What does international student insurance cover?
Doctor Visit
Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.
Know more »
Sports Activities
Some plans cover high school sports activities.
Know more »
Repat of Remains
Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
Know more »
Dental Coverage
Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
Know more »
Maternity Coverage
Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.
Know more »
Pre-existing Conditions
Student insurance who need coverage for existing medical ailments.
Know more »
Previous
Next
What is the cheapest health insurance for international students in New York?
The cheapest health insurance for F1 students in New York is offered by Student Journey Lite insurance plan, starting at just $30 per month. Other affordable options include the 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.
$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:

- Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
- Renewal: Can be renewed from 30 days to 12 months.
picture_as_pdfBrochure
shopping_cart Buy now
$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:

- Pre-Existing Conditions: No coverage
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
picture_as_pdfBrochure
shopping_cart Buy now
$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:

- Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
- Renewal: Can be renewed from 30 days to 12 months.
picture_as_pdfBrochure
shopping_cart Buy now
What are the best health insurance plans for international students in New York?
The best health insurance plans for international students in New York include 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.
$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:

- Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 12 months of waiting period.
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months
picture_as_pdfBrochure
shopping_cart Buy now
$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:

- Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 12 months.
picture_as_pdfBrochure
shopping_cart Buy now
$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:

- Pre-Existing Conditions: Covers after 6 months of waiting period.
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
picture_as_pdfBrochure
shopping_cart Buy now
What are the health insurance requirements for international students in New York?
The health insurance requirements for international students in New York generally include the following:
- New York University (NYU): International students are required to have health insurance. Students are automatically enrolled in the NYU-sponsored plan, with an option to waive it if they meet the minimum coverage criteria.
- University at Buffalo (UB): International students must carry health insurance available through SUNY or comparable coverage.
- Stony Brook University: Full-time, matriculated international students are automatically enrolled in the student health insurance plan.
- New York State Health Insurance Options: International students may be eligible to enroll in Qualified Health Plans through the New York State of Health Marketplace, and potentially access the Essential Plan.
- 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 New York 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 New York?
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 New York 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 New York 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 New York
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 New Yorkwith 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 New York 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 New York?
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 New York having healthinsurance is strongly recommended. Most universities in New York also require international students to have health 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 Journey Lite and Student Secure budget are designed to meet the needs of international students studying abroad.
Features |
Student Journey Lite |
Student Secure budget |
Cost* |
$30 |
$53 |
Medical Maximum |
$150,000 |
$500,000 |
Deductible |
$100 |
$0 |
Payment Option |
Annual |
Monthly or Annual |
Paper Application |
Not Available |
Application |
Pre-existing condition |
Covered after 6 months of waiting period |
Covered after 12 months |
Medical Evacuation |
$60,000 maximum |
$250,000 maximum |
Maternity |
$5,000 (normal), $7,500 (C-section) |
Up to $5,000 |
Hospital copayment |
Not Covered |
$150 per visit |
Urgent care |
100% |
$75 co-payment |
Local Ambulance |
$400 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.
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.
Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA
Which are the best health insurance providers for International students in USA?
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:
- International Medical Group (IMG): Offers a wide range of plan options like Student Journey, which is designed for international students and scholars who are looking for an affordable student insurance with comprehensive coverage for medical expenses and hospitalization.
- WorldTrips: Offers comprehensive student medical insurance plans like StudentSecure Smart plan starting at $31 per month with comprehensive coverage and a $0 deductible, which is an excellent and affordable option, covers emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
- GeoBlue: Offers the great option like Navigator Student plan, designed for both U.S. students studying abroad and international students in the USA. It offers comprehensive coverage, including an unlimited medical maximum and global provider access.
Which is the popular health insurance for international students in USA?
Patriot Exchange Program IMG
- Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports
- Pre-existing condition: Comprehensive plan with high medical maximum and pre-existing conditions coverage after 12 months of waiting period.
- Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
- Direct Billing: First healthcare network
or United HealthCare 
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months.
- Patriot Exchange Program insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $56 per month ($675 per year). An annual payment option is available to students.
Policy maximum?
$50,000 to $5,000,000
Deductible options?
$0 to $500
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Student Journey Platinum IMG
- Ideal for : J1, F1, A1 and M1 visas, Adventure Sports, Maternity
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
- Mental health: Out Patient : Max 40 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to 30 days max
- Direct Billing: United HealthCare

- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 12 months.
- Student Journey Platinum insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $74 per month ($888 per year). An annual payment option is available to students.
StudentSecure Select Insurance Worldtrips
- Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Maternity, Sports coverage
- Acute on set of pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
- Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 30 visits, Inpatient: Max 30 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
- Direct Billing: United HealthCare

- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
- Student Secure Select insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $106 per month ($1248 per year). You can buy the plan either on a monthly or a yearly basis.
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$0
Period of coverage?
30 days to 364 days
Student Health Advantage Standard IMG
- Ideal for : F1, J1,M1 and A1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
- Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
- Direct Billing: First healthcare network
or United HealthCare 
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months.
- Student Health Advantage Platinum insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from 118 per month ($1,416 per year), both monthly and annual payment options are available. Offers high policy maximum and good coverage for various medical emergencies.
StudentSecure Elite Insurance Worldtrips
- Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Maternity, Sports coverage
- Acute on set of pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
- Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 40 visits, Inpatient: Max 40 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
- Direct Billing: United HealthCare

- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
- Student Secure Elite insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $181 per month ($2135 per year). You can buy the plan either on a monthly or a yearly basis.
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$0
Period of coverage?
30 days to 364 days
Student Health Advantage Platinum IMG
- Ideal for : F1, J1,M1 and A1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports, Maternity
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
- Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
- Direct Billing: First healthcare network
or United HealthCare 
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months.
- Student Health Advantage Platinum insurance cost for a 20 years old student starts from $353 per month ($4,236 per year), both monthly and annual payment options are available.
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$100
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
What are the F-1 visa health insurance requirements?
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.
What are the payment options for international student insurance?
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.
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. 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 |
How can I buy F1 visa insurance?
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 |
What is best sports health insurance for international students?
There are quite a few US student health insurance for international students that cover sports activities. At American Visitor Insurance, we offer some of the best options tailored for international student athletes.
- Diplomat America and Diplomat LongTerm Insurance plans by Global Underwriters are designed for international students participating in intercollegiate sports. The maximum benefit is limited to $20,000 per sports-related injury. Diplomat LongTerm plan can be extended and offers worldwide coverage, with a minimum purchase period of 90 days. Diplomat America plan cannot be extended or renewed.
- Patriot Exchange Student Insurance from IMG is a more affordable student insurance option, this plan covers high school sports teams and starts at around $73 per month. It offers coverage up to $250,000 with a $100 deductible.
- Student Health Advantage Insurance from IMG offers coverage for intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports with a benefit limit of $5,000 per injury or illness during the coverage period
- Student Secure Elite and Student Secure Select Insurance plans from WorldTrips provide coverage for organized sports including intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports.
All four levels of the Student Secure plans (Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite) offer coverage for leisure, recreational, entertainment, or fitness activities.
What is the best health insurance in New York for international students?
Here are some of the best health insurance providers in New York:
- 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 New York for international students?
The affordable international student health insurance in New York 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 New York?
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.
Cheapest health insurance for international students in USA – FAQ's
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 New York options on American Visitor Insurance. Quite often, the universities themselves offer student insurance, however this can be expensive. College student health insurance for New York 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 student health insurance plan just right for you and your situation.
Not on a F1 visa? Please review these other visa categories
menu_book
OPT Status within F1 visa
Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student insurance.
Click here to read more »
Best health Insurance for International Students in USA
Student sports group travel insurance
Best health insurance for international student Athletes.
Students health insurance in New York - information
rss_feed
Student medical insurance blogs
Blog about buying international Student medical health insurance.
Click here to read more »
school
Student travel insurance resources
Some useful resources to help you understand Student health medical insurance.
Click here to read more »
question_mark
Student medical Insurance FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions to compare and buy Student travel insurance.
Click here to read more »
New York student health insurance – Blogs