If you’re an F-1 or J-1 international student planning to study in the USA, one of the most important things to consider is student health insurance for study abroad. Medical care in the U.S. can be expensive, and most universities require students to have coverage throughout their studies to protect against unexpected medical costs.
On this page, you’ll learn how much does US health insurance cost for international students, the factors that affect pricing, and tips for choosing the right plan to fit your budget and meet university and visa requirements.
Student travel insurance is a specialized insurance policy designed to protect students traveling internationally for higher education. It provides comprehensive protection against various risks and unforeseen events that may arise during their time abroad, allowing them to focus on their studies without the added stress of managing potential issues. It covers a wide range of medical expenses including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, prescription medications and medical evacuation.
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.
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 US health insurance cost for international students at American Visitor Insurance, offering plans that meet waiver criteria and provide comprehensive coverage.
The international student insurance for USA cost per month ranges from $30 to $124. The price depends on the factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance. 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.
The cost of health insurance for an international student per month aged 20 years.| Insurance Plans | Policy maximum | Deductible | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Journey Lite IMG | $150,000 | $100 | $30 |
| StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips | $200,000 | $0 | $32 |
| Student Journey Plus IMG | $300,000 | $500 | $48 |
| StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips | $500,000 | $0 | $53 |
| Patriot Exchange IMG | $50,000 | $250 | $56 |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters | $50,000 | $250 | $71 |
| Student Journey Platinum IMG | $500,000 | $250 | $74 |
| StudentSecure Select WorldTrips | $1,000,000 | $0 | $106 |
| Student Health Advantage Standard IMG | $500,000 | $250 | $124 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
The US student abroad cost ranges from $26 to $289 per month. The price depends on the factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.
The best student health insurance abroad cost per month for an international student aged 20 years.
| Insurance Plans | Policy maximum | Deductible | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips | $200,000 | $0 | $26 |
| Patriot Exchange Program IMG | $50,000 | $250 | $39 |
| StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips | $500,000 | $0 | $47 |
| Student Health Advantage Standard IMG | $500,000 | $250 | $82 |
| StudentSecure Select WorldTrips | $1,000,000 | $0 | $80 |
| Student Health Advantage Platinum IMG | $1,000,000 | $25 | $246 |
| BCBS Study Abroad Student Insurance GeoBlue | Unlimited Coverage | $0 | $289 |
Review student insurance plan benefits.
At American Visitor Insurance we offer the best student insurance for US students studying outside USA. This is very important for US students while outside the USA to have the best health insurance coverage for sudden sickness or unexpected injury. Do contact our customer service or email for clarification or if the University has specific requirements.
One can buy the student insurance USA online, to instantly get the student insurance USA ID Card and policy details. These can used to avail any of the student insurance benefits.
Click here for popular countries for US Students study abroad »| Deductible Type | Monthly Premium | Cost When You Need Care | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Deductible Plan | Higher | Lower out-of-pocket cost when visiting a doctor or hospital | Students who want predictable costs and broader coverage |
| High Deductible Plan | Lower | Higher out-of-pocket cost when you receive medical care | Healthy students who rarely need medical services |
International students can reduce health insurance costs by making a few smart choices:
Small decisions like these can save hundreds of dollars per year while still maintaining required coverage.
Many international students focus only on the monthly insurance premium, but understanding real U.S. medical costs shows why insurance is essential.
By comparison, most international student health insurance plans from American Visitor Insurance cost $30–$124 per month and provide coverage for unexpected medical events, helping students avoid huge out-of-pocket expenses.
⚠️ Insurance is not just a university requirement it’s a financial safeguard that protects you from costly emergencies.
The cheapest health insurance for F1 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 health insurance cost for international students in USA mainly depends on different factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.
Low-cost international student health insurance plans are a popular option for students who want to keep expenses minimal while still maintaining required medical coverage during their stay in the USA.
Cheapest health insurance for international students plans typically focus on emergency treatment and basic medical care. They may have lower coverage limits, higher out-of-pocket costs, and fewer included benefits compared to comprehensive plans.
Choosing the cheapest health insurance for studying abroad plan may mean limited coverage for hospital stays, specialist visits, mental health services, or serious medical conditions. Before purchasing, always confirm that the plan meets your university’s insurance requirements and provides adequate protection for your needs.
For students who want broader coverage, lower deductibles, or access to a wider provider network, a comprehensive student health insurance plan may offer better long-term value.
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.
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 »“ 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. ”
“ 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. ”
“ 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! ”
The United States continues to be a leading destination for international students thanks to its academic excellence, diverse programs, practical work opportunities, and global reputation. Many students choose the U.S. not only for quality education but also for practical training options like Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows work experience after graduation.
