Affordable F1 student health insurance plans that meet Florida university requirements – starting from $30/month
Florida is one of the most popular study destinations in the United States, attracting thousands of international students each year to universities such as Florida International University, University of Florida, and Florida State University. While studying in Florida offers world-class education, warm weather, and diverse campus life, healthcare in the U.S. can be extremely expensive for students without proper coverage.
International students in Florida are not eligible for free public healthcare, and many universities require F-1 and J-1 visa holders to maintain adequate health insurance throughout their enrollment. Choosing the right international student health insurance in Florida is essential to meet university requirements, manage medical costs, and stay protected during emergencies.
American Visitor Insurance helps international students compare affordable, university-compliant health insurance plans for studying in Florida—so you can focus on your education with peace of mind.
Health insurance costs for international students in Florida vary based on age, coverage limits, deductible level, and insurance provider. The cost of health insurance for college students in Florida can range approximately:
These private plans offer affordable student insurance in Florida and can provide excellent value compared to university-sponsored policies while still providing strong protection for emergencies, hospitalization, and routine care.
The monthly cost of international student insurance in the USA depends on the coverage level chosen for students aged 20.
| Plan | Cost (Monthly) | Max Coverage | Deductible | Pre-existing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Journey Lite IMG | $30 | $150,000 | $100 | After 6 months | Budget-friendly basic coverage |
| StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips | $32 | $200,000 | $0 | Acute onset covered | Zero deductible + acute onset coverage |
| Student Journey Plus IMG | $48 | $300,000 | $500 | After 6 months | Higher coverage with affordable premium |
| StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips | $53 | $500,000 | $0 | After 12 months | Budget-friendly plan with higher coverage limits |
| Patriot Exchange Program IMG | $56 | $50,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Short-term students & adventure sports |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters | $71 | $50,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Acute onset covered |
| Student Journey Platinum IMG | $74 | $500,000 | $250 | After 6 months | Comprehensive coverage with higher limits |
| StudentSecure Select WorldTrips | $106 | $1,000,000 | $0 | After 6 months | Maximum coverage & premium benefits |
| Student Health Advantage Standard IMG | $124 | $500,000 | $250 | After 12 months | Comprehensive student health coverage |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
The cheapest health insurance for F1 students in Florida is the Student Journey Lite insurance plan, with premiums starting at just $30 per month.
Other affordable Florida student health insurance option includes Student Secure Smart insurance and Student Journey Plus insurance.
To compare more budget-friendly plans and understand how to choose the cheapest student health insurance, check our complete guide to the cheapest health insurance for international students in the USA
Cheapest
Age: 20 years · $360 / year
Recommended
Age: 20 years · $372 / year
Best Coverage
Age: 20 years · $576 / year
The Best health insurance for college students in Florida is Patriot Exchange Program plan by IMG, with prices starting at $56 per month.
Other top student health insurance program in Florida include the Student Journey Platinum by IMG and the StudentSecure Select plan from WorldTrips.
To compare more budget-friendly plans and understand how to choose the Best student health insurance, check our complete guide to the Best health insurance for international students in the USA
Most Popular
Age: 20 years · $938 / year
High Coverage
Age: 20 years · $888 / year
Premium
Age: 20 years · $1248 / year
Healthcare in the United States is not free, and medical costs in Florida can be very high. Routine doctor visits, diagnostic tests, emergency care, or hospital treatment can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Since international students are not eligible for government-funded healthcare programs such as Medicaid or Medicare, health insurance becomes essential.
Most universities in Florida strongly require F-1 and J-1 international students to maintain active medical insurance throughout their studies. Having approved coverage helps students meet university and visa requirements while ensuring access to quality healthcare when needed.
Health insurance helps international students in Florida to:Choosing the right student health insurance in Florida provides both financial protection and peace of mind, allowing students to focus on their education with confidence.
In Florida, health insurance requirements for international students are governed by the Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.009. This regulation mandates that all international students with F or J visa status, along with their dependents, must have adequate medical insurance coverage for illness or accidental injury.
Yes, many Florida universities offer student health insurance plans, and international students are often required to enroll. However, these plans are usually:
That’s why many students choose private student health insurance plans that meet university waiver requirements while offering better flexibility and lower monthly costs.
