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Best Student Medical Insurance FAQ's

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Why Do International Students Need Health Insurance While Studying Abroad?

  • Provides medical coverage and financial protection during studies abroad.
  • Ensures access to healthcare services in case of illness, accidents, or emergencies.
  • Often required by many countries and educational institutions.
  • Covers common medical needs such as hospitalization, doctor visits, prescriptions, and emergency treatment.
  • Helps students understand how to choose suitable insurance options.
  • Includes information on costs, plan types, and what affects pricing.
  • Explains whether pre-existing medical conditions are included.
  • Clarifies if home-country insurance can be used overseas.
  • Provides guidance on coverage duration and options to extend coverage if studies are prolonged.
  • Outlines steps to follow when seeking medical help while abroad.
  • Offers answers to common concerns so students can make informed decisions and stay protected during their studies.

Get Answers to All Your Student Medical Insurance Questions

1. F1 Visa Insurance

  1. What are F1 visa insurance requirements?
  2. Do F1 visa holders need health insurance in the USA?
  3. Which is the cheapest health insurance for international students in USA?
  4. What factors affect the cost of F1 health insurance in the USA?
  5. What are the eligibility requirements for buying International Student Health Insurance?
  6. Can I buy student medical insurance if I am already outside my home country?
  7. Do you have an insurance plan that offers coverage more than $500,000?
  8. I am a fulltime student on F1 Visa. Am I and my family eligible for Atlas plan?
  9. I am F1 student trying to purchase Atlas plan. Can I pay by check or money order for purchasing this plan? Should I pay once in full amount?
  10. My school requires an Insurance compliance form or a Waiver form to be completed as proof of my insurance. Can you do this for me? What should I do?
  11. I put my information to get a quote and then buy an insurance, however, it shows that J1 Visa requirements. I am international student, so I have F1 Visa but I am not J1 Visa holder. Which means I cannot buy a medical insurance from your company?
  12. I am thinking to buy the one $100,000 coverage, $0 deductible plan for F1 and F2 Visa holder. Are there plans below $500,000 for F1 Visa holders?
  13. Do international students need health insurance?
  14. Why should international students compare health insurance?
  15. Can I go to any doctor or hospital, or am I limited to my school's Student Health Center or a preferred provider network?
  16. Is there a network provider available in my area?
  17. How will I receive care at an In-Network hospital if there are no Network providers in my area?
  18. Will this policy cover me if I travel outside the U.S.?
  19. Can I renew my policy if I extend the duration of my studies?
  20. How soon can the insurance coverage start?
  21. What should I do if I want to change the policy start date after I have completed my online application?
  22. Does this plan cover pre-existing conditions?
  23. Does this plan cover f1 student pregnant insurance?
  24. How much does health insurance cost for a college student?
  25. I'm an international graduate student who will be studying full time at Boston College. Would you be able to suggest any other medical insurance plan that provides preventive care services than the one offered at the university (UHC) so that I can waive the enrolled medical insurance plan at Boston COLLEGE?
  26. How will I get insurance policy document?
  27. When should international students buy health insurance?
  28. What happens to my F1 student health insurance after graduation?
  29. What documents are required to buy F1 visa health insurance?
  30. Can F1 visa students buy health insurance after arriving in the United States?
  31. What are the best low deductible health insurance plans for F1 visa students?

2. F2 Visa Insurance

  1. Why is F2 Visa health insurance necessary?
  2. What is the best insurance for f2 Visa holder?
  3. Is it compulsory to have medical insurance for F2 Visa in USA ?
  4. Can F2 Visa holders enroll in the university's student health plan?
  5. Are dependents of student's (F2 visa) eligible for coverage?
  6. I intend to buy a plan for my wife and son who are F2 dependents. As I understand pediatric problems of my son though not free will still be covered under the Atlas America insurance plan right?
  7. I read the brochure of the Patriot Exchange plan and found that only J1 and J2 Visa holders are eligible to buy it. Please correct me if I am wrong? I will be on F1 Visa and my dependents will be on F2 Visa.
  8. I am F1 student. My wife is now 5 months pregnant. Her due date is in the early November. Is my newborn eligible for the Atlas America coverage? If so, when should I file an application or enroll for him?
  9. Which are some of best student insurance plans for maternity for dependents?

3. OPT Visa Insurance

  1. What insurance do you recommend for me as a student on the OPT Status?
  2. What is the OPT Status for students in the US?
  3. Why do OPT Students need medical insurance in the US? What are the specific student plans that are available for OPT Status in the US?
  4. What are the other visitor medical insurance plans available for OPT Status in the US?
  5. How much do OPT Student Health Insurance Plans cost?
  6. Why buy medical insurance when on the OPT status?
  7. What type of medical insurance is recommended for OPT students?
  8. What are important factors when selecting the best OPT health insurance plan?
  9. When should F1 OPT students buy health insurance?
  10. Is health insurance mandatory for F1 OPT students?
  11. Which are the best Optional Practical Training (OPT) medical insurance plans?
  12. Can I get student insurance during my Optional Practical Training (OPT) period?
  13. Is it mandatory to have health insurance on OPT?
  14. Does US OPT insurance cover covid19?
  15. Can I still use my university's insurance plan during OPT?
  16. What if my university insurance doesn't cover my OPT period?
  17. What kind of coverage should I look for in an OPT insurance plan?
  18. Are there specific insurance requirements for OPT?
  19. Can I get insurance through my employer during OPT?
  20. What happens if I don't have insurance during OPT?
  21. How do I compare different insurance plans for OPT?

