Best International Student Insurance Reviews
Finding the best international student health insurance can be challenging with so many plans available. Reading real student insurance reviews helps you understand how different policies work in real situations, including the purchase process, coverage experience, customer support, and claims assistance.
Explore verified reviews from international students who have purchased student health insurance for studying in the USA and abroad. Learn about their experiences with medical coverage, plan benefits, visa requirements, university compliance, and support services. These reviews can help you compare international student insurance plans and make a confident decision when choosing affordable and reliable coverage.
Student Health Insurance Reviews
Reviews, ratings and experiences from our customers.
Anirudh
Student Health Insurance Reviews
"After rigorous searching for suitable student health insurance online, I came across the American Visitor Insurance website. The customer representatives were extremely patient and helpful in guiding me to the best plan for my needs. I am very satisfied with their service and the health insurance options they offer for students and individuals with different visa statuses."
Anirudh
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Purchased insurance through American Visitor Insurance? Tell us about your experience and help other travelers make informed decisions.
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What Is the Best Health Insurance for International Students?
International Medical Group (IMG) Student Insurance Reviews
- AM Best Rating: A- (Excellent)
- Plan Life: 30 days to 12 months
- Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
- PPO Network: UnitedHealthcare PPO Network
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered after a 6-month waiting period.
- Medical Evacuation: Up to $60,000.
- Comprehensive student medical insurance plan.
- Available for J1, F1, and M1 visa holders.
- Includes maternity care coverage.
- Pre-existing conditions covered after a 6-month waiting period.
- Optional Adventure Sports coverage available.
- Coverage available for up to 12 months.
- Not available for U.S. citizens.
- AM Best Rating: A- (Excellent)
- Plan Life: 12 Months
- Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered after a waiting period of 6 months.
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Coinsurance:
In Network: Plan pays 90% and insured pays 10%.
Out of Network: Plan pays 80% and insured pays 20%. - Direct Billing: Through UnitedHealthcare Network.
- Covers medical evacuation, repatriation, and emergency reunion.
- Renewable for up to 48 months.
- Optional Adventure Sports coverage is available.
- Does not cover pregnancy.
- Cannot be renewed if purchased for less than one month.
- AM Best Rating: A- (Excellent)
- Plan Life: 30 days to 12 months
- Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
- PPO Network: UnitedHealthcare PPO Network
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered after a 6-month waiting period.
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000 maximum limit.
- Comprehensive student medical insurance plan.
- Available for J1, F1, and M1 visa holders.
- Includes maternity care coverage.
- Pre-existing conditions covered after a 6-month waiting period.
- Optional Adventure Sports coverage available.
- Available for purchase for up to 12 months.
- Not available for U.S. citizens.
- AM Best Rating: A- (Excellent)
- Plan Life: 30 days to 12 months
- Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
- PPO Network: UnitedHealthcare PPO Network
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered after a 6-month waiting period.
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000 maximum limit.
- Comprehensive student medical insurance plan.
- Available for J1, F1, and M1 visa holders.
- Includes maternity care coverage.
- Pre-existing conditions covered after a 6-month waiting period.
- Optional Adventure Sports coverage available.
- Available for purchase for up to 12 months.
- Not available for U.S. citizens.
- AM Best Rating: A- (Excellent)
- Plan Life: Up to 5 years
- Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered after a 12-month waiting period.
-
Coinsurance:
In Network: Plan pays 90% and insured pays 10%.
Out of Network: Plan pays 80% and insured pays 20%. - Direct Billing: Through UnitedHealthcare Network.
- Meets student visa insurance requirements.
- Available for J1/J2, F1/F2, M1/M2, and A1/A2 visa holders.
- Optional Adventure Sports rider available up to age 65.
- 12-month waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage.
- Policy can be renewed only up to 12 months if initially purchased for at least 3 months.
BCBS Global Solutions Student Insurance Reviews
The BCBS Global Solutions Study Abroad Student plan is designed for students studying outside their home country, offering comprehensive international medical coverage to protect against unexpected illnesses, accidents, and medical emergencies while abroad.
- AM Best Rating: A
- Plan Life: 3 months to 364 days
- Underwriter: 4 Ever Life International Limited
- Maternity: Up to $25,000.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covers up to age 70.
- Medical Coverage: Up to $1,000,000.
- Worldwide medical coverage for students studying abroad.
- Access to a global doctor and hospital network with emergency care.
- Meets study abroad and visa insurance requirements.
- No trip cancellation or baggage coverage.
- Limited or no U.S. coverage during the study abroad period.
WorldTrips Student Insurance Reviews
- AM Best Rating: A++ (Superior)
- Plan Life: 5 days to 364 days
- Underwriter: TMHCC Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company
- PPO Network: UnitedHealthcare PPO Network
- Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions: Up to the $25,000 lifetime maximum.
- Medical Evacuation: Up to $50,000.
