  • Affordable options: There are several affordable short-term plans available that provide necessary coverage for international students on OPT.

If you're on OPT, it is best to look into a specialized OPT health insurance plan that provides the right coverage for medical or emergency expenses while in USA.

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®

OPT Student insurance, Health insurance for F1 OPT students FAQ's

1. How much do F1 opt health insurance cost?

The OPT Student Health Insurance Plans cost varies depending on the age of the OPT student and the duration of coverage required. The older the student the higher will be the OPT medical insurance cost. The longer the duration of travel insurance required, the greater will be the cost of health insurance for students on opt.

Our cheap health insurance for OPT students quote comparison facility lists the opt student health insurance plans that satisfy your requirements comparing them based on price and benefit. Compare health insurance for OPT students on American Visitor Insurance to get free OPT medical insurance quotes and find the best f1 opt insurance online.

2. Why buy medical insurance when on the OPT status?

  • International Students with the F1 visa are eligible to get internship on a work permit for 36 months for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) students and 12 months for non STEM students.
  • Since these students are no longer taking courses in the university, they are not eligible for student insurance.
  • International students cannot buy domestic insurance plans as they are not US citizens or US permanent residents (Green card holders).
  • We offer insurance plans for OPT students which are both affordable and comprehensive in their coverage.

3. What type of medical insurance is recommended for OPT students?

Comprehensive F1 visa OPT student health insurance that includes medical emergencies, doctor visits and prescription medications is recommended. Compare the different F1 visa OPT insurance options on American Visitor Insurance and ensure that the plan meets your needs when you are on the OPT status.

4. What are important factors when selecting the best OPT health insurance plan?

Important factors to consider include the medical coverage limits, deductible and co-insurance amounts, benefits for different medical expenses, the PPO network availability, coverage for any pre-existing medical conditions, and any other specific features that you require.

5. When should F1 OPT students buy health insurance?

F1 OPT students should ideally buy OPT health insurance coverage before the start of their OPT period to ensure continuous protection as they transition from the F1 visa student insurance to the OPT status.

6. Is health insurance mandatory for F1 OPT students?

The US government does not make it mandatory for F1 OPT students to have health insurance. However given the extremely high cost of US health insurance, it is highly recommended that international students buy OPT health insurance as they start their working career in the US. The risks of not having the best OPT health insurance is simply too high.

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How can international students find the cheapest F1 student health insurance?

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.

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