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Best health insurance for international students in USA

International students should buy foreign student health insurance while overseas. In the US, Universities require foreign students to have F1 student insurance that satisfy university requirements. Some of the cheapest health insurance for international students are available in American Visitor Insurance. Fill this form to compare best F1 health insurance.

International student health insurance, F1 student health insurance cost calculator

1. Student's age
2. No. of Dependents (< 18 years)
3. Start date 
End date        months days
4. Citizenship
    
5. Coverage Region
6. Covid19 coverage
     
7. Mailing & permanent address
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8. Full time student?
9. Are you registered for courses?

Best insurance for international students in USA

International health insurance for students

Student insurance USA

Advantages of our US Student insurance compared to University 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.

Foreign students in U.S. Universities

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

What does international student insurance cover?

Student health insurance USA cost calculator in 2024

How much does International student insurance cost per month? How much does health insurance for foreign students cost per month?

The international student health insurance cost per month ranges from around $30 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.

Best international students medical insurance in USA

  • Which is the best health insurance plans for international students in USA?

    Health insurance for F1 students in USA, Medical insurance for international students
    • IMG's Patriot Exchange insurance is designed for International students or Cultural Exchange scholars.
    • It is a very affordable plan and meets J visa requirements and F Visa for international students.
    • Covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of continuous coverage $500 per period of coverage; $1,500 lifetime maximum.
    • The student can buy this plan with a sports rider to cover activities such as downhill skiing.
    • Patriot Exchange Insurance can be renewed online up to 48 months.
    • Provides coverage for international student medical insurance to students and scholars pursuing their education outside their home country.
    • Student Health Advantage Platinum covers Maternity Newborn Care.
    • Standard plan covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of a waiting period.
    • Platinum plan covers pre-existing condition after 6 months of a waiting period.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to five years.
    • Student Secure provides excellent insurance cover to international students and scholars outside their home country.
    • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to $25k lifetime maximum for eligible expenses.
    • This plan is ideal for J1 and F1 and OPT students.
    • Sports activities, leisure, recreational,entertainment or fitness is covered upto overall maximum limit.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to four years.
    • Offers worldwide coverage for international students and faculty outside their home country.
    • Offers Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum.
    • Pre-existing conditions exclusion can be waived with proof of prior creditable coverage.
    • Coinsurance is waived for care outside the U.S.
    • Sports, terrorist and alcohol-related injuries are covered.
    • Exceeds J-1 visa requirements.
    • No waiting period associated with any preventive services.
    • Available for International students and exchange program participants.
    • Excellent plan for international students who are on the OPT status.
    • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age of 79 years.
    • Available for Non-US Citizens traveling outside their home country.
    • Covers treatment of complications of pregnancy during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy.
    • Offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.
    • Covers pre-existing conditions for medical services and medical evacuation, for individuals with a current U.S. health plan.
    • Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
    • Applicant's home country must be the US.
    • Requires a primary health plan.
    • Offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.
    • Pre-existing conditions are covered with a 180-day exclusion.
    • Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
    • Applicant's home country must be the US.
    • Does not require a primary health plan.
    • Offers coverage for students.
    • Worldmed is international health insurance for people traveling outside their home country and is available to both US and Non US citizens.
    • Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to $200k up to age 60 and for age 60-64 it is $20k.
    • Intercollegiate sports activities, recreational activities and hazardous activities are optional add on benefits on the plan.
    • Available from 5 days to 364 days.
    • This plan is ideal for students, study abroad and international exchange students.
    • Covers pre-existing conditions after 24 months waiting period.
    • Available for Non Us citizens and Non US residents visiting the US.
    • Covers athletic & hazardous sports activities.
    • This plan can be available from 15 days to 365 days.
    • This plan is ideal for study abroad, work study programs and international exchange students.
    • Available for Non US Residents while visiting the US.
    • Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition(US Citizens only)
    • Offers optional Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider.
    • Covers optional war risk coverage.
    • This plan is ideal for students, study abroad and international exchange students.
    • Available for people traveling outside their home Country excluding USA.
    • Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition(US Citizens only)
    • Offers optional Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider.
    • Covers optional war risk coverage.
    • Designed for Study abroad student seeking supplemental Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage to meet school or visa requirements.
    • Offers coverage to international students and visitors traveling to the U.S.
    • Available for people age above 14 days and below 50 years.
    • Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage is available for up to $50k.
    • This plan can be available from 5 days to 365 days.
    • Repatriation of remains coverage is available for up to $25k.
    • Offers coverage for International students or scholars.
    • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation provides annual coverage that meets J Visa and other visa requirements.
    • Any non US citizen and non US resident who is travelling to the United States and Participating in full-time educational activities can buy this plan. You are not required to have a visa.
    • Available from 5 days to 364 days.
    • Available for people age above 14 days and below 65 years.