University health insurance plans are health coverage options provided directly by universities to their students, including international students. These plans are designed to address the unique healthcare needs of students during their time at the university. These plans are designed to address the unique healthcare needs of students during their time at the university.
For international students, these plans offer comprehensive coverage that typically includes medical services like doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, mental health support, and sometimes dental and vision care. Enrollment in these plans is often mandatory for international students, with the cost included in their tuition fees to ensure coverage from the start of their academic program.
University sponsored health insurance plans in Florida provide comprehensive coverage but often quite expensive. The cost, often included in tuition and mandatory fees, can put a financial strain on students, especially those with limited budget. In cases where students prefer a different plan, some universities in Florida offer an opt-out option, allowing students to waive the university-sponsored plan by providing proof of equivalent private health insurance.
In the US there are reputed private insurance providers who offers greater flexibility and benefits, allowing you to choose between ‘basic coverage’ or ‘full’ coverage. This enables you to reduce your insurance costs while still ensuring adequate protection for common medical situations, such as emergencies, or unexpected illnesses. This is an alternative to university-sponsored insurance, providing international students in Florida with more flexibility and customization in their coverage.
What to except from alternate student health insurance available on American Visitor Insurance?When choosing the best travel insurance for students studying abroad, understanding the factors that drive the cost is important.
For a detailed breakdown of these factors and tips on choosing the right plan, visit our guide on the factors for buying best student health insurance plan.
Healthcare costs in Florida can be extremely high, especially for international students who do not qualify for government healthcare programs. Even a single medical emergency can result in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses if you are uninsured.
| Medical Service | Average Cost in Florida |
|---|---|
| Emergency room visit | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Ambulance services | $500 – $2,000 |
| Hospital stay | $3,000+ per day |
| MRI / CT scan | $1,500 – $4,000 |
Without student health insurance, students are responsible for paying these costs in full, which can cause serious financial stress during their studies.
A lot of the time, international students without realizing it choose the wrong health insurance policy, which can result in claim denials or high medical costs which they have to pay themselves. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when choosing student health insurance in Florida:
👉 Tip: Always choose a student health insurance plan that meets your university requirements and matches your lifestyle and health needs.
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 for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
Know more »If you’re an international student planning to study in the USA on an F1 visa, having the right health insurance is essential. Most of the universities typically require F1 students to have health insurance coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and often mental health or maternity care. To make sure you meet both university and visa requirements, explore our comprehensive guide on best F1 visa health insurance requirements in USA.
International 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 semester or for an entire program spanning many semesters.
International Student Insurance Payment Options 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 |
For international students who are unable to complete an online purchase, some student medical insurance plans offer a paper application option. This offline method is ideal for applicants who do not have access to international credit cards, online banking, or U.S.-based payment methods.
American Visitor Insurance assists international students with both paper applications and online insurance purchases. Students can apply without online payment by submitting required documents manually through a paper application, or they may complete enrollment online with step-by-step guidance from experienced representatives. Applications can also be coordinated through schools, sponsors, or program coordinators when needed.
With flexible payment options and multiple enrollment methods, American Visitor Insurance supports international students applying from outside the United States and those seeking a simple, reliable, non-digital, or assisted way to purchase student medical insurance.
The best insurance for international student athletes in the USA depends on the type of sport, level of participation, and university requirements. There are several U.S. student health insurance plans that cover sports activities, but coverage details, limits, and eligibility can vary by plan.
Because sports coverage differs by sport intensity and risk level, there is no single “best” plan for every student athlete. Instead, students should choose a plan that offers the appropriate sports rider and meets school, visa, and athletic program requirements.
At American Visitor Insurance, we offer a range of sports health insurance plans for international students designed for recreational, intercollegiate, and competitive sports participation.
| Coverage level | Monthly Add-On Cost | Sports covered |
|---|---|---|
| Low Option | $12 | Ballet, Baseball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Golf, Horse Polo, Water Polo, Rowing, Softball, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball |
| Middle Option | $26 | Basketball, Competitive Cycling (Road, Track, CX), Ice Hockey, Inline Skating (with helmet/proper gear), Lacrosse, Martial Arts/Karate, Modern Pentathlon, Skiing (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill), Ski Jumping and Wrestling |
| High Option | $80 | Football (No Division I), Gymnastics, Rugby (No Division I) and Soccer |
Best health insurance for international student Athletes.
