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Optional Practical Training - OPT Insurance Forum

Optional Practical Training (OPT) quotes

Insurance plan for student on stem OPT

Can I buy Visit USA plan for the stem OPT?
commentMonisha
support_agentDear Amrish,
Thank you for contacting us at American Visitor Insurance for your Students health insurance needs!
Yes, this plan is available for those on OPT. Please see this page as well for your information:OPT Medical Insurance
Please let us know if you have any further questions
Regards,
Customer care
www.americanvisitorinsurance.com
phone(877) 340 7910

Insurance plan for OPT student with hazardous sports coverage

I am an OPT student and I need a plan that can cover me. I need coverage for adventure sports. Please send me the one that satisfies both these conditions.
commentRathna
support_agentDear Rathna,
Thank you for contacting us at American Visitor Insurance for your Student sports insurance needs!. Below is an excellent comprehensive plan called Visit USA from Travel Insurance Services. This plan does not have any restrictions with any state in US. This plan is suitable for OPT students as well. This plan has an optional benefit of covering adventurous and hazardous sports activity which makes it an excellent option for customers interested in hazardous sports. This plan provides coverage for motocross racing which is one of the highly requested activity for coverage. Please visit the below link and scroll down to the Visit USA healthcare plan which is the first option in the list of suggested plans and view all the hazardous sports activities listed:
To get quote and purchase this plan, please visit the below link:
Visit USA Healthcare Travel Insurance

Feel free to contact us in case of questions over email or phone and we will be glad to assist you.
Regards,
Customer care
www.americanvisitorinsurance.com
phone(877) 340 7910

International health insurance for F1 visa student on OPT

I just started my optional practical training (OPT) on my F1 visa here in the US. I have lost my university's coverage and was hoping to get insurance until July 1. What would be my best options?
commentShabih
support_agentDear Shabih,
Thank you for contacting us at American Visitor Insurance for your F1 visa student health insurance needs! needs!
You are eligible for any of our visitor policies unless you have already arrived in US and stayed in US for some time now.
Please visit our compare tool facility at the below link: Visitors Medical Compare Tool
By entering the required information in the above link, you will get quote for All the available policies. Feel free to contact us in case of any questions regarding the available plans.
If you have already been in US for some time now, then below are the plans that are best suitable for your situation. Atlas America Insurance

Travel Medical USA Visitor Choice Insurance

Feel free to contact us in case of questions over email or phone and we will be glad to assist you.
Regards,
Customer care
www.americanvisitorinsurance.com
phone(877) 340 7910

International health insurance for an Iranian citizen on OPT visa in California

I am an Iranian citizen and I have just graduated and am working with an opt visa in California. All of the insurance companies I've searched have banned Iranian citizens because of sanctions against my country. Do you know if there are any plans that do not discriminate based on nationality?
commentKiana
support_agentDear Kiana,
Thank you for contacting us at American Visitor Insurance for your International students health insurance needs! This is one of the few plans which will allow purchase by Iranian citizens. You should put your address in Iran as your "home country" address; but you can use a US billing address if you choose or need to.
It also has an excellent sports rider option that covers wide variety of adventure sports including collegiate sports, mountain climbing, skiing etc.
Diplomat America Travel Insurance

This is a comprehensive coverage plan. The plan pays co-insurance 80% of Covered Expenses up to $5,000 and 100% thereafter up to the selected policy maximum. This is a deductible per policy period plan. You can purchase a new plan once this one has expired, or you can purchase the Long Term policy (below) for a higher price which you can extend for up to 1 year
Please note that if you wish to be able to renew the policy, you must purchase the Diplomat LongTerm plan (must be purchased for at least 3 months the first time it is purchased):
Diplomat Longterm
Feel free to contact us in case of questions over email or phone and we will be glad to assist you.
Regards,
Customer care
www.americanvisitorinsurance.com
phone(877) 340 7910

