Indian students studying in the USA are required to have health health insurance for Indian students in the USA because medical treatment in the U.S. is very expensive and most universities require proof of health insurance for enrollment. Even a short hospital visit or emergency care can cost thousands of dollars without insurance.
Student health insurance for Indian students in the USA usually includes:Even if the U.S. immigration authorities do not require it, health insurance will still be enforced by most universities for F1 visa holders. Colleges will provide their own insurance plans, they are often costly. A few institutions will let students bypass the university plan if they purchase a private international student health insurance plan that meets the school's coverage requirements.
According to the latest Open Doors report indicates that there are more than 196,000 Indian students studying in the USA, thus India is among the top countries with the highest number of international students. Given the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., buying affordable and comprehensive student health insurance is essential for financial protection and peace of mind. Students should also compare international student insurance plans to find the best coverage at the most reasonable cost.
The monthly cost of international student insurance in the USA typically ranges from $30 to $124 for students Aged 20, depending on the age, coverage limits, deductible level, and insurance provider.
| Plan | Cost (Monthly) | Max Coverage | Deductible | Pre-existing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Journey Lite IMG | $30 | $150,000 | $100 | After 6 months | Budget-friendly basic coverage |
| StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips | $32 | $200,000 | $0 | Acute onset covered | Zero deductible + acute onset coverage |
| Student Journey Plus IMG | $48 | $300,000 | $500 | After 6 months | Higher coverage with affordable premium |
| Patriot Exchange Program IMG | $56 | $50,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Short-term students & adventure sports |
| Student Journey Platinum IMG | $74 | $500,000 | $250 | After 6 months | Comprehensive coverage with higher limits |
| StudentSecure Select WorldTrips | $106 | $1,000,000 | $0 | After 6 months | Maximum coverage & premium benefits |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
The cheapest health insurance for Indian students in USA is the Student Journey Lite insurance plan, with premiums starting at just $30 per month.
Other popular cheap insurance for international students includes:
Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.
Know more »
Some plans cover high school sports activities.
Know more »
Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
Know more »
Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
Know more »
Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.
Know more »
Student Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
Know more »Indian students should buy health insurance for Indian students in the USA before traveling to the United States, ideally immediately after receiving the Form I-20 and confirming their university’s insurance requirements.
🎫 Before Visa Interview
While health insurance is not required for the F1 visa interview, having insurance details ready shows preparedness for studying in the USA.
✈️ Before Departure from India
It is strongly recommended that Indian students purchase US student health insurance before flying to the USA so coverage begins from the date of arrival. Medical emergencies can occur immediately after landing, and healthcare costs without insurance can be extremely high.
🏫 Before University Enrollment Deadline
Most US universities require proof of health insurance before course registration or orientation. Students must either:
Missing the insurance deadline may result in automatic enrollment into a costly university plan.
💼 For OPT and Continuing Students
Indian students transitioning to OPT or continuing studies should renew or purchase coverage before the current policy expires to avoid gaps in coverage and maintain university or visa compliance.
⚠️ Note: Why Buying Health Insurance Early Is Important for Indian Students in the USA
Indian students in the USA choose different health insurance plans based on visa type, budget, university waiver rules, maternity needs, or pre-existing medical conditions. The table below shows the best student health insurance plans for Indian students in the USA based on common situations.
| Your Situation | Recommended Plans | Why |
|---|---|---|
| F1 student, budget-conscious | Student Journey Lite, StudentSecure Smart | Lowest monthly cost |
| University waiver required | Student Journey Platinum, StudentSecure Select | Meets waiver criteria |
| Needs maternity coverage | Student Journey Platinum, StudentSecure Elite | Pregnancy benefits |
| Pre-existing condition | Student Journey plans | Waiting-period coverage |
| Playing university sports | Diplomat America, StudentSecure Elite | Sports injury coverage |
The United States of America is a place where healthcare related costs are extremely high as compared to India. Indian students who are in the USA can incur a medical bill of thousands of dollars if they don’t have health insurance, even for a normal check-up or a short hospital stay. The table below compares typical medical expenses in both countries and shows how health insurance helps Indian students avoid unexpected medical bills while studying abroad.
| Medical Service | Cost in India | Cost in USA |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor visit | ₹500 – ₹1,500 | $150 – $300 |
| Emergency room visit | ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Appendectomy | ₹40,000 | $25,000+ |
| 3-day hospitalization | ₹20,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
The cost difference highlights why health insurance is essential for Indian students in the USA. A good student health insurance plan helps avoid unexpected medical expenses and offers financial protection during medical emergencies.
When choosing the best travel insurance for students studying abroad, understanding the factors that drive the cost is important.
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.
The following are some of the best international student health insurance plans in USA:
or United HealthCare 
Policy maximum?
$50,000 to $5,000,000
Deductible options?
$0 to $500
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Policy maximum?
$500,000
Deductible options?
$250
Period of coverage?
30 days to 12 months
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$0
Period of coverage?