Significance of student medical insurance for foreign students

Far away from home and family many students do not appreciate the importance of student medical insurance. Given the possibility of an unexpected accident or illness and the very high cost of US healthcare, having the best student health insurance is very important. US Student medical insurance will save you from financial difficulty if you fall sick or have any other medical emergency.

Sadly many foreign students are often uninsured. Uninsured students are ironically prone to need student health insurance as there is a lack of health care support for them. In order to save money students often do not buy f1 visa student insurance. However, if a student’s face any unexpected medical expenses, it will force the student to endure difficult times with less money for rent, tuition and other daily expenses.

Having the best student medical insurance will relieve the financial stress that is associated with health care. Paying the doctors’ fees and treatment expenses are not onerous with proper foreign student insurance coverage. The relatively cheap student health insurance plans on American Visitor Insurance are designed to fulfil the needs of international students while meeting university requirements. These F1 visa student medical insurance plans can be purchased for a specific time period of one's choice. Students can choose to pay on a monthly basis cover or on an annual cover until the student completes the academic course. Student insurance is also available for dependants of the actual students such as the spouse and child/children of the student.

Given the many options and different factors to consider while buying international student health insurance, it is important to compare foreign student insurance on American Visitor Insurance and buy the best student health insurance that firs your requirements and budget.

Sometimes your university might require an insurance waiver form. At American visitor Insurance, we help to get this waiver form completed by the insurance provider.

Best Health Insurance for International Student Athletes

It’s that time again when the school year is starting to kick in for kids and young adults all across the USA! I am getting regular requests for insurance for international students that will include coverage for participation in a team sport. We do have some options for these individuals, so I thought I could lay some of them out here.

One of the best international sports student insurance is the Diplomat America or the Diplomat LongTerm Insurance plans offered by Global Underwriters. These plans have a collegiate sports rider in which you choose “Low”, “Middle” and “High” option depending on your sport. The main difference is the LongTerm plan allows you to extend the policy and it also allows up to 90 day trips back to your home country (per year).

The Diplomat America only allows 14 days of travel back to the home country (after which the policy will expire). The sports covered are: (1) Low Option - additional $34 flat monthly rate: Ballet; Baseball; Cheerleading; Cross Country; Diving; Equestrian; Fencing; Field Hockey; Golf; Polo (Horse); Polo (Water); Rowing; Softball; Surfing; Swimming; Tennis; Track & Field; Volleyball. (2) Middle Option - additional $48 flat monthly rate: Basketball; Competitive Cycling (Road, Track, CX); Ice Hockey; Inline Skating (Helmet & Proper Equipment Required); Lacrosse; Martial Arts/Karate; Modern Pentathlon; Skiing (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill); Ski Jumping; Wrestling. (3) High Option - additional $102 flat monthly rate: Football (No Division One); Gymnastics; Rugby (No Division One); Soccer. This plan will cost about $87 per month for a 21 year old (without the athletic sports rider).

Another high school sports insurance for international students option is the Patriot Exchange insurance offered by IMG. It is much more economical than the Diplomat America plan, however, it does NOT include varsity sports teams regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) nor the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). You only get this coverage if you choose the “Add-on” Rider (NOT the Adventure Sports Rider). This plan can also be used to cover high school sports team participation and can be a good fit for many student athletes. Coverage of $250,000 maximum with a $100 deductible starts at $73 per month for a young adult (without the add-on; +$7 with the add-on).

There are a few other student plans that include coverage for student athletes on club teams and sports teams, but they limit coverage to $5000 or less, such as the Navigator for Student (by GeoBlue), StudentSecure Select plans (by WorldTrips), and Student Health Advantage plans (by IMG).

If you have questions about these plans or other situations for your student, please do not hesitate to call our friendly staff so we can advise you and guide you to the best choice for your student. Happy studying!

Steps to buy medical insurance for F1 students

student medical 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 F1 student medical insurance 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.

