The cost of international Student health insurance per month ranges from $30 to $124. This cost mainly depends on different factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance. Some Student insurance plans offer additional coverage for mental illness, dental expenses, hazardous sports, maternity and pre-existing ailments.
Rating
A- (Excellent)
Plan life
12 months
Underwriter
SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
Pre-existing condition
Waiting period of 6 months
In network: Plan pays 90% and insured pays 10%
Out of network: Plan pays 80% and insured pays 20%
Direct billing: Through United Healthcare network
Medical Evacuation
Up to $50K
Rating
A- (Excellent)
Plan life
Up to max 5 years
Underwriter
SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
Pre-existing condition
Waiting period of 12 months
In network: Plan pays 90% and insured pays 10%
Out of network: Plan pays 80% and insured pays 20%
Direct billing: Through United healthcare
Medical Evacuation
$500K maximum limit
Max Coverage
Standard plan: $500K
Platinum plan: $1M
Deductible
$100 per illness or injury
Cost Range
$115 - $343Buy now
Rating
A- (Excellent)
Plan life
30 days to 12 months
Underwriter
SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
PPO
Pre-existing condition
After 6 months of waiting period
Medical Evacuation
$500K maximum limit
Max Coverage
$150,000
Deductible
$100 per injury or illness
Cost Range
$30 to $96Buy now
Rating
A- (Excellent)
Plan life
30 days to 12 months
Underwriter
SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
PPO
Pre-existing condition
30 days to 12 months
Medical Evacuation
$500K maximum limit
Max Coverage
$300,000
Deductible
In-Network: $500
Out-of-Network: $750
Cost Range
$195Buy now
Rating
A- (Excellent)
Plan life
30 days to 12 months
Underwriter
SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
PPO
Pre-existing condition
Covered after 6 months of waiting period
Medical Evacuation
$500,000 maximum limit
Max Coverage
$500,000
Deductible
$250 per injury or illness
Cost Range
$293Buy now
Rating
A- (Excellent) carrier
Plan life
Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
Underwriter
4 Ever Life
PPO
Pre-existing condition
Covered with proof of prior insurance
Medical Evacuation
Up to $250K
Max Coverage
3 months to 364 days
Deductible
$0 - $5K
Cost Range
$289Buy now
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
Cost Range
$30 - $176Buy now
“ After rigorous searching for suitable student health insurances online, I stumbled upon the American visitor Insurance website and the customer representatives were really patient and helpful in guiding me with the best plan that suits me. ”
Anirudh
“ We want to appreciate the fine service provided by your friendly employees from the NJ office, in helping us navigate insurance plans and successfully purchase plans for my parents. They are extremely courteous, patient, efficient and knowledgeable. ”
Sheela
“ Your customer service provided me with perfect service and helped me very much to find policy I needed (for J2 visa). She was very polite and answered all my questions. I'm fully satisfied with the service. Thank you very much! ”
Amanda
Health insurance for international students is important to cover the costs of medical care in case of accident or sickness while studying abroad. As an international student, it is vital to ensure you have the best Student health insurance for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains and accidental death and dismemberment. At American Visitor Insurance we offer a wide range of deductibles and co-insurance for foreign Student insurance which meet school requirements, including for those on F1 visa, OPT status, F2 visa, sports coverage, M-1/M-2 or J visas as well as for US students studying abroad.
International students studying in the United States are required to buy Student travel insurance USA coverage to satisfy University needs in many colleges. 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.
At American Visitor Insurance we offer the best health insurance for international students USA plans from top rated insurance provide.
Congratulations on starting an overseas university education! Have you ensured that you have a good safety net for the new environment? What if you meet with an accident or fall ill, and your studies are interrupted by circumstances beyond your control? It is for these unforeseen situations that you need proper Student medical insurance.
Here are some details that needs your attention. Hundreds of thousands of International students come to the US annually to fulfil their dreams. Along with the University Course registration comes an important often ignored aspect, which is Student Health Insurance. Health Care is very expensive in the US and unless you have adequate Student medical insurance, you can get into serious financial difficulty.
In fact most Universities make it mandatory for International students to buy Student health insurance plan. Quite often there is a college Student plan which most students enroll, however these plans are quite expensive. The University provides a list of requirements for the Student insurance plan, and students can also purchase Student insurance plans outside of the College insurance option, as long as it satisfies the University requirement.
At American Visitor Insurance, we offer the best health insurance plans for international students in USA. We offer F1 visa Student insurance that are specifically designed to satisfy university requirements. Students can compare foreign Student medical insurance plans offered by reputed American Insurance providers.
These plans are very popular among international students since they are cheaper than University Student insurance while satisfying University and F1 visa Obamacare requirements.
When choosing the best student health insurance in the USA, international students should consider several key factors to make sure they have adequate protection and are compliant with school or visa requirements. Compare the best student health insurance plans for USA at American Visitor Insurance, offering plans that meet waiver criteria and provide comprehensive coverage.
The cheapest health insurance for international students is offered by Student Journey Lite insurance plan, starting at just $30 per month. Other affordable student health insurance option includes Student Secure Smart insurance and Student Journey Plus insurance. This cost mainly depends on different factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.
Cheapest
Age: 20 years · $360 / year
Recommended
Age: 20 years · $372 / year
Best Coverage
Age: 20 years · $576 / year
The best health insurance for international students in the USA are Student Journey Platinum by IMG, Patriot Exchange Program from IMG, StudentSecure Select from WorldTrips. Choosing the best health insurance for international students in the USA depends on factors such as personal health needs, budget, university insurance requirements, and visa status.