30 days to 364 days
or United HealthCare Policy maximum?
$500,000
Deductible options?
$250
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$0
Period of coverage?
30 days to 364 days
or United HealthCare Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$100
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Below is a sample scenario to help students understand how Patriot Exchange insurance works in practice while studying abroad.
In this example:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurance Coverage | Up to $50,000 |
| Deductible | $100 per certificate period |
| Medical Expenses (Claimed) | $25,100 |
After the insured pays the $100 deductible, the Patriot Exchange plan applies its standard cost-sharing structure:
Since the total medical bill is $25,100, the insured is responsible for 20% of the first $5,000, which equals $1,000.
All remaining eligible charges are paid by the insurance company. Because the policy maximum is $50,000, the full claim amount fits within the allowed limit.
| Expense Type | Amount Billed | Amount Insurance Pays | Amount Student Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $100 | $0 | $100 |
| Hospital Room Rent | $9,000 | $8,000 | $1,000 (20% of first $5k) |
| Surgery | $15,000 | $15,000 | $0 |
| X-ray & Diagnostics | $1,000 | $1,000 | $0 |
| Total | $25,100 | $24,000 | $1,100 (Deductible $100 + Coinsurance $1,000) |
In this example, the student pays a total of $1,100 ($100 deductible + $1,000 coinsurance), and Patriot Exchange covers the remaining $24,000. This demonstrates how the plan protects students from major medical expenses while studying abroad.
We have made every effort to ensure the information above is accurate and current. However, policy terms, benefits, and limits may change periodically. Please refer to the official Patriot Exchange policy brochure for exact details.
The U.S. Department of State does not mandate specific health insurance requirements for F1 visa holders. However, most U.S. universities require international students to have valid health insurance as a condition of enrolment and registration.
F-1 student health insurance requirements for Indian students in USA are set by individual schools. check with your school to see what coverage is mandatory to have, if any, you can find a plan that fits both your needs and the school’s requirements on American visitor insurance. Some universities require students to enrol in a school-sponsored insurance plan, while others allow students to purchase a private international student health insurance plan that meets the school’s coverage criteria.
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.
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.
International Student Insurance Payment Options 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 |
| 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 |
The best insurance for international student athletes in the USA depends on the type of sport, level of participation, and university requirements. There are several U.S. student health insurance plans that cover sports activities, but coverage details, limits, and eligibility can vary by plan.
Because sports coverage differs by sport intensity and risk level, there is no single “best” plan for every student athlete. Instead, students should choose a plan that offers the appropriate sports rider and meets school, visa, and athletic program requirements.
At American Visitor Insurance, we offer a range of sports health insurance plans for international students designed for recreational, intercollegiate, and competitive sports participation.
Coverage level |
Monthly Add-On Cost |
Sports covered |
| Low Option | $12 | 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 | 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 | Football (No Division I), Gymnastics, Rugby (No Division I) and Soccer |
Choosing American Visitor Insurance for your F1 student health insurance or international travel insurance needs comes with several key benefits:
Choosing the right student health insurance is important to ensure you’re protected from high U.S. healthcare costs while meeting university requirements. Here’s how to choose the best student health insurance plan:
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 Indian students requirements and to get sufficient coverage from the health insurance plan for students from India, it is important to compare different features available in the best health insurance for Indian students in USA:
The following are important factors for comparing cheapest health insurance for Indian students plans:
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.
Yes. Indian students studying in the USA may be able to waive their university’s health insurance plan if they purchase a private international student health insurance policy that meets the school’s waiver requirements.
University waiver compliance allows students to choose an out of campus insurance by showing proof of equivalent international student health insurance. The private plan must usually offer these coverages:
Universities provide a waiver form outlining the minimum required benefits. Submit this form along with your insurance proof by the school’s deadline.
⚠️ Important: Waiver requirements vary by university. Always review your school’s insurance guidelines before purchasing a private student health insurance plan.
Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student insurance.
Learn More »Yes, students from India can definitely get good student health insurance on the student F1 visa. F1 visa holding students can compare international student insurance plans offered by US student insurance providers and buy the F1 student health insurance that they like best.
The popular student insurance plans on our website are not aca compliant health insurance for international students, however international students insurance are not required to satisfy ACA requirements up to five years in the USA.
Yes, we do have student insurance plans for international students on a valid student visa, who are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and are currently not taking any courses on campus.
In most cases, health insurance from India is not enough to meet the requirements of US universities and colleges. International students are usually required to purchase a specific health insurance plan offered by their institution or a private insurance provider in the US. Do also note that since US insurance preferred provider organization (PPO) network healthcare billing is significantly lower than regular hospital bills without PPO network in the United States, it is very useful to have US student health insurance offered by US insurance providers. Simply having US student health insurance can reduce your hospital bills in the United States even before the coverage pays anything.
Yes, students can purchase insurance after arriving in the US, but it is recommended to arrange for student insurance before arriving in the United States. This ensures that students are covered from the moment they arrive on campus.
