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Best Health Insurance for International Students in USA

International students in the USA need the best health insurance given the expensive medical care costs in the country. Given the many student insurance choices, finding the best health insurance for international students in the USA can be challenging. The cheapest health insurance for international students on F1 visa in USA is offered by Student Journey Lite insurance plan, starting at just $30 per month. The popular and best health insurance for international students in the USA are Student Journey Platinum by IMG, Patriot Exchange Program from IMG, StudentSecure Select from WorldTrips. To make the process easy, we list the top international student health insurance options and allow students to filter the US student insurance plans based on coverage benefits.

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Which is the best international student health insurance plans?

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IMG logoStudent Journey Lite Insurance

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star Rating: AM Best Rating: "A-" (Excellent) and A- by Standard & poor's edit_square Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
  • Maternity: $5,000 normal delivery/ $7,500 for c-section delivery.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed minimum of 30 days
  • Dental Treatment: $500 max (unexpected pain or non-emergent accidents only)
  • Policy maximum?
    $150,000

  • Deductible options?
    $100

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 12 months

worldtrips logoStudentSecure Smart Insurance

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star Rating: A++ (Superior) Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA- edit_square Underwriter: TMHCC Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $100,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Sports: leisure, recreational, entertainment, and fitness are covered up to the max limit.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: $500 max, Inpatient: Up to $5,000 (excludes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Student health Centre: $25 per visit
  • Paper application: Student Secure Smart insurance application form
  • Policy maximum?
    $200,000

  • Maximum Per Injury or Illness
    $100,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

globalunderwriters logoDiplomat America Insurance

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star Rating: "A" (Excellent) edit_square Underwriter: Crum & Forster, SPC
  • Coinsurance: After deductible, plan pays 80% of eligible costs up to $5,000, then 100% up to the medical maximum
  • Hospitals/Doctors: No PPO, visit any doctor or hospital
  • Acute onset of pre-existing condition: Up to policy maximum for those up to age 69
  • Optional add-on benefits: Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider, AD & D coverage
  • Renewable: Can be renewed and extended up to 364 days
  • Policy maximum?
    $20,000, $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000 and $1,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1000, $2500, $5000

  • Period of coverage?
    15 days to 364 days

IMG logoStudent Journey Plus Insurance

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star Rating: AM Best Rating: "A-" (Excellent) and A- by Standard & poor's edit_square Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
  • Dental Treatment: $500 max (unexpected pain or non-emergent accidents only).
  • Renewal: Can be renewed 30 days
  • Mental health: Outpatient: 80% up to 40 visits or $5,000 max per policy period, Inpatient: 80% up to 30 days max
  • Maternity: In network: 80%, Out network: 60%
  • Policy maximum?
    $300,000

  • Deductible options?
    In-Network: $500/ Out-of-Network: $750

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 12 months

IMG logoPatriot Exchange Insurance

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star Rating: "A-" (Excellent) and A- by Standard & poor's edit_square Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 90% of first $1,000, 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 80% up to policy maximum.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network and First healthcare network
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
  • Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
  • Payment option: Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months.
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Student health Centre: $5 per visit
  • Paper application: Patriot Exchange Insurance paper application
  • Policy maximum?
    $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $5,000,000.

  • Deductible options?
    $0, $100, $250, $500

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

worldtrips logoStudent Secure Budget Insurance

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star Rating: "A-" (Excellent) and A- by Standard & poor's edit_square Underwriter: Lloyd’s
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $45,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
  • Maternity: Covers up to $5,000 up to maximum limit
  • Sports: Sports, leisure, recreational, entertainment, and fitness are covered up to the max limit.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 30 visits, Inpatient: Max 30 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Student health Centre: $25 per visit
  • Paper application: Student Secure Budget Insurance application form
  • Policy maximum?
    $500,000

  • Maximum Per Injury or Illness
    $250,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

IMG logoStudent Journey Platinum Insurance

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star Rating: AM Best Rating: "A-" edit_square Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed 31 days
  • Mental health: Outpatient: 80% up to 40 visits or $5,000 max per policy period, Inpatient: 80% up to 30 days max
  • Maternity: Maternity: $5,000 normal delivery $7,500 for c-section delivery
  • Physician Visits: $15 copay Specialist $50 copay
  • Policy maximum?
    $500,000

  • Deductible options?
    $250

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 12 months

IMG logoStudent Health Advantage Standard Insurance

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star Rating: "A-" (Excellent) and A- by Standard & poor's edit_square Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 90% of first $1,000, 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 80% up to policy maximum.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network and First healthcare network
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
  • Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Student health Centre: $5 per visit
  • Policy maximum?
    For student: $500,000
    Dependent- $100,000

  • Deductible options?
    $250

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

worldtrips logoStudentSecure Select Insurance

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star Rating: A++ (Superior) Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA- edit_square Underwriter: TMHCC Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $25,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network
  • Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Maternity: Covers up to $10,000 up to maximum limit
  • Sports: Sports, leisure, recreational, entertainment, and fitness are covered up to the max limit. intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports covers up to $5,000 max limit.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 30 visits, Inpatient: Max 30 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Student health Centre: $10 per visit
  • Paper application: Student Secure Smart insurance application form
  • Policy maximum?
    $1,000,000

