Comprehensive international student health insurance for F-1, J-1, M-1, and other eligible visa holders. Ideal for students, scholars, educators, and exchange visitors studying in the U.S. Starting at just $2/day.*
Trusted by thousands of visitors to the USA
Student Health Advantage Program is underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Corporation, a White Mountains Insurance Group company - one of the most respected names in travel medical insurance.
IMG's Student Health Advantage Program is a comprehensive international student health insurance plan designed for non-U.S. citizens studying in the United States on eligible F-1, J-1, and M-1 visas, including qualified students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). The plan is designed to meet J-1 visa health insurance requirements and satisfies the insurance requirements of many U.S. colleges and universities that accept waiver plans. It provides comprehensive medical coverage, including hospitalization, physician and specialist visits, emergency medical treatment, prescription medications, mental health services, telehealth, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
Coverage is available for eligible students and exchange visitors for periods ranging from 30 days up to 12 months, with renewable coverage available for qualified applicants who continue to meet eligibility requirements. Student Health Advantage offers flexible policy maximums, multiple deductible options, and access to the UnitedHealthcare PPO network, providing broad nationwide provider access. Combining comprehensive benefits, affordability, and visa-compliant coverage, Student Health Advantage is an excellent choice for international students and educational exchange participants seeking dependable health insurance while studying in the United States.
"The compassionate care you gave me in the handling of my need, in my hour of need, was exemplary! We never felt like we were merely a case number - we felt the sincerity of your heartfelt response, as I shared my heart with you, both by phone and by e-mail correspondence."
"Thanks for all the help and continued support you have provided. Although one hopes never to use travel insurance, you were a god-send throughout our ordeal. We couldn’t have done it without your continued assistance. Thanks again for everything."
"I was unlucky enough to fall ill while abroad, and filed two claims with IMG; I was quite pleased at how easy and straight-forward this process was. My claims were processed quickly and without loads of red-tape. The representatives I spoke with were polite and helpful, as well."
Student Health Advantage is designed for international students, scholars, educators, trainees, and cultural exchange participants studying or participating in educational programs outside their home country. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements before purchasing coverage.
Available to active students, scholars, interns, teachers, trainees, and other participants in eligible educational or cultural exchange programs. Coverage is also available for eligible spouses and dependent children traveling with the participant.
When the destination country is the United States, participants must hold an eligible F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2, M-1/M-2, or A-1/A-2 visa.
Applicants must be physically and legally residing in the destination country with the intent to remain there for at least 30 days on the effective date of coverage and at each renewal.
Eligible applicants must be at least 31 days old and under 65 years of age on the effective date of coverage.
Individuals are not eligible if they are hospitalized, disabled, pregnant, or HIV positive on the initial effective date of coverage. Applicants who do not meet the visa, residency, or program participation requirements are also not eligible.
Adventure Sports Rider is available for individuals up to 65 years of age. If you are a thrill-seeking traveler who enjoys life's more adventurous activities, you may want to consider adding supplemental coverage to your plan. The Adventure Sports Rider provides coverage for injuries sustained during certain extreme sports that would otherwise be excluded from your insurance policy.
This plan covers any illness or injury sustained while participating in adventure activities. The covered adventure sports include: abseiling, BMX, bobsledding, bungee jumping, canyoning, caving, hot air ballooning, jungle zip lining, parachuting, paragliding, parascending, rappelling, skydiving, spelunking, and windsurfing.
| Age | Maximum Coverage |
|---|---|
| 0–49 years | $50,000 certificate period |
| 50–59 years | $30,000 certificate period |
| 60–64 years | $15,000 certificate period |
Designed for international students, scholars, educators, trainees, missionaries, and cultural exchange participants studying or participating in eligible educational programs outside their home country.
Meets J-1 visa health insurance requirements and satisfies the insurance requirements of many U.S. colleges and universities that accept waiver plans.
Provides comprehensive medical benefits including hospitalization, physician visits, outpatient care, prescription drugs, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
Includes access to the UnitedHealthcare PPO Network, providing nationwide access to doctors and hospitals.
Offers Standard and Platinum plan options with multiple deductible and policy maximum choices to fit different coverage needs.
Renewable annually for eligible members for up to 5 years, making it suitable for long-term academic programs.
Coverage is subject to deductibles, coinsurance, policy maximums, benefit limits, and waiting periods as described in the policy.
Pre-existing conditions are covered only according to the plan's provisions, waiting periods, and exclusions.
Pre-certification is required for certain hospital admissions and medical procedures.
Coverage is available only while the insured continues to meet the plan's eligibility requirements.
Some services, including routine dental, routine vision, cosmetic treatment, and other excluded services, are covered only when specifically listed as eligible benefits in the policy.
The Student health advantage cost for students ranges from $95 to $766 per month for studying in USA. This is dependent on the age of the student, the plan maximum and the deductible. The Student health advantage standard plan offers medical maximum of $500,000 with $250 deductible and Student health advantage standard plan offers medical maximum of $1,000,000 with $100 deductible.
Both monthly and annual payment options are available.
Source: American Visitor Insurance® | Prices verified for 2026 travel season.
The Student health advantage program cost ranges from $73 to $353 per month for per month for studying abroad outside the USA. This is dependent on the age of the student, the plan maximum and the deductible. The Student health advantage standard plan offers medical maximum of $500,000 with $250 deductible and Student health advantage standard plan offers medical maximum of $1,000,000 with $25 deductible.
Using a $500,000 policy with $250 deductible and in-network (PPO) care:
| Expense | Billed | Insurance pays | You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $250 | $0 | $250 |
| Hospital Stay (for 3 days) | $9,000 | $8,000 | $1,000 |
| Surgical | $15,000 | $15,000 | $0 |
| X-Ray | $1,000 | $750 | $250 |
| Total | $25,000 | $23,750 | $1,250 |
Disclaimer: This example is for illustration only. Actual benefits depend on the policy terms, network participation, eligibility of expenses, and applicable plan provisions.
The Student Health Advantage Student Insurance PPO Network refers to the network of healthcare providers in the U.S. that students can visit for medical care under their plan. Using in-network providers can maximize benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
The PPO Network for Student Health Advantage Insurance includes:Using providers within the PPO Network ensures higher coinsurance coverage (typically 90% in-network) and reduces the student’s share of costs compared to out-of-network care.
To file a claim with Student Health Advantage, follow these steps:
Student Health Advantage Insurance is not offering coverage for residents of Belarus, Russia, Iran or Ukraine and travelers visiting Belarus, Russia, Iran or Ukraine.