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Health insurance for international students in USA

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Do international students need health insurance?

Without doubt, all students should have health insurance while they are in the US. The US health care costs are the highest in the world 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 proper insurance before anything emergency situation arises so that you do not find yourself in serious debt.

What is the best health insurance for international students?
Student Secure Insurance: Provides excellent insurance cover to international students and scholars outside their home country. This plan is ideal for J1 and F1 and OPT students.
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How to compare & buy cheapest student insurance for USA?
  • Complete the travel insurance quote request form by providing details of the traveller and insurance requirements.
  • Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.
  • Purchase the plan that fits your needs and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.
  • Review the travel insurance documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers

International students health insurance

International student Insurance offers medical and travel insurance benefits to students on F1 visa in the US and international students studying outside their home country. Many top rated insurance providers offer cheapest health insurance for international students in USA and worldwide. In the US, most of universities student health insurance plans that are quite expensive. Here we offer best health insurance for international students in USA that provide university comparable health insurance for international students studying in the USA.

International student insurance
International students studying in popular study abroad destination countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Ireland can also buy these international student insurance plans offered by US companies.

International Student Insurance - Benefits

The benefits offered under international student medical insurance varies from insurer to insurer. You can refer to this page and take a quick glance at some of the common benefits offered under different plans. The details provided on this page will be useful for students to quickly review the benefits and select a plan that can best suit their individual requirements.

International Student Health Insurance 2024 highlights

Foreign student insurance benefits

Best international students medical insurance in USA

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

    Health insurance for F1 students in USA, Medical insurance for international students
    • IMG's Patriot Exchange insurance is designed for International students or Cultural Exchange scholars.
    • It is a very affordable plan and meets J visa requirements and F Visa for international students.
    • Covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of continuous coverage $500 per period of coverage; $1,500 lifetime maximum.
    • The student can buy this plan with a sports rider to cover activities such as downhill skiing.
    • Patriot Exchange Insurance can be renewed online up to 48 months.
    • Provides coverage for international student medical insurance to students and scholars pursuing their education outside their home country.
    • Student Health Advantage Platinum covers Maternity Newborn Care.
    • Standard plan covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of a waiting period.
    • Platinum plan covers pre-existing condition after 6 months of a waiting period.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to five years.
    • Student Secure provides excellent insurance cover to international students and scholars outside their home country.
    • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to $25k lifetime maximum for eligible expenses.
    • This plan is ideal for J1 and F1 and OPT students.
    • Sports activities, leisure, recreational,entertainment or fitness is covered upto overall maximum limit.
    • This plan can be renewed for up to four years.
    • Offers worldwide coverage for international students and faculty outside their home country.
    • Offers Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum.
    • 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.
    • Exceeds J-1 visa requirements.
    • No waiting period associated with any preventive services.
    • Available for International students and exchange program participants.
    • Excellent plan for international students who are on the OPT status.
    • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age of 79 years.
    • Available for Non-US Citizens traveling outside their home country.
    • Covers treatment of complications of pregnancy during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy.
    • Offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.
    • Covers pre-existing conditions for medical services and medical evacuation, for individuals with a current U.S. health plan.
    • Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
    • Applicant's home country must be the US.
    • Requires a primary health plan.
    • Offers coverage for Students or teachers going abroad for a semester.
    • Pre-existing conditions are covered with a 180-day exclusion.
    • Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries.
    • Applicant's home country must be the US.
    • Does not require a primary health plan.
    • Offers coverage for students.
    • Worldmed is international health insurance for people traveling outside their home country and is available to both US and Non US citizens.
    • Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to $200k up to age 60 and for age 60-64 it is $20k.
    • Intercollegiate sports activities, recreational activities and hazardous activities are optional add on benefits on the plan.
    • Available from 5 days to 364 days.
    • This plan is ideal for students, study abroad and international exchange students.
    • Covers pre-existing conditions after 24 months waiting period.
    • Available for Non Us citizens and Non US residents visiting the US.
    • Covers athletic & hazardous sports activities.
    • This plan can be available from 15 days to 365 days.
    • This plan is ideal for study abroad, work study programs and international exchange students.
    • Available for Non US Residents while visiting the US.
    • Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition(US Citizens only)
    • Offers optional Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider.
    • Covers optional war risk coverage.
    • This plan is ideal for students, study abroad and international exchange students.
    • Available for people traveling outside their home Country excluding USA.
    • Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition(US Citizens only)
    • Offers optional Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider.
    • Covers optional war risk coverage.
    • 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 $50k.
    • This plan can be available from 5 days to 365 days.
    • Repatriation of remains coverage is available for up to $25k.
    • 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.

Foreign students in U.S. Universities

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

Highlights of medical insurance for international students in USA

International health insurance for students

Student insurance USA

What are the popular benefits of student insurance coverage?