- Available in four coverage levels: Elite, Select, Budget, and Smart.
- Renewable online for up to 4 years.
- Covers AD&D, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, emergency reunion, terrorism, and intercollegiate or club sports.
- Monthly payment option available.
- No refund after 60 days from the policy effective date.
- Pre-existing conditions are covered only after a 6-month waiting period.
- No dependent coverage.
- AM Best Rating: A++ (Superior)
- Plan Duration: 30 days to 364 days (Renewable up to 4 years)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $45,000 then 100%; Out of PPO Network: Usual, Reasonable & Customary charges.
- PPO Network: UnitedHealthcare PPO Network with direct billing.
- Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions: Up to $25,000 lifetime maximum.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered after a 12-month waiting period.
- Maternity Coverage: Up to $5,000.
- Mental Health: 30 physician visits and 30 inpatient days (includes drug & alcohol abuse treatment).
- Student Health Center: $25 per visit.
- Sports Coverage: Recreational, fitness, leisure, entertainment and club sports covered.
- Payment Options: Monthly and annual payment options available.
Sample Price: $53/month for travelers aged 18–24.
- Affordable student health insurance for international students.
- Monthly or annual payment options.
- Renewable for up to 4 years.
- Covers maternity, mental health, student health center visits and recreational sports.
- Access to the nationwide UnitedHealthcare PPO Network.
- Pre-existing conditions covered only after a 12-month waiting period.
- Out-of-network providers may result in excess charges.
- Coinsurance applies before full coverage within the PPO network.
- AM Best Rating: A++ (Superior)
- Plan Duration: 30 days to 364 days (Renewable up to 4 years)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $25,000, then 100%; Out of PPO Network: Usual, Reasonable & Customary charges.
- PPO Network: UnitedHealthcare PPO Network with direct billing.
- Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions: Up to $25,000 lifetime maximum.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered after a 6-month waiting period.
- Maternity Coverage: Up to $10,000.
- Mental Health: Up to 30 physician visits and 30 inpatient days (includes drug & alcohol abuse treatment).
- Student Health Center: $10 per visit.
- Sports Coverage: Recreational, leisure, fitness, entertainment, and club/intercollegiate sports covered (up to $5,000 for eligible sports).
- Payment Options: Monthly and annual payment options available.
Sample Price: $106/month for travelers aged 18–24.
- $1,000,000 policy maximum.
- Pre-existing conditions covered after only a 6-month waiting period.
- Maternity coverage up to $10,000.
- Covers recreational, club, intramural, and intercollegiate sports.
- Monthly payment option with renewability up to 4 years.
- 80% coinsurance applies before full PPO coverage.
- Out-of-network providers may result in excess charges.
- Sports coverage for intercollegiate and club sports is limited to $5,000.
Why Do International Students Need Health Insurance in the USA?
Health insurance for international students in the USA is essential because healthcare costs in America are very expensive. The best student health insurance for international students helps cover medical expenses caused by accidents, illnesses, hospitalization, and emergency care while studying abroad.
A good international student insurance USA plan provides coverage for:
- Medical expenses and doctor visits
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
- Prescription medications and urgent care
American Visitor Insurance offers affordable student health insurance USA plans with flexible deductibles and comprehensive coverage options. These student medical insurance USA plans are designed for:
- F1 visa students
- OPT students
- F2 dependents
- J1/J2 exchange visitors
- M1/M2 visa holders
- Students needing sports coverage
- U.S. students studying abroad
Compare cheap international student insurance plans and find the best coverage that meets university and visa requirements in the USA.
What Are the Health Insurance Requirements for International Students in the USA?
International students studying in the United States are often required to purchase student health insurance to satisfy university requirements. The specific requirements for the best health insurance for international students vary depending on the educational institution, state regulations, and the type of student visa.
Most U.S. universities and colleges require international students to purchase and maintain an approved health insurance plan. Student insurance plans available through American Visitor Insurance are comparable to many university-sponsored plans and often provide similar benefits at lower costs.
Some U.S. states require international students to maintain qualifying student health insurance coverage while attending college or university.
Students on F1, F2, J1, J2, and other eligible non-immigrant visas may need to demonstrate adequate medical insurance coverage before registering or continuing their academic programs.
Exchange visitors holding J-1 or J-2 visas must meet the health insurance requirements established by the U.S. Department of State, including minimum medical and evacuation coverage.
Student health insurance should include coverage for hospitalization, physician visits, emergency medical care, prescription medications, and repatriation of remains, along with other essential healthcare benefits.
Students enrolled in vocational or technical schools on an M-1 visa should maintain adequate medical insurance coverage throughout their period of study.
Students with comparable health insurance coverage purchased through American Visitor Insurance may qualify for a university insurance waiver if their plan meets or exceeds the institution's requirements.
At American Visitor Insurance, we offer affordable plans from top-rated insurance providers that satisfy many university health insurance requirements while helping international students find quality coverage at competitive prices.