Cheapest health insurance for international medical graduates in USA

Compare and buy Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA

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Best health insurance for international students in USA for sports and competition

There are quite a few US health insurance for students that cover sports activities. It is hard to pick one plan as the best plan. There might be slight differences in the kind of sports activities that they cover. However, here is a list of plans which provide great coverage for sports activities:

  1. Student Health Advantage plan from IMG: This plan provides coverage of $5K for intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports. This is most requested by international students.
  2. Student Secure Elite plan from Worldtrips: This plan provides coverage of $5K for intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports. This is most requested by international students.

The best sports health insurance for international students on American Visitor Insurance offer are the Diplomat America or Diplomat LongTerm insurance for intercollegiate sports coverage. The policy allows students to put a specific sports rider on the policy (low, medium, or high) depending on the sport to be covered. Under this enhancement, the maximum benefit pay out is reduced to $20K for any covered injury or illness resulting from the sports activity. The cost depends on the sport to be covered.

The Low Option -(additional $12.00 flat monthly rate) is for Ballet; Baseball; Cheerleading; Cross Country; Diving; Equestrian; Fencing; Field Hockey; Golf; Polo (Horse); Polo (Water); Rowing; Softball; Surfing; Swimming; Tennis; Track & Field; and Volleyball.

The Middle Option (additional $26.00 flat monthly rate) will cover Basketball; Competitive Cycling (Road, Track, CX); Ice Hockey; Inline Skating (Helmet & Proper Equipment Required); Lacrosse; Martial Arts/Karate; Modern Pentathlon; Skiing (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill); Ski Jumping; and Wrestling.

And the High Option (additional $80.00 flat monthly rate) will cover Football (No Division One); Gymnastics; Rugby (No Division One); and Soccer. The LongTerm plan can be extended, but the Diplomat America plan cannot be extended or renewed.

How is student medical insurance cost calculated in the USA?

  • Student's age: The student's age determines the cost of US student medical insurance. The prices for best health insurance for f1 students in USA increases with the age of the student.
  • Length of health insurance for F1 students: The cheapest 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 F1 student insurance coverage: The cost of health insurance for international students in the US is directly dependent on the medical maximum coverage required. The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
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Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA

Best international student health insurance USA, F1 visa health insurance cost - FAQ's

1. What is the difference between student and travel medical insurance?

Student plans: can be purchased monthly (Student Secure plans can be set up with a monthly payment plan; the others have to be purchased up front for the whole duration, but can be extended), they have a Per illness/injury deductible/max, have various coinsurances depending on company and policy

Travel Plans: can be purchased for any number of days (daily rate, not monthly rate), can be extended (need to include Diplomat America; which cannot be extended), only work outside student’s home country (expire when the student returns home), have many options for maximum and deductible, one time max/deductible, generally low coinsurance rates (and one-time only)

2. How much does international medical insurance 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.

3. 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. The 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.

4. Do international students have health insurance in USA? Is healthcare free for international students?

Healthcare in the USA is very expensive and it is not free for international students. While there are no f1 visa health insurance requirements, it is very important to have the best health insurance plans for international students in USA. Quite often US colleges insist that international students buy the University insurance plan and this is included as part of the overall tuition package. However, the university insurance plans are expensive, and we offer health insurance for f1 students in usa which have comparable benefits to most University insurance plans, but at a lower cost.

5. 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.

6. Which is the best health insurance for F1 students from USA?

There is no f1 visa health insurance requirements mandated by US consulates, and unless the University insists on the College insurance plans, international students can compare international student insurance plans offered on American Visitor Insurance 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 F1 visa students and is also ideal 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.
  • Student health advantage: This is a plan designed for students and scholars who are studying abroad outside their home country. It also meets the student visa requirements and health regulations of most countries. There are two levels of the plan: standard and platinum. The standard plan offers a maximum limit of $500K per illness or injury for students and $100K for dependents. The platinum plan offers a maximum limit of $1M per illness or injury for students and $500K for dependents. Both plans have a deductible of $100 per illness or injury.

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

The "best" student medical insurance USA varies depending on Students’ needs, preferences, and budget. Different factors should be considered when choosing the most suitable medical insurance for students, such as coverage, cost, benefits, network of healthcare providers, and the specific requirements of your educational institution. Here are some options to consider:

Best health insurance for students studying abroad on American Visitor Insurance: American Visitor Insurance specializes in providing health insurance international students. These plans may offer a range of options and coverage levels, and some may be accepted by various educational institutions. Student insurance plans offered on American Visitor Insurance are comparable to University insurance plans but are cheaper and with similar benefits.

