International students studying in the United States are required by most colleges and universities to carry approved student health insurance. This page helps students find affordable student health insurance plans that meet U.S. college insurance requirements, visa compliance rules, and insurance waiver criteria.
Students can compare private student medical insurance plans offered through American Visitor Insurance that often provide broader coverage and lower costs than university-sponsored plans.
This information is especially helpful for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, visiting scholars, and international students enrolled at U.S. colleges.
Most U.S. universities require international students to maintain active health insurance coverage throughout the academic year. If approved coverage is not provided, students may be automatically enrolled in the university health plan.
Common College Insurance Requirements:
Many colleges allow students to waive the school insurance plan by purchasing a private student health insurance plan that meets or exceeds these requirements.
Choosing the right student insurance depends on college waiver rules, visa type, budget, and length of stay in the U.S.
Key Factors to Consider
Many colleges allow students to waive the school insurance plan by purchasing a private student health insurance plan that meets or exceeds these requirements.
Many U.S. universities publish specific health insurance minimum requirements for international students. Colleges such as NYU, UCLA, Texas A&M University, University of Illinois, Purdue University, and Arizona State University require students to meet defined coverage standards to qualify for an insurance waiver.
The student health insurance plans available through American Visitor Insurance commonly meet these university requirements and are widely used by international students across the U.S.
Always review your university’s official insurance policy before purchasing a plan.Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.
Some plans cover high school sports activities.
Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.
Student insurance who need coverage for existing medical ailments.
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Know more »Through American Visitor Insurance, the majority of student health insurance plans comply with the typical U.S. College/University Requirements for health coverage; however, students need to carefully compare each individual Plan's Benefits (coverage limits, deductibles, etc.) to those defined in their college's official waiver requirements before selecting a Plan.
A college health insurance waiver allows students to opt out of their school’s mandatory health plan by submitting proof of comparable private coverage, such as a qualifying plan purchased through American Visitor Insurance.
Yes, international students studying in the United States who hold F1, J1 or M1 visas must be enrolled in an approved international student health insurance plan. American Visitor Insurance is able to provide plans that meet many of the requirements specified by both universities and visa sponsors.
Many student health insurance programs offered by American Visitor Insurance permit students to enroll as of their date of arrival in the U.S., or once the course begins. The coverage is typically available from the effective date chosen by the student.
If a waiver is rejected, students may need to upgrade to a higher coverage student insurance plan or enroll in the school’s health insurance plan. American Visitor Insurance allows easy comparison of plans with different coverage levels.
Yes, most student medical insurance plans listed on American Visitor Insurance provide access to off-campus doctors, specialists, and hospitals within a PPO provider network.
Some student health insurance plans available through American Visitor Insurance offer coverage during CPT and OPT periods. Students should review eligibility rules and coverage duration before enrollment.
Insurance requirements vary by college. Some universities require coverage regardless of enrollment status, while others exempt part-time or online students.
Many student insurance plans include mental health benefits such as counseling and therapy sessions. Coverage limits and copays vary by plan.
Yes, many student health insurance plans allow optional dependent coverage for spouses and children at an additional cost.
Colleges typically require:
Most student health insurance policies would still be in effect after the transfer, assuming the student continues to qualify for coverage.
Depending on the terms of the contract, some student health insurance policies will permit cancellation early due to graduation; proof of graduation or completion of program would typically be required.
Private student health insurance typically has lower rates compared to college-sponsored student health insurance plans; they generally offer broader networks of participating providers; and they may have more flexible options for insuring additional family members or overseas travel than do college-sponsored student health insurance plans.
Choosing the right health insurance is an important part of studying in the U.S. With over 20 years of experience, American Visitor Insurance has helped thousands of international students find reliable, university-compliant health insurance plans.
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