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Best Health Insurance for International Students in Pennsylvania

International student medical insurance cost Pennsylvania

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Why do international students need health insurance in Pennsylvania?

Healthcare in the USA is very expensive and is not free for international students. While many Universities offer student insurance but these plans are quite expensive. Given that there is no f1 visa health insurance requirements mandated by US consulates, and unless the University insists on the College insurance plans, students can compare international student insurance plans offered by popular US student insurance providers and buy the F1 student health insurance that they like best.

Which Pennsylvania colleges have the largest number of international students?

Colleges with largest number of international students

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International Student Information

  • 33,398 total international students
  • 3.8% of all students
  • $1.1-billion spent by international students

List of universities in Pennsylvania for international students

Albright College, Reading Allegheny College, Meadville
Allied Medical and Technical Institute, Forty Fort Allied Medical and Technical Institute, Scranton
American College, Bryn Mawr Antonelli Institute, Erdenheim
Arcadia University, Glenside Baptist Bible College and Seminary, Clarks Summit
Berean Institute, Philadelphia Bethel Seminary of the East, Willow Grove
Biblical Theological Seminary, Hatfield Bidwell Training Center Inc, Pittsburgh
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg Bradford School, Pittsburgh
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church, Bryn Athyn Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr
Buck's County School of Beauty Culture Inc, Feasterville Bucks County Community College, Newtown
Butler County Community College, Butler Byzantine Catholic Seminary, Pittsburgh
Cabrini College, Radnor Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Cheyney
Carlow University, Pittsburgh CHI Institute-Broomall, Broomall
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Cedar Crest College, Allentown
Chatham University, Pittsburgh Central Pennsylvania College, Summerdale
CHI Institute, Philadelphia Commonwealth Technical Institute, Johnstown
Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Community College of Beaver County, Monaca
Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Consolidated School of Business, York
Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia Dean Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh
Delaware County Community College, Media Delaware Valley College, Doylestown
DeSales University, Center Valley Douglas Education Center, Monessen
Drexel University, Philadelphia Dickinson College, Carlisle
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown
Erie Institute of Technology Inc, Erie East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg
Evangelical Theological Seminary, Myerstown Everest Institute-Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster
Gannon University, Erie Geneva College, Beaver Falls
Gettysburg College, Gettysburg Gratz College, Melrose Park
Grove City College, Grove City Gwynedd Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley
Harrisburg Area Community College-Harrisburg, Harrisburg Harrisburg Area Community College-Lancaster, Lancaster
Harrisburg Area Community College-Lebanon, Lebanon Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburg
Harrisburg Area Community College-Gettysburg, Gettysburg Hussian School of Art, Philadelphia
Haverford College, Haverford Holy Family University, Philadelphia
Harcum College, Bryn Mawr Immaculata University, Immaculata
International Academy of Design and Technology, Pittsburgh International Institute for Restorative Practices, Bethlehem
ITT Technical Institute-Bensalem, Bensalem ITT Technical Institute-Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus, Indiana Jna Institute of Culinary Arts, Philadelphia
Johnson College, Scranton Juniata College, Huntingdon
Katharine Gibbs School, Norristown Keystone College, La Plume
King's College, Wilkes Barre Kaplan Career Institute-ICM Campus, Pittsburgh
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown Kimberton Waldorf School, Phoenixville

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International Student Insurance Pennsylvania - Disclaimer

The information presented on American visitors insurance is for providing resources and health insurance for students in Pennsylvania. The resource provided here is in no any way intended to indicate any relationship between your Pennsylvania school/college/university and our company. International students should verify directly with the concerned Pennsylvania school/college/university to confirm whether this health insurance for college students in Pennsylvania meets the university F1 visa student insurance requirements.

What does international student insurance cover?

What is the cheapest health insurance for international students in Pennsylvania?

The cheapest health insurance for F1 students in Pennsylvania is offered by the 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.