Most Popular
Age: 20 years · $938 / year
High Coverage
Age: 20 years · $888 / year
Premium
Age: 20 years · $1248 / year
How much is Low-cost medical insurance for international students in America? How much does Insurance for foreign students in America cost per month? How much does international student health insurance cost per month?
The F1 Visa Health Insurance Cost in the USA typically ranges from $30 to $124 per month, depending on the coverage level and benefits selected.
The monthly cost of F1 student health insurance in the USA shown below is based on coverage for students aged 20.
| 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 |
| StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips | $53 | $500,000 | $0 | After 12 months | Budget-friendly plan with higher coverage limits |
| Patriot Exchange Program IMG | $56 | $50,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Short-term students & adventure sports |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters | $71 | $50,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Acute onset covered |
| 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 |
| Student Health Advantage Standard IMG | $124 | $500,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Comprehensive student health coverage |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®

Review student insurance plan benefits.
The following are some of the best international student health insurance plans in USA:
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
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
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.
Yes. If your university does not require enrolment in a specific student health insurance plan or does not impose minimum coverage requirements, you are generally free to purchase a student-eligible travel medical insurance plan that fits your needs and budget.
In such cases, students may consider travel medical insurance options that provide coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation during their stay in the USA or abroad. Popular travel medical insurance options for international students include:
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.
A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) for student health insurance such as UnitedHealthcare PPO student insurance can be extremely beneficial for international students seeking emergency coverage in the USA.
A buying student health insurance with good PPO network provides international students with a balance of broad access to quality healthcare providers and significant cost savings when using in-network services. This makes navigating the complex US healthcare system much more manageable and affordable.
Health insurance plans offering coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born baby.
Find plans »Medical insurance plans offering coverage for high schools sports and other group sports activities.
Find plans »International student medical insurance for students who need coverage for existing medical ailments.
Find plans »F1 students in the USA are not required to have health insurance. However, most universities mandate that international students have health insurance coverage, either by enrolling in the school's health plan or providing proof of equivalent coverage. This ensures that students have access to necessary medical care and are protected from high medical costs.
Health insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a USA Student visa. However, it is highly recommended for international students to have travel health insurance for USA to cover unforeseen events. Once in the US, students should focus on securing comprehensive health insurance for their stay.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
There are quite a few Student insurance plans 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:
The best policy we offer is the Diplomat America or Diplomat LongTerm insurance for intercollegiate sports coverage. The policy allows you 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.
Student Health Advantage plan from IMG covers intercollegiate sports activities: This plan provides $5K coverage for intercollegiate sports activity.
International students can purchase the Diplomat America or Diplomat LongTerm insurance for their studies in the USA. The plan offers an intercollegiate sports rider that can cover: Ballet; Baseball; Cheerleading; Cross Country; Diving; Equestrian; Fencing; Field Hockey; Golf; Polo (Horse); Polo (Water); Rowing; Softball; Surfing; Swimming; Tennis; Track & Field; Volleyball; 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; Football (No Division One); Gymnastics; Rugby (No Division One); and Soccer.
Yes. There are various Student insurance plans that cover sports activities, however the sports activities that are covered by the plan vary from one to another.
While a plan covers intercollegiate sports activities, another might cover adventure sports and hazardous sports or the non contact amateur sports.
Here is a list of Student insurance plans that cover sports activities:
Patriot Exchange from IMG:
This plan covers limited high school and college sports as an optional rider for 100% after the deductible is met . Similarly, it has an optional rider for adventure sports coverage.
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.
Student Secure Elite plan from Worldtrips:
Sports and activities coverage: This plan covers leisure, recreational, entertainment, or fitness up to the overall maximum limit.
International students can purchase either the Diplomat America or Diplomat LongTerm insurance if they intend to play on intercollegiate sports or club teams. The coverage is reduced to $20K for sports injuries and can cover a variety of sports activities. The cost of the rider depends on the specific sport of interest.
Getting travel insurance for a Student visa typically involves a few steps. Here's a general guide to help students through the process:
Always read the terms and conditions of the insurance policy carefully to understand the coverage, exclusions, and claim procedures. If you have specific questions or concerns, it's advisable to contact American Visitor Insurance for clarification.
Insurance premiums for international students can vary based on several factors. The length of the student's stay can influence insurance costs. Longer durations may result in higher premiums. The age and health condition of the Student can also impact insurance premiums. Older individuals or those with pre-existing medical conditions may face higher costs. The extent of coverage, including maximum limits and deductibles, can affect the premium amount. Plans with higher coverage limits and lower deductibles may have higher premiums.
On American Visitor Insurance students can buy US Student insurance using a paper application form either on monthly basics or yearly. Below are the Student insurance plans with paper application forms:
On receiving the completed Student insurance application form and the payment, the insurance policy will be emailed to the customer.
Health insurance for international students studying in the USA
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 than the one offered at the university (UHC) so that I can waive the enrolled medical insurance plan at Boston COLLEGE?
Regards,Here is a Student health insurance plan that provides preventive care services along with the other benefits that are usually available with all Student health insurance plans:
Safe Travels USA ComprehensivePlease let us know if we can help you further in any way.
Thanks for your inquiry! If you are interested in the Student plans which include coverage for intercollegiate sports, then you can refer to the below link for that information. You can get an idea of cost and options by putting your information here: Student insurance.
Some Student insurance plans exclude coverage for Intercollegiate sports governed by NCAA for most F1 visa students.
The only plan that covers NCAA college sports is the Diplomat America Insurance with the rider.
Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student insurance.
Learn More »International Student Medical Insurance Plans for students studying abroad
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