The cost of international student health insurance in the USA for a 20 year old ranges from $30 to $124 per month. This cost mainly depends on different factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance. Some student insurance plans offer additional coverage for mental illness, dental expenses, hazardous sports, maternity and pre-existing ailments.
Health insurance for international students is important to cover the costs of medical care in case of accident or sickness while studying abroad. As an international student, it is vital to ensure you have the best student health insurance for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains and accidental death and dismemberment. At American Visitor Insurance we offer a wide range of deductibles and co-insurance for foreign student insurance which meet school requirements, including for those on F1 visa, OPT status, F2 visa, sports coverage, M-1/M-2 or J visas as well as for US students studying abroad.
International students studying in the United States are required to buy student travel insurance USA coverage to satisfy University needs in many colleges. The specific requirements for best health insurance for international students varies depending on the educational institution, state regulations, and the type of visa the student holds.
At American Visitor Insurance we offer the best health insurance for international students USA plans from top rated insurance provide.
The U.S. continues to be a top choice for international students, offering not only academic excellence but also practical work opportunities through programs like OPT. With rising enrollment and record-high participation in OPT, the country solidifies its position as a leader in global education and career advancement. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities to build a strong foundation for their future careers.
The total number of international students in the U.S. reached 11,26,690 in the academic year 2023-24, marking a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the U.S.'s continued appeal as a global education hub. International students now make up 5.9% of the total U.S. student enrollment, reflecting the diversity and global reach of American higher education.
| Year | Total international students | % international students |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 11,26,690 | 5.9% |
| 2022-2023 | 10,57,188 | 5.6% |
| 2021-2022 | 9,48,519 | 4.7% |
Congratulations on starting an overseas university education! Have you ensured that you have a good safety net for the new environment? What if you meet with an accident or fall ill, and your studies are interrupted by circumstances beyond your control? It is for these unforeseen situations that you need proper student medical insurance.
Here are some details that needs your attention. Hundreds of thousands of International students come to the US annually to fulfil their dreams. Along with the University Course registration comes an important often ignored aspect, which is Student Health Insurance. Health Care is very expensive in the US and unless you have adequate student medical insurance, you can get into serious financial difficulty.
In fact most Universities make it mandatory for International students to buy student health insurance plan. Quite often there is a college student plan which most students enroll, however these plans are quite expensive. The University provides a list of requirements for the student insurance plan, and students can also purchase student insurance plans outside of the College insurance option, as long as it satisfies the University requirement.
At American Visitor Insurance, we offer the best health insurance plans for international students in USA. We offer F1 visa student insurance that are specifically designed to satisfy university requirements. Students can compare foreign student medical insurance plans offered by reputed American Insurance providers.
These plans are very popular among international students since they are cheaper than University student insurance while satisfying University and F1 visa Obamacare requirements.
“ 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! ”
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 who need coverage for existing medical ailments.
Know more »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 cost mainly depends on different factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.
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.
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®
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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. Some insurance providers offer reliable and best plans that are designed for international students.
Best health insurance providers for international students in the USA are:
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
A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) for student health insurance can be extremely beneficial for international students seeking coverage in the USA under emergency.
A buying student health insurance with good PPO network provides international students with a balance of broad access to quality healthcare providers and significant cost savings when using in-network services. This makes navigating the complex US healthcare system much more manageable and affordable.
International students have several payment options to pay their tuition and fees, depending on the policies of their university and their home country. The students in the US come from different countries, with diverse economic backgrounds and face different financial needs. At American Visitor Insurance we offer health insurance for international students with flexible payment structures designed to make it more affordable and convenient, whether they are in the US for a single semester or enrolled in an entire program spanning many semesters.
There are different student insurance payment options available depending on the insurer and the length of coverage. The payment options are mainly either monthly or yearly, and the purchase can be either by paper or bought online. It is important for students to check with their university’s payment office for approved methods and choose the most reliable and cost-effective option based on their location and needs. Here are some details of the different payment options for international student insurance in the U.S.
| Payment Period | Highlights | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Monthly payments, with recurring installments | Flexible with small installments | Overall higher total cost, and time consuming, Student must remember to pay on time to keep student medical insurance active. |
| Yearly | Pay the full premium up front (for entire policy period usually one year) | Cheaper than monthly payments, no risk of losing coverage by oversight | Larger upfront cost |
| Method | Description | Speed | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Application | Complete online application and payment on American Visitor Insurance | Fast — Policy issued instantly | Most common and use Credit card |
| Paper Application | Complete paper forms and submit documents by post | Slower — Takes time (few days) to process | Can pay by Check |
When choosing 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 student health insurance plans for USA at American Visitor Insurance, offering plans that meet waiver criteria and provide comprehensive coverage.