Student Journey Lite
IMG

$30 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $360 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $150,000
  • Deductible: $100 per injury/illness
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $45
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed from 30 days to 12 months.
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StudentSecure Smart
WorldTrips

$32 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $372 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $200,000
  • Deductible: $0
  • Student health center copay: $25 per visit
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: No coverage
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
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Student Journey Plus
IMG

$48 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $576 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $300,000
  • Deductible: $500 per period
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $25
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed from 30 days to 12 months.
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What are the best health insurance plans for international students in Pennsylvania?

The best health insurance plans for international students in Pennsylvania include the 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.

Patriot Exchange Program
IMG

$56 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $938 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $50,000
  • Deductible: $250 per illness/injury
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $5
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 12 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months
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Student Journey Platinum
IMG

$74 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $888 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $500,000
  • Deductible: $250 per period
  • Student health center deductible/copay: $15
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 12 months.
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StudentSecure Select
WorldTrips

$106 for 1 month

Age: 20 years | $1248 for 12 months

  • Policy maximum: $1,000,000
  • Deductible: $0
  • Student health center copay: $10 per visit
  • Direct billing: United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
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What are the health insurance requirements for international students in Pennsylvania?

The health insurance requirements for international students in Pennsylvania generally include the following:

  • Penn State University: International students (J and F visa holders) are required to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or submit proof of comparable coverage that meets specific criteria.
  • University of Pittsburgh: International students must have sickness and accident insurance. The university offers a health plan, or students may submit proof of equivalent coverage.
  • Lehigh University: International students on J-1/J-2 visas must have mandatory medical insurance. Other visa holders should verify requirements with the university.
  • East Stroudsburg University: International students must have health insurance with minimum coverage including medical expenses, repatriation, and medical evacuation.
  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP): International students must submit proof of health insurance during orientation, with insurance meeting specific university requirements.
  • University of Pennsylvania: International students can select from plans offered by PSI and ISO, which meet the university’s waiver requirements.
  • Review University Policies: Each institution has specific health insurance requirements. Contact your university’s international student office for detailed guidance.
  • Verify Coverage: If you opt for a private insurance plan, ensure it meets university and visa requirements, including those for J-1 visa holders.
  • Mandatory Coverage: Most universities and colleges in Pennsylvania require international students to have health insurance as a condition of enrollment.
  • University specific plans: Many universities offer their own health insurance plans that fulfill the required coverage for international students. However, if a student already has comparable coverage from another provider, they may be allowed to waive the university's plan.
  • Enrollment and Verification: Students must present proof of insurance coverage to their university's international student office before registration. Failure to do so may result in a hold on course registration.
  • Dependent Coverage: If international students have dependents, they must also ensure that their dependents are covered under an adequate health insurance plan.

What are the types of student insurance plans for international students in Pennsylvania?

University Sponsored Health Insurance Plans

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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania offer an opt-out option, allowing students to waive the university-sponsored plan by providing proof of equivalent private health insurance.

Student health insurance plans on American Visitor Insurance for international students in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvaniawith more flexibility and customization in their coverage.

What to except from alternate student health insurance available on American Visitor Insurance?
  • You can customize your plan to meet your specific healthcare needs and budget
  • Private plans allows you to choose level of coverage, deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in), and benefits that best suit you
  • You can opt for additional coverage, such as for pre-existing conditions, maternity care, mental health services, or sports injuries, which may not be included in university-sponsored plans.
  • If you're bringing family members on an F2 visa, many private health insurance plans allow you to add them to your policy, offering convenient coverage for your dependents.
  • Offers coverage for emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, ensuring you are protected in case of serious illness, injury, or death.

Foreign students on F1 visas studying in Pennsylvania can compare and buy students insurance on American Visitor Insurance. For more details, please contact us at (877)-340-7910 or email, and one of our licensed agents will help you find the best international student insurance.

Why is medical insurance important for international students in Pennsylvania?

