What does international student insurance cover?
Doctor Visit
Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.
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Sports Activities
Some plans cover high school sports activities.
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Repat of Remains
Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
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Dental Coverage
Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
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Maternity Coverage
Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.
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Pre-existing Conditions
Student insurance who need coverage for existing medical ailments.
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What is the cheapest health insurance for international students in Virginia?
The cheapest health insurance for F1 students in Virginia 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.
$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.
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$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.
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$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.
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What are the best health insurance plans for international students in Virginia?
The best health insurance plans for international students in Virginia 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.
$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
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$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.
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$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.
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What are the health insurance requirements for international students in Virginia?
The health insurance requirements for international students in Virginia generally include the following:
- UVA: Requires health insurance verification. J-1 and J-2 visa holders must maintain adequate coverage.
- Virginia Tech: International students must have insurance through the university or an approved plan.
- ODU: F-1 and J-1 students must have approved health insurance.
- University of Richmond: Students must meet university insurance requirements.
- Review University Policies: Each institution has specific health insurance requirements. Consult your university’s office for guidance.
- Verify Coverage: Ensure your insurance meets university and visa requirements.
- Maintain Active Insurance: Continuous coverage is essential to comply with university policies and protect against unexpected medical expenses.
What are the types of student insurance plans for international students in Virginia?
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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia
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 Virginiawith 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 Virginia 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 Virginia?
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 Virginia having healthinsurance is strongly recommended. Most universities in Virginia 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 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 are the benefits of choosing American Visitor Insurance?
Choosing American Visitor Insurance for your F1 student health insurance or international travel insurance needs comes with several key benefits:
- Wide Choice of Plans
- Compare top-rated health insurance plans for F1 visa holders, OPT students, J1 visa holders, and visitors.
- Plans from reputed insurers like IMG, Trawick International, WorldTrips, and Seven Corners.
- Affordable Pricing
- Access budget-friendly options with customizable deductibles, maximum coverage limits, and optional add-ons.
- Often more economical than many university-sponsored plans while still meeting university insurance requirements.
- Easy Online Comparison & Purchase
- Use American Visitor Insurance user-friendly comparison tools to evaluate multiple policies side-by-side.
- Quick and secure online purchase process with instant confirmation.
- Expert Guidance & Support
- Free support from licensed insurance agents to help you choose the right plan.
- Assistance in understanding university waiver requirements and policy details.
- Covers Unique Needs
- Specialized plans for students on OPT, mental health coverage, maternity, sports injuries, and more.
- Flexible coverage start dates even from your home country or upon arrival in the U.S.
- Reputable Platform with Years of Experience
- Trusted by thousands of international students and visitors for over a decade.
- Strong track record of customer satisfaction and reliable service.
How to choose the right student health insurance for international students in the USA?
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 plan:
-
Check university insurance requirements
Many U.S. universities require international students to enroll in their own health plans unless you provide proof of comparable coverage. Before buying, review the university’s waiver form for:
- Minimum policy maximum (e.g., $100,000 or more)
- Deductible limit (e.g., under $500)
- Mental health, maternity, pre-existing condition coverage
-
Compare coverage options
Look for plans that offer:
- Comprehensive medical coverage (doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs)
- Emergency services (ambulance, evacuation, repatriation)
- Mental health and maternity care (as per school rules)
- COVID-19 coverage (still required by some schools)
-
Check premium and deductible
Lower premiums may come with higher out-of-pocket costs. Balance:
- Monthly premium affordability
- Deductibles and co-insurance you’re comfortable with
-
Provider reputation & network
Choose plans from trusted companies like IMG, Trawick International, or WorldTrips, available on American Visitor Insurance. Ensure they have:
- Easy online claims
- Access to large hospital networks in the U.S.
-
Additional benefits
Some plans offer extra perks such as:
- Coverage during Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Free telemedicine
- Discounts on prescriptions
How to buy & waive Virginia student health insurance?
As an international student studying in Virginia, you're likely enrolled automatically in your university’s health insurance plan. While these plans offer solid coverage, they can be expensive. Fortunately, many Virginia universities allow students to waive the school-sponsored insurance if they purchase a private plan that meets certain criteria.
Step 1: Know your university’s requirements
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 UCLA, UC Berkeley, and CSU campuses often ask for:
- Minimum policy maximum of $100,000 or more
- Deductible below $500
- Coverage for mental health, maternity, and emergency evacuation
Step 2: Buy a compliant private insurance plan
Once you understand the requirements, visit American Visitor Insurance to compare student insurance plans. Choose a PPO-based plan from top providers like:
- IMG
- Trawick International
- WorldTrips
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.
Step 3: Submit your waiver form
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.
Step 4: Approval and Savings
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.
In Conclusion
Waiving your school insurance in Virginia 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.
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 Virginia options on American Visitor Insurance. Quite often, the universities themselves offer student insurance, however this can be expensive. College student health insurance for Virginia 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.
Yes. In Virginia, 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.
Yes, most universities in Virginia 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 Virginia allow international students to waive university-sponsored health insurance if they have a private plan that meets the school's coverage requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To purchase F1 student health insurance in Virginia, 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.
You can compare health insurance plans for Virginia students on American Visitor Insurance 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.
Not on a F1 visa? Please review these other visa categories
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