When selecting student health insurance in the USA as an international student, avoid these common mistakes:
By considering these factors and avoiding the common mistakes mentioned above, you can find the best international student health insurance plan on American Visitor Insurance, that meets your needs and provides the necessary coverage for your studies in the USA.
International students may need medical evacuation and repatriation insurance to meet visa or school requirements.
The steps for buying the best student health insurance for international students in the US are:
Compare and buy Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA
Click here to read more »There are quite a few US health insurance for students that cover sports activities. It is hard to pick one plan as the best plan. There might be slight differences in the kind of sports activities that they cover. However, here is a list of plans which provide great coverage for sports activities:
The best sports health insurance for international students on American Visitor Insurance offer are the Diplomat America or Diplomat LongTerm insurance for intercollegiate sports coverage. The policy allows students to put a specific sports rider on the policy (low, medium, or high) depending on the sport to be covered. Under this enhancement, the maximum benefit pay out is reduced to $20K for any covered injury or illness resulting from the sports activity. The cost depends on the sport to be covered.
The Low Option -(additional $12.00 flat monthly rate) is for Ballet; Baseball; Cheerleading; Cross Country; Diving; Equestrian; Fencing; Field Hockey; Golf; Polo (Horse); Polo (Water); Rowing; Softball; Surfing; Swimming; Tennis; Track & Field; and Volleyball.
The Middle Option (additional $26.00 flat monthly rate) will cover Basketball; Competitive Cycling (Road, Track, CX); Ice Hockey; Inline Skating (Helmet & Proper Equipment Required); Lacrosse; Martial Arts/Karate; Modern Pentathlon; Skiing (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill); Ski Jumping; and Wrestling.
The High Option (additional $80.00 flat monthly rate) will cover Football (No Division One); Gymnastics; Rugby (No Division One); and Soccer. The LongTerm plan can be extended, but the Diplomat America plan cannot be extended or renewed.
Patriot Exchange Insurance plan from IMG is more affordable than Diplomat America and covers high school sports teams. However, it does not include coverage for varsity sports regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) nor the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). You only get this coverage if you choose the “Add-on” Rider (NOT the Adventure Sports Rider) . Patriot Exchange insurance cost starts at $73 per month for a young adult without the rider, and it covers up to $250,000 with a $100 deductible.
Student Health Advantage plan from IMG provides coverage for intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports, with a benefit limit of $5,000 per illness or injury during the coverage period.
Both Student Secure Elite and Student Secure Select plans provide coverage for organized sports including intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports. It offers coverage for medical expenses only related to sports injuries, up to a maximum of $5,000 per injury or illness.
All four levels of the Student Secure plans (Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite) offer coverage for leisure, recreational, entertainment, or fitness activities, up to the overall maximum limit, based on the selected plan level.
International students on an F1 visa must navigate health insurance requirements to ensure compliance with their university’s policies and U.S. regulations. While the U.S. Department of State does not impose specific health insurance mandates for F1 visa holders, most universities require students to have adequate health insurance coverage to protect against high medical costs.
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In the event that the F1 visa (International student visa) holder is already insured and does not need any insurance, but the dependent spouse on the F2 visa (dependant of F1 visa holder) alone needs to be insured, then there is only one student insurance plan that is available for the F2 Visa holder.
This is the Patriot Exchange student insurance plan offered by IMG. However this plan does not provide any coverage for Pregnancy and Maternity.
The other student plans that have coverage for pregnancy and maternity need to have F1 and F2 both on the plan to be eligible for the benefits of the plan.
Get Quote »The cheapest health insurance for F2 visa holders is Atlas Essential America starting at $37 per month. Another option for affordable F2 visa medical insurance is Patriot America Lite. Both plans offer flexible coverage durations from 5 to 364 days and are excellent choices for dependents of F1 visa holders seeking reliable and budget-friendly health insurance.
Students and scholars on F or J visas have the best student health insurance that covers maternity. However, the benefits have been reduced a few years ago such that the best coverage is 80% coverage of costs, so the students will have to be aware that they will be responsible for a portion of all costs. Also note that unless their wife is the J1 visa holder they will have to be the primary on the policy and the wife (with J2) will be secondary. Also note that prices are different for the primary and the spouse, so when students quote the prices, quote them for two people at the same time since the cost will be much higher for the wife's coverage.
There are four policies that cover maternity at an 80% coverage without a set limit on benefits. Here is the list in order of their approximate cost. Note that conception has to occur after the start of the plan and most plans ask that students must let them know at least three months before the delivery date.