In the USA, healthcare isn’t free and given the high cost of healthcare in the US, student health insurance is very important. Routine doctor visits, diagnostic tests, or treatments can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Students medical insurance not only provides financial protection but also ensures access to quality healthcare when needed. For International students in Pennsylvania having healthinsurance is strongly recommended. Most universities in Pennsylvania also require international students to have health insurance.

Student Medical Insurance

How much does F1 visa health insurance cost?

American Visitor Insurance offers cheap health insurance for f1 students in USA. Plans like Student Student Secure Smart and Student Secure budget are designed to meet the needs of international students studying abroad.

Features Student Secure Smart Student Secure budget
Cost* $31 $53
Medical Maximum $100,000 $250,000
Deductible $0 $0
Payment Option Monthly or Annual Monthly or Annual
Paper Application Application Application
Pre-existing condition Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions Covered after 12 months
Medical Evacuation $50,000 maximum $250,000 maximum
Maternity Not Covered Up to $5,000
Hospital copayment $200 per visit $150 per visit
Urgent care $100 co-payment $75 co-payment
Local Ambulance $300 per injury $500 per injury

* The cost of F1 visa health insurance per month for an international student aged 20 years. Source: American Visitor Insurance®

What is the best health insurance for OPT students?

OPT (Optional Practical Training) insurance is designed for international students on an F1 visa who are working in the U.S. after graduation. It provides essential health coverage during the OPT period, ensuring protection against high medical costs in the U.S. The best student health insurance plan for someone on OPT status is generally the Atlas America insurance.

Features Atlas America Patriot Exchange Program
Cost # $50 $70
Medical Maximum $50,000 $50,000
Deductible $250 $250
Payment Option Monthly or Annual Annual
Paper Application Application Application
Pre-existing condition Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions Covered after 12 months
Medical Evacuation $1,000,000 maximum $50,000 maximum
Maternity Covered Not covered
Repatriation Equal to overall maximum limit $100,000
Urgent care $15 co-payment $50 co-payment
Sports coverage Sports & activities Optional adventure sports

# The cost of OPT student health insurance per month for an international student aged 25 years. Source: American Visitor Insurance®

What factors determine international student health insurance cost?

  • Student's age: The student's age determines the cost of US student medical insurance. Students under age 20 can expect health insurance costs ranging from $30 to $124 per month. 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. Annual plans tend to be more expensive than short-term policies, but they offer more comprehensive benefits. The price increases with the duration of coverage required.
  • Maximum F1 student insurance coverage: Comprehensive plans that offers higher policy maximums and extensive coverage including benefits like mental health, dental, maternity, and pre-existing conditions generally comes with higher premiums. The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
  • Deductibles and Co-insurance: Plans with lower deductibles (the amount the student pays out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins) and lower coinsurance, (the percentage the student pays for most medical costs after the deductible), will also have higher premiums.
  • Type of student health insurance: University-sponsored health insurance plans are often mandatory and offers comprehensive coverage, but usually are more expensive and allow for less flexibility. The private health insurance for international students available on American Visitor Insurance offer university requirements comparable coverage and are often more affordable than the university-sponsored plans making them flexible and cost-effective.
  • Coverage region: There is significant variance in the cost of student health insurance depending on the country the student will be studying in. Student medical insurance in the US is typically more expensive than in many other countries.
  • Optional add-on benefits: if the students need additional coverage for specific activities like adventure sports mental illness, preventive care services, home country would cost more.

Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA

What is the best health insurance in Pennsylvania for international students?

Here are some of the best health insurance providers in Pennsylvania:
  • Student Secure Insurance: by WorldTrips provides excellent insurance cover to international students and scholars outside their home country. This plan is ideal for J1 and F1 and OPT students.
  • Student Health Advantage: by IMG designed for International students or Cultural Exchange scholars. This plan covers covers Maternity Newborn Care.
  • Patriot Exchange Insurance: by IMG 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.
  • Geoblue Navigator for Student: by GeoBlue offers worldwide coverage for international students and faculty outside their home country. Offers Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum.

