International Students on a F1 visa and Optional Practical Training (OPT) status (hence not taking any courses) can purchase best health insurance plans for OPT students that we offer. Simply enter your age to get affordable quotes of different health insurance for F1 students on OPT plans.
OPT 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.
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 insurance 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.
International F1 visa students on the OPT visa in the US are not mandated by the US immigration authorities to have US health insurance OPT. However most US universities insist to have good Student health insurance plan for OPT students.
Even if the Universities do not insist of student health insurance coverage, it is prudent to buy good international student medical insurance given the very high cost of healthcare in the US. Given the relatively young age of international students, the cost of student health insurance is quite low, and it is really very risky to be uninsured while living in the United States.
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®
Rating
A(Excellent)
Plan life
5 days to 364 days
Underwriter
Sirius International
PPO
Acute onset of a pre-existing condition
Covers up to the age of 70 years
Medical Evacuation
Upto 50,000
Max Coverage
$50K, $100K, $500K, $1M
Deductible
$0, $100, $250, $500, $1k, $2.5k
Rating
A- (Excellent)
Plan life
12 months
Underwriter
Sirius International Insurance
PPO
Pre-existing condition
$1,500 lifetime maximum
Medical Evacuation
Up to $50,000
Max Coverage
Max limit up to $5M
Deductible
$0, $100, $250, $500
Rating
A++
Plan life
364 days
Underwriter
Lloyds, London
PPO
Acute onset of pre-existing condition
Covers up to the age of 79 years
Medical Evacuation
Up to 25,000
Max Coverage
Maximum limit upto 2M
Deductible
$0, $100, $250, $500, $1k, $2.5K or $5k
Rating
A++ (Superior)
Plan life
5 days to 364 days
Underwriter
Lloyd's
PPO
Acute onset of a pre-existing condition
Up to the $25K lifetime maximum
Medical Evacuation
Up to the lifetime limit
Max Coverage
Up to 500K
Deductible
$0
Rating
A (Excellent)
Plan life
15 days to 365 days
Underwriter
Crum & Forster,SPC
Pre-existing condition
Covers after 24 months of waiting period
Medical Evacuation
Up to $250K
Max Coverage
Maximum limit up to $1M
Deductible
$0, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1k, $2.5k, $5k
Rating
A (Excellent)
Plan life
15 days to 365 days
Underwriter
Crum & Forster,SPC
Acute Onset of Pre-existing condition
Covers under age 70
Medical Evacuation
Up to $250K
Max Coverage
Maximum limit up to $1M
Deductible
$0, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1k, $2.5k, $5k
Hello, I wanted to inquire about the Patriot Exchange and Student Health Advantage Standard insurance plans. Can students on OPT apply? If so, can they apply before receiving the EAD card, perhaps after submitting the OPT application or even before that?
Thank you,We have specific plans for OPT holders. Here is one popular plan:
This plan is suitable for OPT holders and is a comprehensive plan.
Regards,
Customer care
www.americanvisitorinsurance.com
(877) 340 7910
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% |
The OPT Student Health Insurance plans cost depends on the age of the OPT student and the length 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 cost calculator lists the opt student health insurance plans that satisfy OPT student insurance requirements based on price and coverage benefits. Compare health insurance for OPT students quotes to find the best opt insurance online.
International students on Optional Practical Training, OPT status should ensure that they have proper health insurance coverage as they will not be covered by their student insurance anymore. Since the students have just moved out of the university environment, it is likely that they overlook the need for health insurance, but this is critical given the high cost of US healthcare. Different employers in the US have different health insurance options, and might not insure students on the OPT status if they are not considered full-time employees. The cost of OPT insurance is not high considering the risk of facing a US hospital bill in the event of being uninsured.
The cost of US healthcare is very expensive. Most US residents have some form of health insurance, however as an international student on OPT status, students will not have student insurance coverage from the University and will have to either get insurance from his employer, or get OPT insurance from other insurance providers.
The OPT status holder having completed his coursework has moved to an unfamiliar new work environment. The work environment being new and very different from the University with meetings and deadlines can be stressful. Students are vulnerable given this new situation, and they need to have access to good healthcare as they start their professional career.
The cost of OPT student insurance is affordable in the context of average US healthcare expenses, and international students on OPT status should not risk being uninsured.
The best health insurance for international students on opt will depend on the unique needs of the student. There is no single plan which will qualify as the best student health insurance plan for all students. While some students will be looking for the cheapest student insurance, others will be looking for the most comprehensive coverage even if the cost is higher. The factors to be considered while buying student insurance are the coverage benefit details and the PPO network on the student insurance plan, the cost of the student insurance plan and the option to buy it on a monthly or quarterly basis.
OPT stands for "Optional Practical Training". OPT period is the period after graduation when the international students on F1 Visa can legally work in the US. The international student insurance for F1 Visa holders does not hold good anymore during this period. Although it is not mandatory in the US to have insurance during this period, it is recommended to have OPT health insurance while on this period to take care of any unexpected healthcare expenses in the US.
OPT health insurance is required in situations like after graduation, during the OPT period whether legally started working or not, they are eligible for the OPT health insurance.After getting employed, there are some companies which do not provide the health insurance package in case of which you can purchase OPT health insurance, some companies provide insurance that pay partly for the medical expense and the rest of the expense can be covered by the OPT.
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 coverages. Some of these specific coverages 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.
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Complete the OPT medical insurance quote request form by providing details of the traveler & insurance requirements.
Compare the price and the benefits of the different OPT medical insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.
Buy the plan that fits your requirements and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.
Review the visitors insurance documents & download visa letter is required.
Important factors to consider while buying university comparable student health insurance.
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