Choosing American Visitor Insurance for your F1 student health insurance or international travel insurance needs comes with several key benefits:
Choosing the right student health insurance is important to ensure you’re protected from high U.S. healthcare costs while meeting university requirements. Here’s how to choose the best student health insurance plan:
As an international student studying in Florida , you're likely enrolled automatically in your university’s health insurance plan. While these plans offer solid coverage, they can be expensive. Fortunately, many Florida universities allow students to waive the school-sponsored insurance if they purchase a private plan that meets certain criteria.
Each university has its own waiver rules. Start by checking your school’s health services website for the required coverage limits, deductible maximums, and specific benefits like mental health, maternity, and emergency evacuation. Schools like the University of Florida (UF), Florida State University (FSU), the University of South Florida (USF), and Florida International University (FIU) often ask for:
Once you understand the requirements, visit American Visitor Insurance to compare student insurance plans. Choose a PPO-based plan from top providers like:
These plans are more affordable than university-sponsored options and still meet waiver guidelines. After purchasing, you’ll receive instant confirmation and the documents needed for your waiver submission.
Complete your university’s waiver form and attach the insurance documents provided by your private insurer. Be sure to submit everything before the school’s deadline. Some insurers on American Visitor Insurance also assist directly with waiver documentation to make the process easier.
If your waiver is approved, your school will remove the health insurance fee from your tuition bill, and your private insurance will take over coverage. If not, you may need to modify your plan or remain enrolled in the school’s policy.
Waiving your school insurance in Florida is a great way to save money without sacrificing coverage if done right. With the right plan from a trusted provider, you can stay protected, meet your university's requirements, and avoid high healthcare costs.
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. It is advisable buy cheapest health insurance for students before anything emergency situation arises so that you do not find yourself in serious debt.
Yes, International students can definitely get student medical insurance, we offer many medical insurance for college students in Florida options on American Visitor Insurance. Quite often, the universities themselves offer student insurance, however this can be expensive. College student health insurance for Florida 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.
Yes, most universities in Florida allow international students to waive the university-sponsored health insurance plan, but only if you can show proof of comparable private insurance coverage that meets their specific requirements.
Many universities in Florida allow international students to waive university-sponsored health insurance if they have a private plan that meets the school's coverage requirements.
Common waiver-compliant plans include:
These plans meet university standards for coverage limits, mental health benefits, emergency services, and provider ratings.
If you don’t have health insurance, your university may automatically enroll you in their Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and charge the premium to your tuition. Without coverage, you could also face high out-of-pocket medical costs and may not meet visa or enrollment requirements if you're an international student.
Yes, OPT (Optional Practical Training) students in Florida can usually continue using their international student health insurance if the plan allows coverage after graduation or while on OPT. Plans like Student Journey (IMG), StudentSecure (WorldTrips), and Patriot Exchange Program (IMG) can provide continued coverage for OPT students, but you should check the plan terms for eligibility and duration.
To purchase F1 student health insurance in Florida , you need:
Some providers may also request your student ID number or proof of enrollment. Most plans can be purchased online with digital copies of these documents.
You can compare and buy medical insurance for college students in Florida on American Visitor Insurance. Our platform allows you to compare top-rated insurance plans based on waiver requirements, coverage benefits, and pricing.
Students can find a doctor or hospital by using the PPO network search tool provided by their insurance plan. After purchasing student health insurance, they receive access to a provider directory where they can search for in-network doctors, clinics, or hospitals by location and specialty. Visiting in-network providers ensures lower out-of-pocket costs and smoother claim processing. Always carry your insurance ID card when visiting a provider.
Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student insurance.
Learn More »Compare and buy student health insurance quotes Florida online.
Know More »Compare and buy the best international student insurance in USA.
Know More »Compare US students medical insurance for the plan that fits your needs best.
Know More »Compare and buy the best health insurance in Florida for students online.
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