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ACA compliant health insurance for international students

International student medical insurance cost in USA

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Which is the cheapest health insurance for international students in USA?

The cheap health insurance for F1 students is offered by Student Secure Smart Insurance plan, starting at just $32 per month. It provides comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and accidental death and dismemberment. This cost mainly depends on different factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.

What is ACA compliant health insurance for international students?

Affordable Care Act insurance is a type of health insurance that meets the standards and requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. The ACA is a health care reform law that aims to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for US citizens and residents. However, the ACA does not apply to international students who are studying in the US on a student visa, such as F1 or J1. Therefore, international students are not eligible for ACA plans or plans available on each state’s insurance marketplace.

F visa insurance requirements for international students

The U.S. government does not mandate specific insurance requirements for F visa holders. However, some schools or universities in the US may require US health insurance for international students that is compliant with the ACA standards or their own criteria. In that case, international students may need to purchase an ACA compliant plan or a plan that meets the schools or universities minimum requirements. Some of the benefits of an ACA compliant plan are:

  • It covers essential health benefits, such as preventive care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health, maternity, and more
  • It has no annual or lifetime limits on coverage.
  • It does not deny coverage or charge more based on pre-existing conditions or gender.
  • It offers subsidies or tax credits for eligible individuals or families to lower the cost of premiums.

What is ACA compliance for international students in the US?

Are international students coming to study in US Universities expected to comply by the ACA rules? Hundreds of thousands of students come to the US every year to study in US Universities. As non-residents for tax purposes, they are not required to comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. For the first five years of their stay in the U.S. After this initial period, students may be subject to ACA compliance depending on their visa status and the number of years they have lived in the U.S.

ACA Exemption for International Students:

  • Students on F visas are exempt from ACA requirements for the first five years of their stay in the US.
  • International students and exchange visitors on J visas, such as teachers, au pairs, trainees, work-and-travel participants, and high school students, are exempt from ACA requirements for up to two years.

Since most international students are exempt from PPACA they can buy their own student health insurance from private insurance companies that satisfy their needs as students. At American Visitor Insurance, we offer international cheap student health insurance comparable to University plans in terms of coverage, but are much more affordable. International students must not enrol in an US University without good health insurance as it can be extremely harsh on international students to pay medical expenses in case of any unexpected illness and injury. This is the reason that most US Universities have a requirement for health insurance while enrolling a student in the University programs. There are many US student insurance plans which international students can buy for their health insurance coverage.

American Visitor Insurance provides access to many student health insurance plans which do not satisfy Obamacare requirements, but are specifically designed to meet University requirements. Our company contracts with highly popular and best rated insurance companies in the US for student health insurance plans. Our website provides abundant information on the available plans and about the plan to help you select the plan suitable for your situation. Our student travel insurance resources page details all the available tools to get price quotes on the plans suitable to your residential status. We have 24/7 customer support available on phone at (877)-340-7910 and contact us online to clarify any questions you might have on the Obamacare student plans and the information on our site.

What does international student insurance cover?

Is health insurance mandatory for F1 students?

Most US educational institutions require student to have health insurance coverage while they are attending. However, not all do and not all require the same type and amount of coverage. You should check with your institution and program to see what is required of you.

Can international students get Obamacare?

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.

Can international students apply for Obamacare?

Obamacare for international students

PPACA which stands for Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act also popularly known as the Obamacare after President Barack Obama who introduced the PPACA to make health care accessible to all United States citizens and US residents. Obamacare is however not applicable to international tourists, overseas visitors or foreign students in the United States.


Student health insurance

It is therefore not mandatory for these non-immigrant visitors to the US. While Obamacare is not mandatory, many universities insist of health insurance that is PPACA compliant.

International Student health insurance it is very important for international students given the high cost of health care in the US. At American Visitor Insurance, students can find affordable international student insurance plans, which are cheaper than University health plans, while offering similar coverage. However these plans are not Obamacare compliant, which in any case is not required of international students.

How much does F1 visa student health insurance cost in the US in 2025?

How much is insurance for international students in the USA? How much does International student insurance cost per month?

The international student insurance for USA cost per month ranges from $30 to $463. 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.

Insurance Plans Policy maximum Deductible Cost *
StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips $100,000 $0 $32
StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips $250,000 $0 $53
Patriot Exchange IMG $50,000 to $500,000 $0 to $500 $53 - $70
Diplomat America Global Underwriters $50,000 $250 $63
Student Health Advantage IMG $500,000 $250 $115
Navigator Student GeoBlue Unlimited Coverage $0 $463

* The cost of health insurance for an international student per month aged 20 years. Source: AMERICAN VISITOR INSURANCE®

Which is the best health insurance for international students in USA?