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Maternity Coverage

Health insurance plans offering coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born baby.
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Sports Coverage

Medical insurance plans offering coverage for high schools sports and other group sports activities.
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Pre-existing Coverage

International student medical insurance for students who need coverage for existing medical ailments.
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Compare international student health insurance online

Use our easy insurance compare quote engine. International student health insurance benefits can be reviewed and compared. You need to fill the quotes form with your basic information to get competing quotes

  • All the available options from top rated insurance providers will be displayed.
  • You can now easily compare different plans based on their price and coverage details.
  • You can select the plan a few plans to compare the benefits in detail and select the best international student insurance and buy it online quickly.
  • For applicant who are not taking any courses in the University but are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the Curricular practical training (CPT) in the US can compare OPT insurance plans.

US student travel insurance

Student travel insurance covers specific needs and risks of US students traveling or studying abroad. It provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, personal liability, any sporting activity and more while outside the USA. When US students are traveling abroad, either in a group or alone, be it for a short trip, or for longer stays of a semester abroad, it is important to have the best student insurance from the US since healthcare is different outside the US and this US student health insurance can provide access to the best healthcare available. Having good student travel insurance will also help US students with trip cancellation insurance or any trip interruption expenses given the likely disruptions in international travel while outside the United States. US students may also want to look for additional features such as cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance, which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and get a partial refund of your trip cost.

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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. 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: The cost of health insurance for international students in the US 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

Steps to compare and buy
Best International student insurance

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.

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.

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.

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

International student insurance - Frequently asked questions

1. How much does health insurance cost for a college student?

The health insurance cost for the college student will depend on the coverage benefits of the student insurance plan, the age of the student, the medical maximum coverage required and the deductible for the plan. The cost of student health insurance coverage within the US is more expensive when compared to coverage outside the US.

2. Why should international students compare health insurance?

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:

  • Policy Maximum: This is the maximum amount on the insurance plan which normally ranges from $50,000 up to $1,000,000. This is the maximum a policy can cover in case of an extreme emergency as per the policy guidelines and conditions mentioned in the policy.
  • Deductible: The deductible options can range anywhere from $50 up to $5000 between the plans. A larger deductible means lower premium price and vice versa. Picking a large deductible thus low premium by choosing a comprehensive plan is usually recommended, as most of the comprehensive plans have an one time deductible and is cost effective.
  • Pre existing condition coverage: This is very important benefit factor as many students need this benefit. The student insurance for acute onset of pre-existing conditions have a minimum 6 month waiting period.
  • Student health insurance for mental illness and drug abuse: This coverage is required by most of the universities.
  • Cancellation and Renewability: Each plan have their unique cancellation and renew-ability policies. It is important to pay attention to it if there is any ambiguity while booking insurance initially.
  • Sports and other unique activities: Some international student insurance offer student intercollegiate sports insurance for intercollegiate and interscholastic sports.

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.

3. Can Bangladeshi students get health insurance on a student visa?

Yes, students from Bangladesh can definitely get good student health insurance on the student F1 visa. F1 visa holding students can compare international student insurance plans offered by US student insurance providers and buy the F1 student health insurance that they like best.

The popular student insurance plans on our website are not aca compliant health insurance for international students, however international students insurance are not required to satisfy ACA requirements up to five years in the USA.

4. Do you offer student insurance even if I am not taking any courses on campus?

Yes, we do have student insurance plans for international students on a valid student visa, who are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and are currently not taking any courses on campus.

5. Which is the best Health insurance for international students in USA?

There are many health insurance providers for international students in the USA. Some of the best health insurance companies for international students in the United States are:

  • IMGlobal
  • Seven Corners
  • Worldtrips
  • Travel Insure
  • Geoblue

When buying international student insurance, it is important to compare policies from multiple providers to find the best coverage at the best price. This can be done easily at American Visitor Insurance, where student medical insurance prices and benefits of the plans offered by the top US travel insurance providers are displayed in an user friendly comparison tool. As a student, you should also carefully review the policy's brochure and understand the exclusions that are not covered. Do also check on the policy renewal rules which are displayed in the American Visitor Insurance comparison facility.

6. How much is health insurance in USA for international students?

The cost of health insurance for international students in the USA varies depending on several factors such as the duration of time you are planning on studying and the kind of coverage you need. On average, a student insurance plan may cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 annually.

7. Can an international student get health insurance in USA?

Yes, international students can get health insurance in the USA. In fact health insurance for international students is a requirement for enrolment in most U.S. colleges and universities. There are different types of health insurance plans for international students, such as scheduled benefit policy or comprehensive coverage. International students can purchase health insurance from their school or from a specialized company, or from the open market, as long as it meets the minimum visa and school requirements. Student insurance on American Visitor Insurance offers coverage similar to University insurance but is considerably cheaper.

8. How do I choose the best health insurance plan?

Choosing the best health insurance plan for international students in the USA can be overwhelming. It is important to compare policies from multiple providers to find the best coverage at the best price. This can be done easily at American Visitor Insurance, where student medical insurance prices and benefits offered by the top US international student insurance providers are displayed in an user friendly comparison tool.

International Student Health Insurance FAQs

Testimonials from our Student Customers

"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."

Ron W

"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."

Konstantin V.B

"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!."

Amanda

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Popular 'Study Abroad' destinations for US students

Which are the best foreign student medical insurance companies in USA?

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

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