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International Students Health Insurance FAQs

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International Student Insurance in the USA Faqs

1. Am I obligated to buy the plan if I fill an insurance form from your site?

No. You are under no obligation to buy a health insurance plan when getting a quote from American Visitor Insurance. After getting a quote you are not obligated to buy on our website, neither are you obligated to buy after completing an online or paper application, you can always choose not to buy the insurance. You can also cancel the insurance if you choose to, you will get a full refund before the start of the insurance policy and a pro-rata refund after the start of the policy.

2. How do we buy overseas travel insurance for a group of students?

You can buy a single master health insurance plan for a group of students traveling overseas. It is easier to manage a group insurance plan, and the price is cheaper than buying several individual travel insurance policies. The 'IMG Patriot Exchange Group student insurance' is popular for groups of more than two students traveling abroad. This is ideal for student groups who are traveling overseas to take part in a group activity either academic or sporting.

3. What are the requirements for buying group insurance for students?

Groups of two or more students can purchase group insurance plans. Buying group student insurance works better than individual student insurance plans in the following ways –

  • Group plans have a discount and are cheaper than individual student plans.
  • Group plans are easier to manage, as there will be a master insurance plan, and each of the students will be given an ID as proof of their insurance coverage.

You can get quote for 'student group insurance here'.

4. When should I apply for international student insurance?

You can apply as soon as you are enrolled as an eligible student. The policy will be sent out as soon as it is issued. We would prefer that the application not be completed more than 60 days prior to the requested effective date.

5. When does my student coverage start?

If you purchase online, using a credit card the earliest your student insurance coverage can begin is the day following the transaction. You also have the option of selecting a coverage start date up to 60 days in the future. But please note that the coverage cannot start on the 29th, 30th, or 31st of a month.

6. Does the health insurance for international students provide coverage throughout the year, or is it only during the school term?

The international student health insurance provides coverage throughout the year, not just when the school is in session. If you leave school, your coverage continues for the remainder of the policy year. This insurance can also be renewed.

7. Will I be covered when I go out of state?

The student insurance plans offered on American Visitor Insurance will move with you anywhere in the United States.

8. What happens if I transfer schools?

The student insurance coverage is not tied to any one school and will move with you if you transfer schools. That is one of the advantage of buying insurance from American Visitor Insurance as opposed to buying it on the university.

9. Will I lose coverage when I graduate or if I leave school?

No you will not lose coverage as long as you attended school full-time for 31 days after the policy effective date. The Student policy stays with till the end of the policy period. This is very helpful for international students as they graduate from school and are on the OPT status in a F1 student visa. That is one big advantage of buying international student insurance from American Visitor Insurance.

10. Which is the best international student insurance for sports? Will it cover competition games with other colleges?

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:

  1. Student Health Advantage plan from IMG:
    This plan provides coverage of $5000 for intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports. This is most requested by international students.
  2. Student Secure Elite plan from Worldtrips:
    Sports and activities coverage: This plan covers leisure, recreational, entertainment, or fitness up to the overall maximum limit

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 $20,000 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.

11. Will student insurance in USA cover intercollegiate athletics for international students in USA?

Student Health Advantage plan from IMG covers intercollegiate sports activities: This plan provides $5000 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.

12. Can you get a sports insurance as an international student?

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 $5000 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 $20,000 for sports injuries and can cover a variety of sports activities. The cost of the rider depends on the specific sport of interest.

13. Will student insurance in USA cover intercollegiate athletics for international students in USA?

Yes. International students health insurance plans available on American Visitor Insurance can cover you while traveling temporarily outside your school’s country. This is one of the advantage of American Visitor Insurance’s international student insurance plans unlike University student insurance plans which do not provide coverage outside the United States.

This includes emergency medical care, hospitalization, and evacuation if something unexpected happens while you’re away. It is important to remember that the international student insurance policy might not cover routine check-ups or non-emergency care may not be covered outside the U.S., hence, it is advisable to verify your plan details prior to traveling.