Health insurance for F1 students in USA, Medical insurance for international students
  • Affordable student health insurance plan designed for international students and scholars studying outside their home country.
  • Student Secure Smart cost starts at $32 per month and $372 per year with a medical maximum of $100,000 and deductible $0.
  • Meets J1 visa requirements. Monthly and annual payment options are available.
  • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to $25,000 lifetime maximum.
  • Sports activities, leisure, recreational, entertainment or fitness is covered upto overall maximum limit.
  • Complete your Student Secure Insurance application form to ensure you have the coverage you need while studying abroad.
  • Offers comprehensive health insurance for international students studying abroad.
  • Student Secure Budget cost starts at $53 per month and $624 per year with a medical maximum of $250,000 and deductible $0.
  • Meets J1 visa requirements. Monthly and annual payment options are available.
  • Covers pre-existing conditions and maternity care (after waiting periods).
  • Sports activities, leisure, recreational, entertainment or fitness is covered upto policy limit.
  • Complete your Student Secure Insurance application form to ensure you have the coverage you need while studying abroad.
  • Affordable medical insurance plan designed for international students or Cultural Exchange scholars.
  • Patriot Exchange insurance cost starts at $56 per month or $675 per year with a medical maximum of $50,000 and a $250 deductible. An annual payment option is available.
  • Meets J visa requirements and also suitable for F Visa for international students.
  • Covers pre-existing conditions after 12 months: $500 per coverage period, $1,500 lifetime max.
  • The student can buy this plan with a sports rider to cover activities such as downhill skiing.
  • Can be renewed online up to 48 months.
  • Complete your Patriot Exchange insurance application form to ensure you have the coverage you need while studying abroad.
  • Provides comprehensive health coverage for international students and scholars studying outside their home country.
  • Student Health Advantage Standard cost starts at $118 per month or $1,416 per year, with a medical maximum of $500,000 and a $250 deductible.
  • Ideal for J1/J2, F1/F2, M1/M2, and A1/A2 visa holders.
  • Covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of a waiting period.
  • Can be renewed for up to 5 years with no break in coverage.
  • Offers worldwide coverage for international students and faculty outside their home country.
  • Geoblue Navigator student insurance cost starts at $463 per month or $3,468 per year, with an unlimited medical maximum and a $0 deductible. Both monthly and annual payment options are available.
  • Exceeds J-1 visa requirements.
  • Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum with no waiting period for preventive care.
  • Pre-existing conditions exclusion can be waived with proof of prior creditable coverage.
  • Coinsurance is waived for care outside the U.S.
  • Sports, terrorist and alcohol-related injuries are covered.

What is the best medical evacuation insurance for international students?

International students may need medical evacuation and repatriation insurance to meet visa or school requirements.

  • Designed for Study abroad student seeking supplemental Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage to meet school or visa requirements.
  • Offers coverage to international students and visitors traveling to the U.S.
  • Available for people age above 14 days and below 50 years.
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage is available for up to $50,000.
  • This plan can be available from 5 days to 365 days.
  • Repatriation of remains coverage is available for up to $25,000.
  • Offers coverage for International students or scholars.
  • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation provides annual coverage that meets J Visa and other visa requirements.
  • Any non US citizen and non US resident who is travelling to the United States and Participating in full-time educational activities can buy this plan. You are not required to have a visa.
  • Available from 5 days to 364 days.
  • Available for people age above 14 days and below 65 years.

How can I buy best international student insurance online?

search Step 1: Finding the available best health insurance for international plans

Complete the student insurance quotes request form by providing details of the student and insurance requirements.

balance Step 2: Compare the different medical insurance options

Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.

attach_money Step 3: Buy the student health insurance that you like best

Purchase the plan that fits your requirements and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.

description Step 4: Review the students medical insurance plan documents received by email

Review the travel insurance policy documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers.

Step by step travel insurance

How is student medical insurance cost calculated in the USA?

  • Student's age: The student's age determines the cost of US student medical insurance. Students under age 20 can expect health insurance costs ranging from $32 to $460 per month, or $400 to $4,200 per year. The prices for best health insurance for f1 students in USA increases with the age of the student.
  • Length of health insurance for F1 students: The cheapest student health insurance in the US can be either monthly or on a daily basis. The price increases with the duration of coverage required.
  • Maximum F1 student insurance coverage: Travel health insurance cost in USA for international students is directly dependent on the medical maximum coverage required. The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
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Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA

FAQ’s on Obamacare for international students

1. What is Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

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.

2. What are the key provisions of Obamacare?

Key provisions of Obamacare include:

  • Expansion of Medicaid to cover more low-income individuals and families.
  • Creation of health insurance marketplaces (also known as exchanges) where individuals and families can compare and purchase health insurance plans.
  • Establishment of essential health benefits that all plans must cover, including preventive services without cost-sharing.
  • Prohibition of insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
  • Requirement for most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty (individual mandate, which was later repealed).
  • Provision of subsidies to help lower-income individuals and families afford health insurance through the marketplaces.
3. Is Obamacare still in effect?

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.

4. Can I get health insurance through Obamacare?

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.

5. Can I keep my current health insurance under Obamacare?

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.

6. Are there penalties for not having health insurance under Obamacare?

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.

7. Can children stay on their parents' health insurance under Obamacare?

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.

8. Does Obamacare cover pre-existing medical conditions?

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.

9. Does the ACA apply to 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.

10. What are some countries that offer free health insurance for international students?

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).

11. Can F1 students get medicaid? Can international students apply for Medicaid? Can international students get Medicaid?

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.

12. Can international students get Medicare?

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.

13. Can I get Obamacare if I live overseas?

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.

14. Can you get Obamacare with tourist visa?

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).

US student F1 visa medical insurance FAQs

Can F1 students on OPT buy short term medical insurance?

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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How can I find the cheapest F1 student health insurance?

Cheapest medical insurance for F1 students

International students studying abroad, along with their education get an opportunity to experience a new culture, see different parts of the world and meet new people with varied backgrounds. We work with all reputed US insurance providers to offer excellent F1 student health insurance.

American Visitor Insurance has a compare F1 visa student travel insurance tool along with article's and FAQ's with to help students fine the best health insurance for F1 students. The compare foreign student insurance tool displays the cost and coverage details of students medical insurance that satisfy f1 visa health insurance requirements. Students can easily find cheap health insurance for international students by comparing both cost and other F1 visa student insurance coverage benefits.

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Which are the best insurance companies for international students in USA?

You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), WorldTrips, GeoBlue insurance.

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