When comparing student health insurance plans, consider the following factors:

  • Coverage: : Look for plans that provide comprehensive coverage for medical services, hospitalization, emergency care, prescription drugs, and preventive care.
  • Network of health care providers (PPO Network): Check if the plan has a network of healthcare providers and hospitals near your university or college to ensure easy access to medical services.
  • Cost: Compare premiums, deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance , and any additional fees to find a plan that fits your budget.
  • Coverage benefits: Evaluate the additional benefits provided by the plan, such as mental health coverage, maternity coverage, and coverage for pre-existing conditions.
  • Customer Service: Consider the customer service reputation of the insurance provider and customer testimonials to ensure a smooth experience when dealing with claims and inquiries.
  • Policy Duration: Make sure the student medical insurance plan's coverage duration aligns with your academic program's duration, including any optional practical training (OPT) periods.

Before buying the best student insurance on American Visitor Insurance, it is essential to compare student medical insurance plans and read the policy details and terms carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us or call us at 877-340-7910.

8. How to get best health insurance for students in USA?

International students studying in the USA can obtain health insurance through their university or a private health insurance policy. Some universities require their international students to purchase school-sponsored insurance coverage, or even offer it for a reduced fee or free through an on-campus job.

9. Are F1 visa students required to have health insurance?

While there is no US government requirement for international students to buy health insurance, most schools require it. Not having an insurance plan can actually prevent you from attending the school of your choice! The requirement to purchase health insurance is meant to ensure international students are protected from unexpected medical expenses that can be quite costly in the US.

10. How much does health insurance cost in USA for international students?

The cost of best international student health insurance USA can vary depending on the type of plan and the level of coverage. The cost of student health insurance in the USA can be quite variable, depending on whether your plan covers pre-existing conditions and which extra features it includes.

US student F1 visa medical insurance FAQs

Not on a F1 visa? Please review these other visa categories

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J1 visa holders

Insurance for Exchange scholars satisfying visa requirements

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F2 dependents

Insurance plans for dependents of an F1 visa holders.

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US Student Abroad

Best health insurance for students studying abroad

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J2 dependents

Insurance for J2 visa dependants satisfying visa requirements.

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OPT Status within F1 visa

Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student insurance.

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M1 visa holders

Medical insurance for students on vocational training.

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Group travel insurance for F1 visa students

student group travel insurance

Students traveling overseas in groups can purchase the group insurance plans. This makes it a lot easier to administer the plan and these plans are cheaper than buying individual student travel plans.

View Group plans »

US student travel insurance

Student travel insurance covers specific needs and risks of US students traveling or studying abroad. It provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, personal liability, any sporting activity and more while outside the USA. When US students are traveling abroad, either in a group or alone, be it for a short trip, or for longer stays of a semester abroad, it is important to have the best student insurance from the US since healthcare is different outside the US and this US student health insurance can provide access to the best healthcare available.

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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Best insurance for students in USA, International student insurance review

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Medical insurance resources for international students

Here are some useful resources to help foreign students (F1 visa holders in the US) compare medical insurance and understand student insurance better.

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Important factors to consider while buying student medical insurance

Here are some factors that students need to think through while comparing and reviewing international medical insurance.

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Payment options for international students buying medical insurance

Students can make either monthly or annual payments to buy international medical insurance. Read this article to find out the different payment options.

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Health insurance for international students in USA

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Student insurance FAQs

Commonly asked questions and answers about students medical insurance details and benefits.

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Compare student insurance Blogs

Blogs providing information about the importance of medical insurance for international students.

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Students insurance forum

Our real customer queries and answers for international student medical insurance coverage details.

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F1 student health insurance for US colleges

International student medical insurance – Blogs and Articles

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Compare best student insurance online

Compare different US students medical insurance plans online.

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Best medical insurance for international students in USA

Compare US student insurance to find the plan for your budget and needs.

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Going to the US to Study?

Compare US students medical insurance for the plan that fits your needs best.

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Best insurance for international students

Cheapest medical insurance for F1 students

International students studying abroad, along with their education get an opportunity to experience a new culture, see different parts of the world and meet new people with varied backgrounds. We work with all reputed US insurance providers to offer excellent F1 student health insurance.

American Visitor Insurance has a compare F1 visa student travel insurance tool along with article's and FAQ's with to help students fine the best health insurance for F1 students. The compare foreign student insurance tool displays the cost and coverage details of students medical insurance that satisfy f1 visa health insurance requirements. Students can easily find cheap health insurance for international students by comparing both cost and other F1 visa student insurance coverage benefits.

International student insurance

Which are the best foreign student medical insurance companies in USA?

You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), WorldTrips, GeoBlue insurance.

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