How to Find the Best Health Insurance for International Students in the USA
When choosing the best health insurance for international students in the USA, it is important to compare your coverage needs, including medical emergencies, doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health coverage, and preventive care. International students should compare affordable student health insurance plans in the USA by balancing monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and maximum coverage benefits.
Look for comprehensive international student insurance plans that provide access to a large network of doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers near your university and throughout the United States. A good student medical insurance USA plan.
American Visitor Insurance offers some of the best student health insurance plans for international students in America with flexible and budget-friendly coverage options. Students can easily compare cheap international student insurance, find the right USA health insurance for F1 students, and choose reliable coverage that meets university requirements and personal healthcare needs while studying abroad.
What is the Cheapest International Student Health Insurance in 2026?
Cheapest health insurance for international students in USA is the Student Journey Lite Insurance from IMG
Other affordable F1 student health insurance plans options include:
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? 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 | $34 | $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 |
| StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips | $60 | $500,000 | $0 | After 12 months | Budget-friendly plan with higher coverage limits |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters | $61 | $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 | $112 | $1,000,000 | $0 | After 6 months | Maximum coverage & premium benefits |
| Student Health Advantage Standard IMG | $133 | $500,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Comprehensive student health coverage |
Source: American Visitor Insurance® | Prices verified for 2026 travel season.
What Factors Determine International Student Health Insurance Cost?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Budget plans cover essentials only (emergency care, accidents).
- Comprehensive plans include broader protection (checkups, mental health, maternity) — priced higher.
- A higher deductible reduces your monthly premium.
- Lower deductible = better emergency coverage, but increased plan cost.
- If the students need additional coverage for specific activities like adventure sports mental illness, preventive care services, home country would cost more.
- 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.
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.
International Student Health Insurance FAQs
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:
- Policy Maximum: This is the maximum amount on the insurance plan which normally ranges from $50K up to $1M. This is the maximum a policy can cover in case of an extreme emergency as per the policy guidelines and conditions mentioned in the policy.
- Deductible: The deductible options can range anywhere from $50 up to $5K between the plans. A larger deductible means lower premium price and vice versa. Picking a large deductible thus low premium by choosing a comprehensive plan is usually recommended, as most of the comprehensive plans have an one time deductible and is cost effective.
- Pre existing condition coverage: This is very important benefit factor as many customers need this benefit. The Student plans have a minimum 6 month waiting period for coverage of pre-existing conditions.
- Coverage for mental illness and drug abuse: This coverage is required by most of the universities.
- Cancellation and Renewability: Each plan have their unique cancellation and renew-ability policies. It is important to pay attention to it if there is any ambiguity while booking insurance initially.
- Sports and other unique activities: Some of the plans provide coverage for intercollegiate and interscholastic sports.
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.
ECFMG & J-1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements for International Medical Graduates
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) participating in an ECFMG-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitor Program must maintain health insurance that complies with the U.S. Department of State's J-1 visa insurance requirements throughout their training.
Compare affordable ECFMG-approved J-1 visa health insurance plans that meet the required medical benefits, medical evacuation, repatriation, and deductible limits for physicians, residents, fellows, and exchange visitors.
Compare ECFMG-Approved PlansWhat Does International Student Insurance Cover?
Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.
Some plans cover high school sports activities.
Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.
Student Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
Do I Need Health Insurance for an F-1 Visa?
The U.S. Department of State does not mandate specific insurance requirements for F1 visa holders. However, most U.S. universities require valid health insurance as a condition of enrollment and registration.
F-1 student health insurance requirements for International 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.
Universities require coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and often mental health care. To make sure you meet both university and visa requirements, explore our comprehensive guide on best F1 visa health insurance requirements in USA.
How to Choose the Right International Student Health Insurance?
When choosing student health insurance, international students should consider several key factors to ensure adequate protection and compliance with university or visa requirements. Compare top-rated student health insurance plans that meet common waiver criteria and offer comprehensive coverage.
Galen College of Nursing - Louisville may require students to enroll in a university-sponsored plan or provide proof of comparable private insurance that meets standard requirements.
Ensure that your chosen plan satisfies the minimum coverage requirements related to your visa status (for instance, J1 visa holders must have coverage with $100,000 medical benefits and $50,000 medical evacuation).
Choose plans that cover doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, emergency services, and mental health care.
Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums to find a plan that fits your budget.
Choose plans which have a wider provider network in Kentucky for easier access to healthcare services near campus.
Check if your plan covers any pre-existing conditions and if there’s a waiting period.
Reliable support and an easy claims process are important when navigating the US healthcare system.
Which Are The Best Insurance Companies For International Students In USA?
You can find reliable International student health insurance providers through American Visitor Insurance - including International Medical Group (IMG), WorldTrips and Global Underwriters. Compare our best-rated companies for student health coverage to find the plan that best fits your coverage needs and budget.