4. International Student Insurance

  1. Am I obligated to buy the plan if I fill an insurance form from your site?
  2. How do we buy overseas travel insurance for a group of students?
  3. What are the requirements for buying group insurance for students?
  4. When should I apply for international student insurance?
  5. When does my student coverage start?
  6. Does the health insurance for international students provide coverage throughout the year, or is it only during the school term?
  7. Will I be covered when I go out of state?
  8. What happens if I transfer schools?
  9. Will I lose coverage when I graduate or if I leave school?
  10. Which is the best international student insurance for sports? Will it cover competition games with other colleges?
  11. Will student insurance in USA cover intercollegiate athletics for international students in USA?
  12. Can you get a sports insurance as an international student?

5. Student trip cancellation

  1. What is trip cancellation travel insurance?
  2. How can I cancel my travel insurance if my trip is cancelled?
  3. What are the benefits of travel insurance for students?
  4. What is student trip cancellation insurance?
  5. Who is eligible for student trip cancellation insurance?
  6. What events are typically covered by student trip cancellation insurance?
  7. Can students cancel their trip for any reason with this insurance?
  8. Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under student trip cancellation insurance?
  9. How do students make a claim for trip cancellation?

What Is the Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students in USA?

The cheapest J1 visa travel insurance is Student Journey Lite, starting at $30 per month.

Other affordable travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage include StudentSecure Smart and StudentSecure Budget.

Student Journey Lite
IMG

$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.
Buy Online »

StudentSecure Smart
Worldtrips

$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.
Buy Online »

Student Journey Plus
IMG

$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.
Buy Online »

Which Are the Best Health Insurance Plans for International Students in the 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

Patriot America Plus IMG

  • Ideal for: J1/J2 visa holders
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers below age 70
  • Direct Billing: First healthcare First health care Provider Network or United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months.
  • Patriot America Plus insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $57 per month ($692 per year). An annual payment option is available to students.

  • Policy maximum?
    $50,000 to $1,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0 to $2,500

  • Period of coverage?
    5 days 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 Much Does F1 Student Health Insurance Cost In the US in 2026?

How much is Low-cost medical insurance for international students in America? How much does Insurance for foreign students in America cost per month?

The monthly cost of international student insurance for USA ranges from $30 to $124, depending on the level of coverage selected.

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 Does International Student Insurance Typically Cover?

  • Medical coverage: It includes the cost related to doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency room visits, surgical procedures etc…
  • Emergency services: Coverage in case of unforeseen illness or injuries requiring medical care or immediate medical attention.
  • Prescription medications: Coverage for medications prescribed by a doctor during the treatment.
  • Mental health coverage: Some student medical insurance plans offer mental health coverage such as such as therapy or counseling.
  • Emergency medical evacuation: Covers expenses incurred to transport the student's to their home country or to another facility that has the capability to provide appropriate care if needed.
  • Repatriation of remains: The policy covers the expenses incurred to return the remains to the home country in case of death.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Some plans offer coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions but there might be exclusions or waiting periods.
  • Dental Coverage: Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
  • Maternity Coverage: Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.

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.

Best Health Insurance for International Medical Graduates in USA

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How Do I Buy F1 Visa International Student Insurance in the 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 a health insurance policy for international students.
  • If they offer a plan, is it mandatory to buy that University plan, or do they allow other student insurance plans.
  • If you are allowed to buy outside student insurance, then compare student insurance plans offered on American Visitor Insurance.
  • Compare the international student insurance 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 US student insurance plan online, you will receive all the relevant documents by email.

Why Is Student Travel Insurance Important for US Students Studying Abroad?

  • Medical coverage for unforeseen sicknesses or accidents while traveling abroad is provided
  • Trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions are among the issues covered by the travel insurance.
  • Loss or theft of baggage and personal items are covered by the insurance.
  • In case of accidental damage or injury to others, personal liability coverage is available.
  • A wide range of activities including certain sports or adventurous ones are covered.
  • Access to quality healthcare in different countries with different medical systems is guaranteed.
  • Students are assisted in managing sudden travel plan changes or emergency situations.
  • Travelers can add optional benefits like “cancel for any reason” for greater flexibility.
  • The insurance supports students traveling alone or in groups, whether for short trips or longer study programs
student medical insurance USA

Having good student travel insurance will also help US students with trip cancellation insurance or any trip interruption expenses given the likely disruptions in international travel while outside the United States. US students may also want to look for additional features such as cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance, which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and get a partial refund of your trip cost.

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