Yes, in fact many international students studying in the United States are required to have student travel insurance USA coverage to satisfy University needs. The specific requirements for best health insurance for international students varies depending on the educational institution, state regulations, and the type of visa the student holds.
Some key points to consider:
At American Visitor Insurance we offer the best international student insurance USA plans from top rated insurance providers.
There is no f1 visa health insurance requirements mandated by US consulates, and unless the University insists on the College insurance plans, India students can compare international student insurance plans offered by popular US student insurance providers and buy the F1 student health insurance that they like best. Their plans offer coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, accidental death and dismemberment, and more. They also have a wide range of deductibles and co-insurance options to choose from.
Patriot Exchange Insurance: This is a plan designed by International Medical Group (IMG) which is the best international health insurance for F2 visa holders. Patriot Exchange insurance can be bought by the F2 visa dependents even if the F1 visa student is not covered by the Patriot exchange plan. Their plans offer coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, accidental death and dismemberment, and more. They also have a network of providers that accept direct billing, which means you don’t have to pay upfront and file a claim later. The cost of their plans starts from $50 per month for individuals and $100 per month for families.
Yes, Indian students studying in the U.S. are strongly encouraged to buy health insurance for students studying abroad, even though it’s not a legal requirement by U.S. immigration authorities. Most universities mandate valid student health insurance for enrollment, and students are often auto-enrolled in expensive school plans.
However, you can often waive this if you buy a comparable private student health insurance plan. Since U.S. healthcare is costly, having medical insurance for students studying abroad ensures that Indian students are financially protected from unexpected medical issues during their academic journey.
Best health insurance for international student Athletes.
Compare and buy student health insurance quotes online.
Know More »Compare and buy the best international student insurance in USA.
Know More »Compare US students medical insurance for the plan that fits your needs best.
Know More »Compare and buy the best health insurance in USA for students online.
Know More »India is one of the more recent countries that US students are choosing to study in. The country has much to offer to US students being one of the oldest civilizations in the world, India impresses for its ability to celebrate human diversity in all its forms. With its population of 1.35 billion, India is home to over 15% of the global population.
Along with being an old civilization, India is also an technology powerhouse with a vibrant information technology industry, and is home to the research centers for many of the global companies. US students will find an Indian experience enriching both for it cultural experience as well as the opportunity to live in one of the 21st century economic growth centers.
US students while studying in India need to make sure that they have proper student health insurance which will work in India. There are excellent healthcare facilities in India which match western standards, but can be expensive if one is not insured.
Best health insurance for students studying abroad »
Indian universities offer a robust curriculum with sound theoretical and research study programs for its students. India is a great destination for students all over the globe due to its renowned rich culture and history, lower fees and great learning exposure. Many international students like to study in India as the education system is not complex yet effective. India welcomed about 49,348 international students for the year 2019-20 and aims to increase the number to fourfold by 2023.
India is also attractive to the large number of children of the Indian diaspora which is about 25 million globally and is about 4 million strong in the United States itself. According to the Institute of International Education Open Doors 2020 report there were over 3,300 US students studying in India.
US students studying in India need good student health insurance. Healthcare in Indian cities are excellent, but are also getting expensive and getting emergency treatment without insurance can result in huge large medical bills. US student insurance will offer coverage during unexpected medical emergencies that may arise while they are at the university, especially given the covid19 pandemic.
Good student medical insurance will cover medical expenses related to illness or injury. U.S. students should compare international student insurance options and choose a plan that offers coverage for both travel and medical emergencies. Many plans also include coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions and international sports activities. The best insurance plans for U.S. students studying in India are StudentSecure Smart, StudentSecure Budget and the Patriot Exchange Program. These plans offer essential coverage at affordable prices, ensuring students are well protected throughout their academic journey in India.
It's never too late to buy student travel insurance for Indian. The only time it is too late is if a person is already sick or injured. As long as the student is healthy, you can purchase a Indian student travel insurance to have coverage for future accident or illness. Compare and buy the best student travel insurance for Indian.
The US student abroad cost ranges from $26 to $289 per month. The price depends on the factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.
The best student health insurance abroad cost per month for an international student aged 20 years.
How much does health insurance for US student abroad costs?The US student abroad cost ranges from $26 to $289 per month. The price depends on the factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.
The best student health insurance abroad cost per month for an international student aged 20 years.
| Insurance Plans | Policy maximum | Deductible | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Study Abroad Student Insurance BCBS | Unlimited Coverage | $0 | $289 |
Source:American Visitor Insurance®
Review student insurance plan benefits.
International Student insurance
J1 visa holders insurance
F1 visa holders insurance
Student insurance reviews
F2 visa health insurance
USA Student overseas insurance
Best health insurance for students in USA
US students studying abroad insurance
OPT student health insurance
Obamacare requirements
Student group travel Insurance
Student colleges requirements