What is the cheapest health insurance in Pennsylvania for international students?

The affordable international student health insurance in Pennsylvania is the StudentSecure Smart plan. The cost for this plan starts at around $32 per month, providing coverage up to $100,000 with a $0 deductible. This plan is designed to meet the needs of international students while studying in the U.S. and offers essential medical benefits.

How does one find the best health insurance as an international student in Pennsylvania?

Comparing international students insurance is easy on American Visitor Insurance ! Some institutions have specific requirements that must be met and others don’t. Check those first. If you want to be able to pay monthly (most require a one-time payment), then the Student Secure insurance offered by World Trips are a great option. You can choose to purchase them monthly (so you will be charged each month on a credit card) or as a one-time fee.

Note that there are four levels of the plan (Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite) which allows you to customize your plan and only get what you want or need without over paying for coverage you don’t want or need. You can compare Student Secure Insurance plan benefits and coverage. If you need help figuring out your institution’s requirements, give us a call and we’ll be happy to find something that will work for your situation! We can also help provide the student insurance waiver form that is required by some universities.

Health insurance for international students in USA FAQ's

1. Do F1 students need health insurance for Pennsylvania?

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.

2. Can international students get health insurance for Pennsylvania?

Yes, International students can definitely get student medical insurance, we offer many medical insurance for college students in Pennsylvania options on American Visitor Insurance. Quite often, the universities themselves offer student insurance, however this can be expensive. College student health insurance for Pennsylvania 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.

3. Can international students get medicare?

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.

4. What is international student health insurance?

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 student health insurance plan just right for you and your situation.

5. Is health insurance mandatory for international students in Pennsylvania?

Yes. In Pennsylvania, international students on F 1 or J 1 visas are generally required to purchase and maintain adequate health insurance throughout their studies. This requirement is enforced by both state university systems and many private universities.

6. Can I waive university-sponsored health insurance in Pennsylvania?

Yes, most universities in Pennsylvania 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.

7. Which universities in Pennsylvania allow insurance waivers?

Many universities in Pennsylvania allow international students to waive university-sponsored health insurance if they have a private plan that meets the school's coverage requirements.

8. What is the cost of student health insurance in Pennsylvania?

International student health insurance in the USA costs between $30 and $124 per month. The price varies based on factors such as the student’s age, coverage length, medical benefits, deductible, co-insurance, and whether the plan includes coverage for mental health, dental care, hazardous sports, maternity, and pre-existing conditions.

9. Which student insurance plans meet Pennsylvania university waiver requirements?

Common waiver-compliant plans include:

  • Patriot Exchange
  • Student Secure Elite/Select
  • Student Health Advantage Platinum

These plans meet university standards for coverage limits, mental health benefits, emergency services, and provider ratings.

10. What happens if I don’t have health insurance as a student in Pennsylvania?

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.

11. Can OPT students in Pennsylvania continue using student insurance?

No, OPT (Optional Practical Training) students are not eligible for university-sponsored student insurance plans after graduation. However, they can purchase specialized OPT health insurance plans from private providers like ISO, IMG, or International Student Insurance that meet their visa requirements and provide essential coverage during their OPT period.

12. What documents are needed to buy F1 student insurance in Pennsylvania?

To purchase F1 student health insurance in Pennsylvania, you need:

  • Passport
  • F1 Visa copy
  • I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status)
  • School information (name, address, start/end dates)
  • Personal details (name, date of birth, contact info)

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.

13. Where can I compare health insurance plans for Pennsylvania students?

You can compare health insurance plans for Pennsylvania students on American Visitor Insurance allows you to compare top-rated insurance plans based on waiver requirements, coverage benefits, and pricing.

14. How do students find a doctor or hospital with student health insurance?

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.

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