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Health insurance for international students in the USA

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International student insurance in USA

International students health insurance

The United States has the world's largest international student population. There are over 800,000 students coming to US for their higher education, studying in america as an international student and to broaden their life experience in the US.

About 31% of the total international student population is from China and about 16% is from India. The rest of the population is spread out between students coming from In fact, USA is the most popular and wanted place for international students.

Let's see what USA has got to offer to these students with great desire to broaden their education in US: Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, Brazil, Japan, Mexico... This number has been growing every year.

  • Academic Excellence
  • Campus Life Experience
  • Cutting Edge Technology
  • Flexibility
  • Variety of Educational Opportunities
  • Support Services for International Students
  • Opportunity for Research, Teaching and Training
  • Global Education and long term career prospects

Careful planning is the one thing that you need to do in order to make your time in abroad a success. As with your application process, you need to make a checklist of things that you need to have with you before going to US. Amongst the items in that checklist which might include Student Visa, Communications, Travel Arrangements... Health Care is one the important things as health care in US is most advanced and most complex in the world.

Most colleges and Universities provide health insurance which provide coverage for basic sickness and injury. However, Universities make a requirements document for health insurance and make it mandatory that you purchase insurance from outside that satisfy these requirements. There are a bunch of private insurance companies where you can buy health insurance for international students in US plans that qualify for the University Requirements.

American Visitor Insurance provides International Student insurance listing excellent student plans for your age and your criteria. You can also get instant price quotes for your requirement. Here are some important factors to consider while buying student insurance. You can also compare international student health insurance plans for benefits that you specifically need.

They have plans for F1 Visa holders, J1 Visa holders, OPT holders… There are Student Group insurance available as well for a group of students. We have also identified medical insurance plans for students on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa status (hence not taking any courses) where you can compare and buy the best OPT student insurance plan satisfying your needs. Exchange scholars on j1 visa can use our easy and friendly compare tool to find the best J1 visa health insurance plan satisfying all the j1 visa insurance requirements.

International Student Health Insurance Coverage highlights

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Steps to buy medical insurance for F1 students

international student insurance USA
The steps for buying the best student health insurance for international students in the US are:
  • Find out from your University/School/College if they offer the best health insurance for international students in usa.
  • If they offer health insurance for F1 students, is it mandatory to buy that University plan, or do they allow other F1 student health insurance plans.
If you are allowed to buy an alternative best health insurance for F1 students in USA, then compare cheapest insurance for international students on American Visitor Insurance. Compare the cheap insurance for international students here with the University plan based on price as well as coverage benefits. You can also buy health insurance for F2 visa holders and medical insurance for J2 visa holders if required. Select the international student health insurance plan that best fits your budget and needs. On buying the best health insurance for f1 students in usa, you will receive all the relevant documents by email.

What are the advantages of US student insurance over university provided insurance?

  • The student medical insurance on American Visitor Insurance are designed specifically for international students.
  • Our US Student insurance options offer comparable coverage to University insurance plans but are significantly cheaper.
  • These US student health insurance provide coverage throughout the country and are not limited to the proximity of any college.
  • Some of our student medical insurance for OPT status can be bought even if the student is not taking courses on campus.
  • We offer health insurance for international students as well as for the spouse and dependents of the student visa holder even if the primary visa holder has a different insurance.
  • The medical insurance for international students on American Visitor Insurance travels with the student and is not limited to any University. Unlike any University insurance, if the student switches a college, the health insurance for the is valid in the new University as well.
  • These US students insurance plans are valid till the end of the policy period even after the student has graduated. This is very useful for students who are on the OPT status in an F1 visa
  • We offer exchange student insurance plans that satisfy J visa requirements as mandated by US consulates.
  • The student insurance on American Visitor insurance are significantly cheaper when compared to most University insurance plans. The student insurance plans also offer Student insurance for pre-existing condition coverage and sports insurance coverage for students.

Foreign students in U.S. Universities

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

Not on a F1 visa? Please review these other visa categories

science

J1 visa holders

Insurance for Exchange scholars satisfying visa requirements.

Click here to read more »
group

F2 dependents

Insurance plans for dependents of an F1 visa holders.

Click here to read more »
travel

US Student Abroad

Plans for US students studying outside their home country.

Click here to read more »
group

J2 dependents

Insurance plans for US students studying outside their home country.

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OPT Status within F1 visa

Best health insurance plans for opt students.

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M1 visa holders

Medical insurance for students on vocational training.

Click here to read more »

International health insurance for students

Student insurance USA

International health insurance for international students - FAQs

01. How much does healthcare insurance for international students in USA cost for students?

International students can benefit from very reasonable rates, as low as $37 per month for coverage in the US (less for coverage outside the US). However, if there are specific requirements that must be met, you may have to choose a pricier plan.

The good news is that most of comprehensive medical Insurance for f1 student in USA are much less than the plan costs offered by the institutions themselves.

Note that if the institution requires the plan to be ACA compliant, then you will be forced to purchase their offered plan since none of our international student insurance plans meet ACA requirements

02. Why do international students need health insurance?

Students who study outside their home country should compare student F1 health insurance and buy adequate F1 visa student medical insurance. As students in a foreign land, they should be focusing on their academic pursuits and not be burdened by stressful issues such as huge medical bills.

Healthcare in most developed countries is very expensive and since international students are outside their home country, and exposed to a new living environment, cuisine and weather, they are also vulnerable to fall sick.

he domestic health insurance may not cover students while in a foreign country. It is therefore very important to have the best travel insurance for students studying abroad to keep one secure in the event of a medical emergency.

