International students on F-1 and J-1 visas are generally not eligible for ACA marketplace plans during their first five years in the U.S. Most students rely on private health insurance that meets university waiver requirements.
ACA-compliant health insurance refers to coverage that meets the standards established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. ACA plans are designed primarily for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain resident aliens.
However, International students studying in the United States on a F-1 Visa and J-1 visa are considered non-resident aliens for tax purposes during their first five calendar years in the U.S. They are generally exempt from ACA individual mandate requirements and are not eligible to purchase marketplace ACA plans.
After the exemption period ends, ACA applicability may depend on:Even in these limited cases, ACA plans are often not the most suitable option for international students.
Even if eligibility becomes possible, ACA marketplace plans may not fit the needs of temporary students who:
In these situations, ACA plans may either be unavailable or may not offer the flexibility international students require. If you are unable to enroll in an ACA marketplace plan or need immediate, short-term, or internationally adaptable coverage, you can purchase a private student health insurance plan that better aligns with your specific needs.
At American Visitor Insurance, we offer cheap international student health insurance plans that provide coverage comparable to many university-sponsored plans - often at a significantly lower cost. Our plans are specifically designed to meet the needs of international students studying in the United States. We offer:
These plans are not ACA marketplace plans, but they are structured to meet the needs of international students studying in the United States.
The U.S. federal government does not mandate specific health insurance coverage requirements for F-1 visa holders. However, most universities require students to maintain active health insurance while enrolled.
University requirements often include:Students who wish to waive a university-sponsored plan must usually demonstrate that their private plan meets these minimum standards. Before purchasing any policy, it is important to review your university’s insurance waiver requirements carefully.
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.
No. International students are not eligible for Obamacare plans or plans available on each state's insurance marketplace. The only way for an international student to get a domestic plan is to purchase a plan offered by their institution or through an employer. Typically international students have to buy the University medical insurance, or student insurance that we offer if they find the coverage adequate for their needs.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), widely known as Obamacare after President Barack Obama, was created to expand health coverage for U.S. citizens and qualifying residents. It generally does not apply to:
Because of this, international students typically cannot enroll in ACA marketplace plans unless their immigration or tax residency status changes and they become eligible under ACA rules.
Health insurance is still extremely important for international students because of the high cost of medical care in the United States. Most universities require students to maintain active health insurance while studying.
Instead of ACA marketplace plans, many students choose private international student health insurance. These plans are designed specifically for international students and often provide flexible coverage options.
Students can compare and purchase affordable international student insurance plans through American Visitor Insurance. These plans are often more affordable than university-sponsored health plans while offering similar coverage benefits. Although these plans are not ACA (Obamacare) compliant, ACA compliance is not required for most international students, making private student insurance a practical option for maintaining coverage during their studies in the U.S.
International students in the U.S. often face confusion when choosing between Obamacare (ACA) and dedicated student health insurance plans. The table below highlights key differences in eligibility, compliance, and coverage to help F-1 and J-1 students make an informed decision.
| Feature | Obamacare (ACA) | Student Health Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility for F 1/J 1 Students | Not generally eligible | Designed for students |
| Meets University Requirement | Usually not | Yes |
| Visa Compliance | No | Yes |
| Price Range | Varies | $30–$250+ per month |
| Coverage Options | Limited for students | Multiple tiers available |
The following are some of the best international student health insurance plans in USA:
or United HealthCare 
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
or United HealthCare 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
or United HealthCare 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 enrollment in a specific student health insurance plan or does not impose minimum coverage requirements, you are generally free to choose the insurance plan that best fits your needs and budget.
You can select either a student insurance plan or a travel medical insurance plan depending on what coverage you prefer.
If you prefer private or non-university health insurance plan instead of student-specific plans, you can consider these popular options:
Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.
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Some plans cover high school sports activities.
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Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
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Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
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Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.
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Student Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
Know more »International students may need medical evacuation and repatriation insurance to meet visa or school requirements.
Policy maximum?
$75k
Deductible options?
$0
Period of coverage?
364 days
Policy maximum?
$100k
Deductible options?
$50k
Period of coverage?
365 days
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.