Students traveling overseas in groups can purchase the group insurance plans. This makes it a lot easier to administer the plan and these plans are cheaper than buying individual student travel plans.
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Health insurance for international students studying in the USA
F1 students in the USA are not required to have health insurance. However, most universities mandate that international students have health insurance coverage, either by enrolling in the school's health plan or providing proof of equivalent coverage. This ensures that students have access to necessary medical care and are protected from high medical costs.
Health insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a USA student visa. However, it is highly recommended for international students to have travel health insurance for USA to cover unforeseen events. Once in the US, students should focus on securing comprehensive health insurance for their stay.
In the USA, healthcare isn’t free and given the high cost of healthcare in the US a minor injury or accident could set you back tens of thousands of dollars. This can cause financial strain on students, especially those with limited budget. International student health insurance is highly recommended in the U.S. and essential for ensuring peace of mind while studying in the U.S.
Yes, International students can definitely get student medical insurance, we offer many student insurance options on American Visitor Insurance. Quite often, the universities themselves offer student insurance, however this can be expensive. At student insurance plans that we offer are considerably more affordable than the University insurance plans, while providing similar coverage benefits. However, students should confirm if the University allows students to but insurance outside the University, and if they can get the required insurance waiver for this student insurance.
No. International students are not eligible for Medicare. Medicare is a US government program only available to US citizens or US permanent residents who have paid into the US system.
International student health insurance is health insurance coverage for individuals who are studying abroad either short or long term while away from their home countries. Many of the US domestic health insurance plans may not cover a person fully while abroad. Also, some international programs may require certain levels of health insurance while participating in their programs. Luckily, we at American Visitor Insurance have made it easy to compare and find a cheapest health insurance for international students in USA just right for you and your situation.
US citizens are eligible to purchase health insurance plans through their state's health insurance marketplace. Non-US citizens can purchase visitor insurance plans. Those foreign students on the F or J visas qualify specifically for "student" health insurance plans which are often cheaper than visitor insurance. Students can compare student medical insurance plans and make an informed choice.
Most colleges offer group health insurance for their students. This may be required if the student does not have any other insurance. Check with your institution as to what is available. However the student insurance plans that are offered in American Visitor Insurance are usually cheaper than University insurance while offering similar coverage. Students can compare the coverage of the University insurance along with the plans on this website and make an informed decision.
Most international student health insurance plans seem similar on first impressions. However, while they have many benefits in common and the premium is also similar, different student insurance plans do have some additional benefits or perhaps some specific constraints. In order to choose the best plan based on the students requirements and to get sufficient coverage from the international student insurance plan, it is important to compare different features available in the student health insurance plan.
The following are important factors for comparing student health insurance plans:
Based on these factors, American Visitor Insurance provides an excellent compare student medical insurance facility where getting quotes as per students’ requirements. Once the required information is entered in the form, a summary of popular student insurance plans are displayed which can be compared.
There are quite a few student insurance plans that cover sports activities. It is hard to pick one plan as the best plan. There might be slight differences in the kind of sports activities that they cover. However, here is a list of plans which provide great coverage for sports activities:
The best policy we offer is the Diplomat America or Diplomat LongTerm insurance for intercollegiate sports coverage. The policy allows you to put a specific sports rider on the policy (low, medium, or high) depending on the sport to be covered. Under this enhancement, the maximum benefit pay out is reduced to $20K for any covered injury or illness resulting from the sports activity. The cost depends on the sport to be covered.
The Low Option -(additional $12.00 flat monthly rate) is for Ballet; Baseball; Cheerleading; Cross Country; Diving; Equestrian; Fencing; Field Hockey; Golf; Polo (Horse); Polo (Water); Rowing; Softball; Surfing; Swimming; Tennis; Track & Field; and Volleyball.
The Middle Option (additional $26.00 flat monthly rate) will cover Basketball; Competitive Cycling (Road, Track, CX); Ice Hockey; Inline Skating (Helmet & Proper Equipment Required); Lacrosse; Martial Arts/Karate; Modern Pentathlon; Skiing (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill); Ski Jumping; and Wrestling. And the High Option (additional $80.00 flat monthly rate) will cover Football (No Division One); Gymnastics; Rugby (No Division One); and Soccer. The LongTerm plan can be extended, but the Diplomat America plan cannot be extended or renewed.
Student Health Advantage plan from IMG covers intercollegiate sports activities: This plan provides $5K coverage for intercollegiate sports activity.