Health Insurance plan satisfy MCC requirements for F1 Visa holder

I am on F1/ OPT visa in the US, living in Massachusetts.I need to buy health insurance coverage until my employer's insurance start date (so buying insurance coverage between February 4 and April 1 2014). Can you please let me know which plan meets the MCC requirements of the state and whether or not you provide the 1099HC form for tax filing?
commentNancy
support_agentDear Nancy,
Thank you for contacting us at American Visitor Insurance for your F1 visa student health insurance needs! needs!.You can purchase the Atlas America Insurance plan offered by WorldTrips. They will provide the 1099 as you require.
You can get all information about Atlas insurance, see the brochure, search the PPO network and buy the policy at Atlas America Insurance.
This policy is very popular with international travelers and has many excellent features. In particular, their coverage of "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions up to $100,000 or the maximum of the plan (whichever is smaller) for medical expenses and an additional $25,000 for emergency medical evacuation can put your mind at ease. Atlas America Insurance

Feel free to contact us in case of any questions
Regards,
Customer care
www.americanvisitorinsurance.com
phone(877) 340 7910

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.

Insurance Plans Policy maximum Deductible Cost * Buy Plans
Patriot America Plus IMG $50,000 $250 $42 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

* The average cost of OPT student health insurance for a 25 years opt student for one month. Source: AMERICAN VISITOR INSURANCE®

International student insurance-FAQ's

1. What is OPT medical insurance?

OPT medical insurance reference to the health insurance for international students in the United States when they are on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) status of the students visa (F1 visa). International students in the US who are in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education stream are provided the OPT status after their required coursework for three years. International Students in the US who are not categorized under the STEM programs are usually given the OPT status for 1 year after completing their university coursework.

2. How much do OPT student health insurance plans 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 OPT Health Insurance for F1 Students.

Our 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 and compare free opt insurance for international students quotes to find the best opt insurance online.

3. Is it mandatory to have OPT insurance for students?

The US immigration authorities do not make it mandatory for students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) status to buy student insurance. However, given the very cost of healthcare in the US, and the relatively low cost of OPT insurance for the relatively young students, it is very logical to buy good Opt medical insurance for students which will cover the health of the student while he/she is on the OPT status.

Students on OPT status will not need any OPT student insurance if they have health insurance coverage from the institution where they are doing their Optional Practical training.

4. Why is OPT health insurance required?

Healthcare in the US is very expensive. During the F1 Visa status, there is a mandatory requirement from the University to be enrolled in some medical insurance plan to cover for unexpected sickness and injury, covered pregnancy and maternity, acute onset of pre-existing conditions after the waiting period which varies from one plan to another and many other specific benefits. The international student health insurance will be very specific in case of coverage’s. Some of these specific coverage’s are not available in visitor health insurance plans. However, during the OPT period, they are eligible for visitor health insurance plans. These plans are flexible in their coverage compared to the student plans.

5. Are OPT insurance holders eligible for visitors medical insurance?

There are travel medical insurance plans that OPT visa holders are eligible for. You can compare and buy the best health insurance for opt students on American Visitor Insurance online

6. Do international students need health insurance? Do f1 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.

7. Can international students get health insurance?

Yes, International students can definitely get student medical insurance, we offer many student insurance options on American Visitor Insurance. Quite often, the universities themselves offer student insurance, however this can be expensive.

At student insurance plans that we offer are considerably more affordable than the University insurance plans, while providing similar coverage benefits. However, students should confirm if the University allows students to but insurance outside the University, and if they can get the required insurance waiver for this student insurance.

8. 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.

9. What is 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.

10. What is the best health insurance for international students? What is the best insurance for international students?

The best student medical insurance will vary for each student. There is no single student insurance which will work as the best international student health insurance plan for all students.

The factors to consider while identifying the best student insurance will be the coverage benefits, the provider network and the cost of the health insurance for international students.