According to the most recent Open Doors report, U.S. colleges and universities hosted approximately 1.18 million international students in the 2024–2025 academic year, marking continued growth in global enrollments. International students now account for about 6% of the total U.S. higher education population, showing sustained demand for American higher education worldwide.
| Year | Total international students | % of Total U.S Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 11,77,766 | 60% |
| 2024-2024 | 11,26,690 | 5.9% |
| Visa Type | Average Cost | Key Features | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-1 Student Insurance | $30 – $124/month | Flexible coverage, varies by school | Check university requirements; some schools require specific coverage levels |
| J-1 Student Insurance | $30 – $350/month | Must meet U.S. Department of State requirements | Includes mandatory benefits like medical evacuation and repatriation |
Cost-Effective Alternatives: Enjoy students insurance coverage on par with university-sponsored plans, but at significantly lower premiums without compromising on benefits. You're getting exceptional value.
Whether you're on an F-1, J-1, OPT, M-1, or even a dependent visa like F-2 or J-2, our plans are engineered to meet those unique requirements so you stay compliant, covered, and stress-free.
From acute illness and chronic condition support to maternity, mental health, sports, and even device protection our plans are flexible and globally effective no more battling campus restrictions when heading off-site or on OPT.
Not just limited to semesters renewable coverage through OPT, transfer between universities without hassle, and extensions beyond graduation make our plans a seamless companion throughout your U.S. journey.
All students should have travel insurance student for international travel. Health care costs outside your home country are very high and a minor injury or accident could set you back tens of thousands of dollars. Being healthy and taking care of yourself is of course, highly recommended, but accidents happen to us all and when we least expect. Students should have the best student travel health insurance plans before any emergency situation arises so that you do not find yourself in serious debt.
Yes, most insurance providers offer flexibility in choosing the duration of coverage based on the length of your academic program. You can typically select coverage for a semester, an academic year, or multiple years, depending on your needs. The cost of most student insurance plans are on a per day basis, so you can choose the length of coverage exactly according to your needs.
Yes, most US insurance providers on American Visitor Insurance allow you to purchase coverage after arriving in the host country. It is however recommended to obtain student insurance before your departure to ensure you are protected from the moment you arrive.
Coverage for pre-existing conditions can vary depending on the student insurance plan and insurance provider. Some student health insurance plans may exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, while others may offer limited coverage or require a waiting period before covering such conditions.
Yes, the US insurance providers on American Visitor Insurance allow international student insurance policy extensions if the student academic program is extended.
Student travel insurance policies available in American Visitor Insurance have flexible availability, ranging from a weeks to a few years, depending on the length of your academic program.
Most insurance providers offered in American Visitor Insurance allow policy extensions, but it's essential to inquire about the extension options and any limitations beforehand.
To file a claim, you will need to contact your insurance provider's claims department as soon as possible. They will guide you through the process and provide the necessary forms and information.
Yes, in most cases, you can use your student travel insurance for personal travel within the USA. However, it's essential to compare the different plans using the student travel insurance comparison tool in American Visitor Insurance to review the details to ensure that it covers your needs well.
Yes, you can buy student travel insurance policy even if you are already studying abroad. However, not all student travel insurance plans give you this option and you can find a policy on American Visitor Insurance that covers student travelers who are already abroad.
Student travel insurance covers the specific needs and risks of students who are studying abroad and outside their home country. It can provide coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, personal liability, and more. These are some common eligibility criteria for student travel insurance. Different insurers may have different terms and conditions, so it is advisable to check the policy document carefully before buying one. You can also compare different plans and features on American Visitor Insurance online to find the best one for your needs and budget.
Many student health insurance for international students in USA plans are designed to meet or exceed U.S. university and visa requirements. However, insurance rules vary by institution, so students should always verify their school’s specific coverage criteria and confirm that the selected plan is accepted before enrolling or requesting a waiver.
International travel insurance for U.S. students, often called as overseas student health insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to cover American students while they are studying, or traveling abroad. It provides financial protection and medical support for unexpected events that may occur during their time outside the U.S.
Students can purchase the best health insurance for studying abroad plans online on American Visitor Insurance. International students can compare a wide range of study abroad health insurance options online and choose the most suitable travel medical insurance plan.
Coverage can begin as early as the next day after purchase. International student travel insurance typically covers:
Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student insurance.
Learn More »Compare different US students medical insurance plans online.
Read more »Compare US international student insurance to find the plan for your budget and needs.
Read more »Compare US students medical insurance for the plan that fits your needs best.
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