International students can purchase the Diplomat America or Diplomat LongTerm insurance for their studies in the USA. The plan offers an intercollegiate sports rider that can cover: Ballet; Baseball; Cheerleading; Cross Country; Diving; Equestrian; Fencing; Field Hockey; Golf; Polo (Horse); Polo (Water); Rowing; Softball; Surfing; Swimming; Tennis; Track & Field; Volleyball; Basketball; Competitive Cycling (Road, Track, CX); Ice Hockey; Inline Skating (Helmet & Proper Equipment Required); Lacrosse; Martial Arts/Karate; Modern Pentathlon; Skiing (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill); Ski Jumping; Wrestling; Football (No Division One); Gymnastics; Rugby (No Division One); and Soccer.
Yes. There are various student insurance plans that cover sports activities, however the sports activities that are covered by the plan vary from one to another.
While a plan covers intercollegiate sports activities, another might cover adventure sports and hazardous sports or the non contact amateur sports.
Here is a list of student insurance plans that cover sports activities:
Patriot Exchange from IMG:
This plan covers limited high school and college sports as an optional rider for 100% after the deductible is met . Similarly, it has an optional rider for adventure sports coverage.
Student Health Advantage plan from IMG:
This plan provides coverage of $5K for intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports. This is most requested by international students.
Student Secure Elite plan from Worldtrips:
Sports and activities coverage: This plan covers leisure, recreational, entertainment, or fitness up to the overall maximum limit.
International students can purchase either the Diplomat America or Diplomat LongTerm insurance if they intend to play on intercollegiate sports or club teams. The coverage is reduced to $20K for sports injuries and can cover a variety of sports activities. The cost of the rider depends on the specific sport of interest.
Getting travel insurance for a student visa typically involves a few steps. Here's a general guide to help students through the process:
Always read the terms and conditions of the insurance policy carefully to understand the coverage, exclusions, and claim procedures. If you have specific questions or concerns, it's advisable to contact American Visitor Insurance for clarification.
Insurance premiums for international students can vary based on several factors. The length of the student's stay can influence insurance costs. Longer durations may result in higher premiums. The age and health condition of the student can also impact insurance premiums. Older individuals or those with pre-existing medical conditions may face higher costs. The extent of coverage, including maximum limits and deductibles, can affect the premium amount. Plans with higher coverage limits and lower deductibles may have higher premiums.
On American Visitor Insurance students can buy US student insurance using a paper application form either on monthly basics or yearly. Below are the student insurance plans with paper application forms:
On receiving the completed Student insurance application form and the payment, the insurance policy will be emailed to the customer.
I'm an international graduate student who will be studying full time at Boston College. Would you be able to suggest any other medical insurance plan than the one offered at the university (UHC) so that I can waive the enrolled medical insurance plan at Boston COLLEGE?
Regards,Here is a student health insurance plan that provides preventive care services along with the other benefits that are usually available with all student health insurance plans:
Safe Travels USA ComprehensivePlease let us know if we can help you further in any way.
Thanks for your inquiry! If you are interested in the student plans which include coverage for intercollegiate sports, then you can refer to the below link for that information. You can get an idea of cost and options by putting your information here: Student insurance.
Some student insurance plans exclude coverage for Intercollegiate sports governed by NCAA for most F1 visa students.
The only plan that covers NCAA college sports is the Diplomat America Insurance with the rider.
Insurance for Exchange scholars satisfying visa requirements
Click here to read more »Insurance plans for dependents of an F1 visa holders.
Click here to read more »Best health insurance for students studying abroad
Click here to read more »Insurance for J2 visa dependants satisfying visa requirements.
Click here to read more »Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student insurance.
Click here to read more »Medical insurance for students on vocational training.
Click here to read more »International Student Medical Insurance Plans for students studying abroad
Most US universities require F1 visa students to buy student health insurance in the USA. Some universities make it mandatory for their international students to buy school-sponsored insurance. International students often purchase their health insurance in the University. While this is most popular and convenient, it is often expensive. The best medical insurance for students studying in the US offered on our website are cheaper, may satisfy university requirements and provide comparable coverage. You can compare the US student medical insurance plans that we offer by getting quotes which also shows the coverage details. We can facilitate getting the student health insurance waiver form completed if required by your college.
These study abroad health insurance plans are also available for international students with M1 Visa taking part in vocational or technical training.
Protects US students from financial loss due to trip cancellations or interruptions.
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 |
| Navigator Student GeoBlue | Unlimited Coverage | $0 | $289 |
Source:American Visitor Insurance®
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Commonly asked questions about cheapest international student health insurance.
Click here to read more »Resources for cheapest insurance for international students in USA.
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Click here to read more »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.
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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