11. Is there health insurance for college students?

US citizens are eligible to purchase health insurance plans through their state's health insurance marketplace. Non-US citizens can purchase visitor insurance plans. Those foreign students on the F or J visas qualify specifically for "student" health insurance plans which are often cheaper than visitor insurance. Students can compare student medical insurance plans and make an informed choice.

12. Does college offer health insurance?

Most colleges offer group health insurance for their students. This may be required if the student does not have any other insurance. Check with your institution as to what is available.

However the student insurance plans that are offered in American Visitor Insurance are usually cheaper than University insurance while offering similar coverage. Students can compare the coverage of the University insurance along with the plans on this website and make an informed decision.

13. What is the best health insurance for international students in USA? What is the cheapest health insurance for international students in USA

There are different factors for buying best student insurance for USA students. While the best student insurance for USA varies from students to students, the following list can be considered the best student insurance for students to USA based on their popularity.

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

The health insurance cost for the college student will depend on the coverage benefits of the student insurance plan, the age of the student, the medical maximum coverage required and the deductible for the plan. The cost of student health insurance coverage within the US is more expensive when compared to coverage outside the US.

15. 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.

OPT students in USA

Optional Practical Training (OPT) has become a pivotal program for international students in the U.S., enabling them to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. In the academic year 2023-24, the number of OPT participants reached a record high of 242,782, marking a significant 22% increase from the previous year. This growth highlights the rising popularity of OPT as a pathway to professional development. Over the past few years, OPT participation has steadily increased, particularly among students in STEM fields, who benefit from an additional 24-month extension, allowing up to 36 months of work authorization.

This upward trend is driven by the alignment of U.S. education with global career aspirations and the high demand for skilled talent in industries like technology, healthcare, and engineering. For international students, OPT provides invaluable hands-on experience, enhancing their employability and offering opportunities to transition to long-term work visas like H-1B. However, challenges such as maintaining legal status and securing health insurance coverage during the OPT period remain critical considerations. As participation in OPT continues to rise, it underscores the U.S.'s role as a leader in global education and a hub for career advancement, making it an attractive choice for students worldwide.

Academic Year OPT Participants % Change from Previous Year
2023-24 242,782 +22%
2022-23 199,818 +15%
2021-22 173,756 +8%

What does international student insurance cover?

USA students study overseas insurance plans

International Student Medical Insurance Plans for students studying abroad

Best International student insurance

 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.

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.

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.

 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

Get quotes for international student travel insurance!

Review and compare the best international student travel medical insurance.

Factors for health insurance cost in USA for international students

  • Student’s age: The student’s age determines the cost of US student medical insurance. The prices for f1 visa US student insurance increases with the age of the student.
  • The length of coverage: The price of 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 medical coverage: Student health insurance USA cost is directly dependent on the medical maximum coverage required. The cost of F1 student medical insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
Click here to read more »

Best insurance for international students

Cheapest medical insurance for F1 students

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 travel insurance for students that satisfies the f1 visa health insurance requirements.

International student insurance

Students can find the affordable 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.

Health Insurance for International Students resources

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Find the student insurance cost

Find out the best insurance for your budget and needs.

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How to buy student insurance?

Step by step guide to buying the best travel insurance.

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Student group insurance

Best student group travel medical insurance.

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Student compare coverage

Compare International health insurance for students in USA

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US Colleges and Universities

Student health insurance for top US colleges and universities

Student health insurance information

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Student medical insurance forum

Customer queries and answers about medical insurance.
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Student Medical Insurance Blogs

Blogs about buying student health Insurance.
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AmericanVisitorInsurance and/or its associates have tried to answer these frequently asked questions to the best of our knowledge. However we make no guarantee regarding the accuracy of our answers. The exact answers for some of the questions can change periodically as insurance companies change their plans/policies. AmericanVisitorInsurance is not liable for any problem resulting from the content on this FAQ. If you do not agree with the terms of this disclaimer, please do not use any information in this FAQ.
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