  • Maximum Per Injury or Illness
    $500,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

worldtrips logoStudent Secure Elite Insurance

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star Rating: A++ (Superior) Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA- edit_square Underwriter: TMHCC Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $10,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network
  • Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Maternity: Covers up to $15,000 up to maximum limit
  • Sports: Sports, leisure, recreational, entertainment, and fitness are covered up to the max limit. intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports covers up to $5,000 max limit.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 40 visits, Inpatient: Max 40 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Student health Centre: $10 per visit
  • Paper application: Student Secure Elite insurance application form
  • Policy maximum?
    $5,000,000

  • Maximum Per Injury or Illness
    $500,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

IMG logoStudent Health Advantage Platinum Insurance

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star Rating: A++ (Superior) Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA- edit_square Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 90% of first $1,000, 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 80% up to policy maximum
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network and First healthcare network
  • Maternity: Covers up to $5,000
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Student health Centre: $5 per visit
  • Policy maximum?
    For student: $1,000,000
    Dependent- $100,000

  • Deductible options?
    $250

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

What factors should I consider when choosing a health insurance plan as a student in USA?

When choosing a health insurance plan as a student, consider your coverage needs, including medical emergencies, doctor visits, prescriptions, and mental health services. Ensure the plan fits your budget, balancing premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Look for a plan with a broad network of doctors and hospitals, especially if you're studying abroad.

For comprehensive coverage that ensures your overall well-being, including global coverage, American Visitor Insurance offers a range of plans perfect for international students. With reliable customer support and affordable options, they can help you find the right plan to meet your needs while you study abroad.

international student health insurance

How much does international student health insurance cost in USA?

The health insurance cost in usa for international students starts from $30 per month. The health insurance cost in usa for international students depends on the student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.

The average cost of international student insurance for 20 year old students for duartion of one month.

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

The Student Journey Lite Insurance from IMG is the cheapest health insurance for international students.

Student Journey Lite IMG

  • Ideal for : Individuals on J1, F1, and M1 visas.
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Direct Billing: United HealthCare United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Maternity: $5,000 normal delivery, $7,500 for c-section delivery
  • Renewal: Can be renewed from 30 days to 12 months.
  • The Student Journey Lite insurance cost starts at approximately $30 per month, offering coverage up to $150,000 with a $100 deductible.
  • Policy maximum?
    $150,000

  • Deductible options?
    $100 per injury or illness

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 12 months

International student health insurance cost - FAQs

1.Can international students buy health insurance after arriving in the United States?

Yes, international students can buy medical insurance for F1 students after arriving in the United States. Students should be sure to purchase and submit proof of coverage before the university's waiver deadline, otherwise, they will be required to enroll typically in the more expensive university-sponsored plan.

2.What is a deductible and coinsurance in health insurance for international students?

Deductible: This is the fixed amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance starts covering expenses. For example, if your deductible is $250, and your medical bill is $1,000, you must first pay $250. After that, your insurance will help cover the remaining $750 (depending on coinsurance).

Coinsurance: Coinsurance is the percentage of costs that you share with the insurance company after you have met your deductible. For example, if your plan has 80% coinsurance, the insurance pays 80% and you pay 20% until you have reached your maximum out-of-pocket limits.

3.When should international students buy health insurance?

International students on F1 visa are required to buy health insurance before enrolling at their university. The timing of when to buy international student health insurance can vary depending on the type of plan:

  • Students can purchase insurance from either their home country or when they arrive in the U.S. (preferably before the academic term begins).
  • If you are enrolled in a mandatory university health plan, your insurance usually starts once the tuition fee is paid.
  • If you are enrolled in a private insurance plan, your insurance typically begins the day after purchase or depending on the terms of the plan.

4.What are the best low deductible health insurance plans for F1 visa students?

The best low deductible health insurance plans for F1 visa students are Student Secure by WorldTrips, Patriot Exchange and Student Journey Lite from IMG student insurance.

5.What are the key benefits of choosing international student health insurance?

International student insurance plans offer variety of features specifically designed for international students studying abroad:

  • Coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, as well as prescription medications.
  • Emergency medical assistance with 24/7 multi-language support.
  • Coverage of mental health of students who may need extra emotional support during their transition.
  • Access to a large provider network like UnitedHealthcare so students receive the quality medical care.

Having student health insurance, international students can focus on their education without the added stress of unexpected medical expenses.

6.How to choose the best international student insurance plan?

Most U.S. colleges and universities require students to have health insurance before enrolling. While schools often offer their own insurance plans, many also allow students to choose a different plan that meets their requirements.

There are several health insurance options designed specifically for international and study abroad students. In this blog, we’ll help you understand and compare these plans so you can pick the right coverage and focus on your studies not medical worries.

Do I need to buy Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant Student insurance?

Non-U.S. Citizens in the USA: As non-resident aliens, international students, F1 visa holders, scholars, J visa holders, and people involved in cultural exchange programs on F, J, M, or Q visas (and dependant family members) are not subject to the individual mandate for their first five years in the US. All other J visa categories (teacher, trainee, work and travel, au pair, high school, etc.) are not subject to the ACA individual mandate if they are in the U.S. for two of the past six years. Since international students are not subject to the mandate, they are not required to buy a student medical insurance plan that meets ACA requirements.

U.S. Citizens: Under the ACA, all US citizens, nationals, and resident aliens are required to buy the minimum essential coverage (ACA-compliant coverage), unless they are exempt. Exempt US citizens include U.S. citizens who reside outside of the U.S. for 330 of any 365-day period, or have a tax home (main place of work or employment, or your main residence) in a foreign country, and are a bona fide resident of a foreign country.

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