14. Is student health insurance mandatory for all universities?

Not all universities make it mandatory, but most U.S. colleges require international students to have insurance that meets their minimum standards. Medical insurance for international students in USA at American Visitor Insurance are designed to satisfy most university requirements, so you can focus on your studies rather than worrying about whether your coverage is enough.

15. What happens if I don’t have health insurance as a student?

Without health insurance for foreign student in the U.S., even a minor medical issue can become very expensive. Hospitals often require payment upfront for treatment if you’re uninsured. Additionally:

  • Many universities won’t allow enrolment or registration without proof of coverage.
  • Certain visa types, especially J-1/J-2, legally require insurance coverage.

Buying student health insurance for foreign student on American Visitor Insurance, you’re protected from high unexpected medical costs, giving peace of mind for both you and your family.

16. Can I change my insurance plan after enrollment?

Yes! Most of international students insurance plans at American Visitor Insurance allows you to extend your plan if your needs change. For example, if you decide to study longer or want additional coverage options, you can modify your plan. However, it is usually not possible to change coverage , be it to increase or decrease the medical maximum or the deductible.

To change the coverage benefits, you need to cancel the existing policy and buy a new US foreign students insurance. Always confirm with your university that your updated plan still meets their insurance requirements.

17. Can parents pay for student insurance on my behalf?

Yes. Parents or sponsors can pay the premium directly, and the student remains the primary insured. This is helpful if you prefer your family to handle the payment while you focus on studies. American Visitor Insurance makes this process simple and secure, so coverage is active immediately once payment is confirmed.

18. What documents do I need to buy International student insurance?

To enroll in an international students health insurance plan, you generally need:

  • Passport information
  • Visa type (F1, F2, J1, J2, M1)
  • School enrolment details (university name, start date, program duration)
  • Payment information: Once submitted, your coverage can begin immediately, giving you peace of mind before classes start.

19. Can I extend my insurance if my course duration changes?

Yes! If your semester is extended or you enroll in additional courses, you can extend your coverage through American Visitor Insurance to match your new dates. To ensure continuous protection without any gaps, it’s best to contact our customer support at 877-340-7910 before your current plan expires.

20. Is student insurance refundable if my visa is denied?

Yes. If your F 1, J 1, or M 1 visa is denied before your coverage starts, you can typically request a full refund from American Visitor Insurance. Refunds are usually processed after submitting proof of visa denial. Always review the plan’s refund policy for exact details, as some administrative fees may apply.

21. Can I keep my insurance after graduation?

Generally, standard student insurance ends when your course or university enrolment ends. However, American Visitor Insurance offers options to extend or switch to visitor or short-term health insurance so you can stay protected if you remain in the U.S. for OPT, work, or travel after graduation.

22. Are mental health services covered under student insurance?

Many health insurance plans for students include coverage for mental health treatment, such as therapy sessions, inpatient psychiatric care, and counselling, though limits may apply. Coverage varies by plan, so students should check plan details before selecting coverage to ensure their needs are met.

23. What hospitals and doctors accept this insurance?

Student insurance plans are widely accepted at most hospitals and doctors in the U.S., including major networks. In case of an emergency, your plan allows you to go to any emergency room, and many plans include preferred provider networks for lower out-of-pocket costs. Always check your plan directory or call customer support to confirm in-network providers near your school.

What Does International Student Insurance Cover?

local_hospital

Health Care Expenses

Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.

sports_soccer

Sports Activities

Some plans cover high school sports activities.

local_hospital

Repat of Remains

Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.

dentistry

Dental Coverage

Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.

pregnancy

Maternity Coverage

Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.

cardiology

Pre-existing Conditions

Student insurance who need coverage for existing medical ailments.

International Student Health Insurance Reviews

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 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 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 Amanda
👉 Read International Travel Insurance Reviews

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