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Health insurance for international students in the USA

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🌎 International Student Insurance in the USA

The United States has the world's largest international student population, with over 800,000 international students coming to pursue higher education and gain life experience in the U.S.

✈️ Top Countries of Origin

➡️ The USA remains the most popular destination for international students, and the number is growing every year.

🏆 What Makes U.S. Education Attractive?

  • Academic Excellence
  • Campus Life Experience
  • Cutting-Edge Technology
  • Flexibility in Curriculum
  • Variety of Educational Opportunities
  • Support Services for International Students
  • Opportunities for Research, Teaching & Training
  • Global Recognition & Long-term Career Prospects

Planning for Your Study Abroad Experience

  • Careful planning is essential to make your time in abroad a success.
  • Similar to the application process, students should create a checklist before going to the US.
  • Items in the checklist might include:
    • Student Visa
    • Communications
    • Travel Arrangements
    • Health Care
  • Health Care is one of the most important items, as health care in US is among the most advanced and most complex in the world.

Why Health Insurance Is Crucial for International Students?

  • Most colleges and universities provide health insurance that covers basic sickness and injury.
  • However, many universities make a requirements document for health insurance.
  • It may be mandatory to purchase insurance from outside that satisfies these university requirements.
  • There are a number of private insurance companies where students can buy health insurance for international students in US.
  • These plans are designed to qualify for the University Requirements.

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.

How Much Does International Student Insurance USA Cost?

The international student health insurance cost per month ranges from $30 to $115. Some providers offer plans starting as low as $30 per month, particularly for those on F1 or J1 visas. 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.
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)
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International student health insurance USA

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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 per month

Age: 20 years | $360 per year

  • 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 per month

Age: 20 years | $372 per year

  • 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 per month

Age: 20 years | $576 per year

  • 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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Which Are the Best Health Insurance Plans for International Students in the USA?

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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International Student Health Insurance Reviews

Anirudh

Anirudh

"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."

Amanda

Amanda

"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!."

Best Health Insurance for International Students in USA

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.

Why Buy International Student Insurance at American Visitor 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.

Why Is the US a Popular Destination for International Students?

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

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Insurance plans for dependents of an F1 visa holders.

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US Student Abroad

Plans for US students studying outside their home country.

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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.

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What Are the Best International Health Insurance Options for Students?

Student insurance USA

K-12 International Student Health Insurance in the USA

Give your child the protection they deserve while studying in the United States. The K–12 international student health insurance on American Visitor Insurance is specially designed for school-aged children, offering reliable coverage for accidents, illnesses, and medical emergencies throughout the school year.

With benefits like hospitalization, outpatient care, prescription coverage, and accident protection, parents can feel confident knowing their child is protected no matter where they study.

Affordable, flexible, and easy to enroll, this plan ensures peace of mind for parents and uninterrupted learning for students - so they can focus on education while K-12 health insurance takes care of their medical expenses.

International Health Insurance for International Students FAQs

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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…

Which Is the Best Health Insurance for International Students in USA?

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:

International Medical Group (IMG)

Offers a wide range of plans like Student Journey, designed for international students seeking affordable coverage for medical expenses and hospitalization.

WorldTrips

Provides plans like StudentSecure Smart starting at $31/month with $0 deductible, covering emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation.

GeoBlue

Offers the Navigator Student plan with unlimited medical maximum, global provider access, and coverage for U.S. and international students.

Which Is the Popular Health Insurance for International Students in USA?

The following are some of the best international student health insurance plans in USA:

Patriot Exchange Program IMG

  • Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports
  • Pre-existing condition: Comprehensive plan with high medical maximum and pre-existing conditions coverage after 12 months of waiting period.
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Direct Billing: First healthcare network First health care Provider Network or United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months.
  • Patriot Exchange Program insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $56 per month ($675 per year). An annual payment option is available to students.
  • Policy maximum?
    $50,000 to $5,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0 to $500

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

Student Journey Platinum IMG

  • Ideal for : J1, F1, A1 and M1 visas, Adventure Sports, Maternity
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 40 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to 30 days max
  • Direct Billing: United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 12 months.
  • Student Journey Platinum insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $74 per month ($888 per year). An annual payment option is available to students.
  • Policy maximum?
    $500,000

  • Deductible options?
    $250

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 12 months

StudentSecure Select Worldtrips

  • Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Maternity, Sports coverage
  • Acute on set of pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 30 visits, Inpatient: Max 30 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Direct Billing: United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Student Secure Select insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $106 per month ($1248 per year). You can buy the plan either on a monthly or a yearly basis.
  • Policy maximum?
    $1,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

Student Health Advantage Standard IMG

  • Ideal for : F1, J1,M1 and A1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Direct Billing: First healthcare network First health care Provider Network or United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months.
  • Student Health Advantage Platinum insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from 118 per month ($1,416 per year), both monthly and annual payment options are available. Offers high policy maximum and good coverage for various medical emergencies.
  • Policy maximum?
    $500,000

  • Deductible options?
    $250

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

StudentSecure Elite Worldtrips

  • Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Maternity, Sports coverage
  • Acute on set of pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 40 visits, Inpatient: Max 40 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Direct Billing: United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Student Secure Elite insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $181 per month ($2135 per year). You can buy the plan either on a monthly or a yearly basis.
  • Policy maximum?
    $1,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

Student Health Advantage Platinum IMG

  • Ideal for : F1, J1,M1 and A1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports, Maternity
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Direct Billing: First healthcare network First health care Provider Network or United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months.
  • Student Health Advantage Platinum insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $353 per month ($4,236 per year), both monthly and annual payment options are available.
  • Policy maximum?
    $1,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $100

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

How to buy US student abroad medical insurance?

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Find the Best Plans

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

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Compare Options

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

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Buy Your Plan

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

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Review Your Policy

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

What Factors Determine International Student Health Insurance Cost?

When choosing the best travel insurance for students studying abroad, understanding the factors that drive the cost is important.

  1. 1

    Student’s Age

    • Younger students usually pay lower premiums.
    • The prices for best health insurance for f1 students in USA increase with age due to higher medical risk.
  2. 2

    Duration of Coverage

    • Whether it's a short summer program or a full multi-year degree, longer coverage = higher cost.
    • Most student plans are priced monthly or daily, so your total cost scales with time.
  3. 3

    Maximum F1 Student Insurance Coverage

    • Plans typically range from $50,000 to $500,000+.
    • Higher coverage = more protection, but also higher premiums.
    • The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
    • Important to meet visa or university requirements.
  4. 4

    Deductible Amount

    • A higher deductible reduces your monthly premium.
    • Lower deductible = better emergency coverage, but increased plan cost.
  5. 5

    Type of Insurance Plan

    • Budget plans cover essentials only (emergency care, accidents).
    • Comprehensive plans include broader protection (checkups, mental health, maternity) — priced higher.
  6. 6

    Visa or University Requirements

    • Some visas (like F-1 or J-1) or universities require a minimum coverage standard.
    • This can increase cost if your plan needs an upgrade to meet the requirements.
  7. 7

    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.

For a detailed breakdown of these factors and tips on choosing the right plan, visit our guide on the factors for buying best student health insurance plan.

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🎓 Health Insurance for International Students Studying In the USA

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