The Cheapest Student Health Insurance for International Students.
Trusted by Thousands of International Students Studying in the USA
Student Journey Lite is underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Corporation, a White Mountains Insurance Group company - one of the most respected names in travel medical insurance.
IMG Student Journey Lite is one of the most affordable comprehensive student health insurance plans for international students studying in the United States or its territories on F-1, J-1, and M-1 visas. The plan is underwritten by a highly rated insurance company with AM Best rating of "-A" (Excellent) and provides coverage for unexpected illnesses, injuries, hospitalization, physician visits, prescription medications, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
Coverage can be purchased for 30 days up to 12 months, with renewable options available for eligible students who continue their studies. Premiums start at less than $2 per day (depending on the student's age and coverage period), making it one of the most budget-friendly options for meeting university health insurance requirements.
"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 Journey Lite is designed for international students and educational travelers studying outside their home country. Review the eligibility requirements below before purchasing.
Available for international students, scholars, and educational travelers studying in the United States on eligible F-1, J-1, and M-1 visas or participating in qualified educational programs.
Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens residing outside their home country while participating in a covered educational program.
Applicants must be actively enrolled in or accepted into an eligible school, college, university, exchange, or study-abroad program that requires student health insurance.
Student Journey Lite is designed for eligible students. Coverage availability and benefits are subject to the plan's age and enrollment requirements.
This plan is not available to individuals who are not participating in an eligible educational program or who do not meet the plan's student eligibility requirements. Benefits are also subject to the policy's exclusions, limitations, and pre-existing condition provisions.
Covers eligible recreational and intramural sports, with optional coverage available for hazardous sports and activities, subject to the policy terms and exclusions.
Includes eligible coverage for inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment as outlined in the policy schedule.
Provides eligible maternity benefits after the applicable waiting period, subject to the policy's limits and conditions.
Access to a nationwide PPO network of doctors and hospitals, helping reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses when receiving treatment from participating providers.
Walk-in or urgent care clinic visit for a bad fever or infection.
Covered at 100%ER visit, X-ray, and follow-up physical therapy sessions.
ER 80% · PT up to 12 visitsOutpatient mental health visits and 24/7 telehealth consultations.
Up to 40 visits / $5,000Antibiotics or other prescribed medication from a local pharmacy.
Up to $100/prescriptionEmergency evacuation or repatriation if care isn't available nearby.
Up to $60,000Talk to a board-certified doctor by phone or video, any time.
Telehealth included, 24/7Affordable comprehensive health insurance for international students.
Designed for eligible F-1, J-1, and M-1 visa holders studying in the USA.
Access to the UnitedHealthcare and FirstHealth PPO networks nationwide
Covers pre-existing conditions after a 6-month waiting period.
Optional Adventure Sports Rider available for eligible recreational activities.
Underwritten by SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation, rated -A by A.M. Best
Lower coverage limits compared to premium student insurance plans with higher maximum benefits
Limited coverage for preventive care, routine checkups, and wellness services.
Some medical benefits have fixed limits, which may result in higher out-of-pocket costs for expensive treatments.
Adventure sports and hazardous activities require additional coverage and may not be included in the base plan.
The cost of Student Journey Lite Insurance ranges from $30 to $96 per month, depending on the traveler’s age
The table below shows sample monthly rates based on a $100 deductible
Source: American Visitor Insurance® | Prices verified for 2026 travel season.
Using a $150,000 policy with $100 deductible and in-network (PPO) care:
| Expense | Amount Billed | Insurance Pays | You Owe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $100 | $0 | $100 |
| Hospital stay (3 days × $2,000) | $6,000 | $6,000 | $0 |
| Surgery | $16,000 | $16,000 | $0 |
| Prescription Drugs | $600 | $600 | $0 |
| X-Ray | $1,400 | $1,400 | $0 |
| Total | $24,100 | $24,000 | $100 |
Disclaimer: Example is illustrative. Actual coverage depends on policy terms, network participation, and eligibility of expenses.
Using an in-network provider means the plan pays 100% after your deductible. Out-of-network, the plan pays 90% up to $500 then 100%.
The primary network for US care. One of the nation's largest PPO networks with access to thousands of board-certified doctors and hospitals nationwide.
To file a claim with Student Journey Lite Insurance, follow these steps:
Not sure which plan is right for you? Compare the three Student Journey Lite plans side by side to find the best fit for your coverage needs and budget.