American Visitor Insurance helps international students find affordable and flexible health insurance options designed for their needs while studying in the United States.
The Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, is an US healthcare reform law signed by President Barack Obama in March 2010. It aims to improve the accessibility and affordability of health insurance for Americans.
Key provisions of Obamacare include:
As of my last update in September 2021, some aspects of Obamacare were still in effect, but certain provisions have been modified or repealed over the years. It is important to check the most current information regarding the status of the ACA. Obamacare is not needed for international student insurance, though many Universities insist on it.
International students cannot student insurance through Obamacare, however if you are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident, you can explore health insurance options through the health insurance marketplaces created by Obamacare. Depending on your income and eligibility criteria, you may qualify for subsidies to help lower the cost of your insurance premiums. Obamacare is not however not applicable for international students on the F1 visa.
If you have health insurance through your employer or a private plan that meets certain requirements, you may be able to keep it. Obamacare introduced minimum essential coverage standards, and plans that meet these standards are considered ACA-compliant. However Obamacare is not applicable for international students on the F1 visa.
The individual mandate, which required most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty, was effectively repealed in 2019. As of my last update, there were no federal penalties for not having health insurance. However, some states may have their individual mandates or penalties. Again, Obamacare is not relevant for international students.
Yes, Obamacare allows children to stay on their parents' health insurance plans until they turn 26 years old, regardless of their marital or student status. However, this is not applicable for international students.
Yes, Obamacare prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. This provision ensures that US citizens or US legal residents with pre-existing health conditions can access affordable health insurance. This is however not applicable for international students.
If a student is holding an F, J, M, or Q visa in the U.S., they are considered a non-resident alien for tax purposes for the first 5 years and are exempt from the ACA mandate. There is no insurance requirement for F1 students, and it is up to the school to determine what the requirements are.
In the United States, there is no free health insurance for international students, and it is the responsibility to get the best US health insurance for international students. At American Visitor Insurance, we offer several options which include the cheapest health insurance for international students. However in Canada, international students are eligible for free basic health coverage through the province’s Medical Care Plan (MCP) as long as the students are enrolled in full-time studies for at least 12 months. In the UK , European Union students are entitled to free NHS treatment using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program for low-income US citizens. Eligibility for Medicaid is not within the ambit of immigration law and it is a violation of immigration law for non-immigrants including F-1, F-2 students and dependents to accept public assistance. International students on F-1 visas are therefore not eligible for Medicaid.
No. Medicare for international students is not available. Medicare is a US government program designed for U.S. citizens and certain permanent residents, primarily serves individuals aged 65 or older. International students can purchase student health insurance plans on American Visitor Insurance to meet their healthcare needs while studying in the U.S.
U.S. citizens who live abroad for at least 330 days within a 12-month period do not have to comply with the Obamacare insurance mandate, which requires most Americans to have health insurance. However, if you are a U.S. citizen living abroad for more than 3 months but less than 330 days, you may be required to have Obamacare compliant medical insurance.
Foreign visitors to the USA and non-immigrants are not eligible for Obamacare, officially known as Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or Affordable Care Act (ACA).
No. International students in the USA are not required to have ACA-compliant (Obamacare) health insurance. Most students on F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible for ACA plans. Instead, they must purchase student health insurance that meets their university’s requirements and complies with visa regulations. These plans are specifically designed for international students and typically offer appropriate coverage at a more affordable cost.
Generally, no. Most U.S. universities do not accept ACA (Obamacare) plans for international students because they usually do not meet university insurance requirements or visa compliance standards.
International students should buy a university-approved student health insurance plan. These plans are designed to meet F-1/J-1 visa requirements, satisfy university mandates, and provide adequate coverage at an affordable cost.
There are some F1 visa students on the OPT status who are not enrolled in any classes. In this situation students are not limited to buying US student health insurance and can buy short term travel health insurance. The visitors insurance plans are cheaper and work well for international students while they are not enrolled in classes. International students can review US visitors medical insurance plans that fit your needs.
Please know we are here to help you make an informed decision to get international students insurance! Let us know how we can assist you. Feel free to contact us by email or phone at any time.
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