03. Can international students get health insurance?

Yes, international students can and should get good international student health insurance. At American Visitor Insurance, we work with US insurance providers who have designed excellent health insurance for f1 students studying in the usa as well as for US students studying outside the USA.

International students can compare best insurance plans for international students in USA on our website and buy the best student insurance plan that suits their needs. The best health insurance for f1 students in USA policy document will be emailed to the student on completing the online transaction.

04. 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…

Best international student health insurance in USA

  • Which is the best student insurance in USA?

    Health insurance for F1 students in USA, Medical insurance for international students

    • IMG's Patriot Exchange insurance is designed for International students or Cultural Exchange scholars.
    • It is a very affordable plan and meets J visa requirements and F Visa for international students.
    • Covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of continuous coverage $500 per period of coverage; $1,500 lifetime maximum.
    • The student can buy this plan with a sports rider to cover activities such as downhill skiing.
    • Patriot Exchange Insurance can be renewed online up to 48 months.
    • Provides coverage for international student medical insurance to students and scholars pursuing their education outside their home country.
    • Student Health Advantage Platinum covers Maternity Newborn Care.
    • Standard plan covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of a waiting period.
    • Platinum plan covers pre-existing condition after 6 months of a waiting period.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to five years.
    • Student Secure provides excellent insurance cover to international students and scholars outside their home country.
    • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to $25k lifetime maximum for eligible expenses.
    • This plan is ideal for J1 and F1 and OPT students.
    • Sports activities, leisure, recreational,entertainment or fitness is covered upto overall maximum limit.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to four years.
    • Offers worldwide coverage for international students and faculty outside their home country.
    • Offers Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum.
    • Pre-existing conditions exclusion can be waived with proof of prior creditable coverage.
    • Coinsurance is waived for care outside the U.S.
    • Sports, terrorist and alcohol-related injuries are covered.
    • Exceeds J-1 visa requirements.
    • No waiting period associated with any preventive services.
    • Available for International students and exchange program participants.
    • Excellent plan for international students who are on the OPT status.
    • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age of 79 years.
    • Available for Non-US Citizens traveling outside their home country.
    • Covers treatment of complications of pregnancy during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy.
    • Offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.
    • Covers pre-existing conditions for medical services and medical evacuation, for individuals with a current U.S. health plan.
    • Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
    • Applicant's home country must be the US.
    • Requires a primary health plan.
    • This plan is ideal for students, study abroad and international exchange students.
    • Covers pre-existing conditions after 24 months waiting period.
    • Available for Non Us citizens and Non US residents visiting the US.
    • Covers athletic & hazardous sports activities.
    • This plan can be available from 15 days to 365 days.
    • Offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.
    • Pre-existing conditions are covered with a 180-day exclusion.
    • Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
    • Applicant's home country must be the US.
    • Does not require a primary health plan.
    • Offers coverage for students.
    • Worldmed is international health insurance for people traveling outside their home country and is available to both US and Non US citizens.
    • Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to $200k up to age 60 and for age 60-64 it is $20k.
    • Intercollegiate sports activities, recreational activities and hazardous activities are optional add on benefits on the plan.
    • Available from 5 days to 364 days.
    • This plan is ideal for study abroad, work study programs and international exchange students.
    • Available for Non US Residents while visiting the US.
    • Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition(US Citizens only)
    • Offers optional Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider.
    • Covers optional war risk coverage.
    • This plan is ideal for students, study abroad and international exchange students.
    • Available for people traveling outside their home Country excluding USA.
    • Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition(US Citizens only)
    • Offers optional Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider.
    • Covers optional war risk coverage.
    • Designed for Study abroad student seeking supplemental Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage to meet school or visa requirements.
    • Offers coverage to international students and visitors traveling to the U.S.
    • Available for people age above 14 days and below 50 years.
    • Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage is available for up to $50k.
    • This plan can be available from 5 days to 365 days.
    • Repatriation of remains coverage is available for up to $25k.
    • Offers coverage for International students or scholars.
    • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation provides annual coverage that meets J Visa and other visa requirements.
    • Any non US citizen and non US resident who is travelling to the United States and Participating in full-time educational activities can buy this plan. You are not required to have a visa.
    • Available from 5 days to 364 days.
    • Available for people age above 14 days and below 65 years.

Steps to compare and buy
Best International student insurance

search 1: Finding the available best health insurance for international plans

Complete the student insurance quotes request form by providing details of the student and insurance requirements.

balance 2: Compare the different medical insurance options

Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.

request_quote 3: Buy the student health insurance that you like best

Purchase the plan that fits your requirements and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.

description 4: Review the students medical insurance plan documents received by email

Review the travel insurance policy documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers.

Step by step student travel insurance

How is student medical insurance cost calculated in the USA?

  • Student's age: The student's age determines the cost of US student medical insurance. 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. The price increases with the duration of coverage required.
  • Maximum F1 student insurance coverage: The cost of health insurance for international students in the US is directly dependent on the medical maximum coverage required. The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
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Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA

Student health insurance for top US colleges and universities Click here to read more »

Health insurance for international students studying in the USA

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Factors about health insurance for international students in USA

Factors while buying best insurance for international students in USA.

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Best insurance for international students

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.

Popular countries among international students
Check here for the popular countries insurance for international students....

Ask me a Question?

Which are the best foreign student medical insurance companies in USA?

You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), WorldTrips, GeoBlue insurance.

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