Planning to study in the United States? Get affordable, university-compliant international student health insurance.
Buy student insurance online starting at just $30 per month.
French students studying in the United States need Student health insurance because the American healthcare system is private and not government funded.The US system requires international students to pay for any medical services they need as this is the only option when they need treatment. The expensive U.S. healthcare system requires patients to cover their own medical expenses resulting in costs exceeding thousands of dollars for those without insurance. Students with student health insurance will satisfy both university and visa obligations while maintaining their study safety.
Students can compare international student insurance plans to find the best coverage at the most reasonable cost.
Health insurance costs for international students in USA vary based on age, coverage limits, deductible level, and insurance provider. The monthly cost of international student insurance in the USA typically ranges from $30 to $124 per month.
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 french students in USA is the Student Journey Lite Insurance plan, with premiums starting at just $30 per month.
Other affordable international student health insurance from France to USA option includes:
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
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 »French students should buy health insurance for French students in the USA before traveling to the United States, ideally immediately after receiving the Form I-20 and confirming their university’s insurance requirements.
🎫 Before Visa Interview
While health insurance is not required for the F1 visa interview, having insurance details ready shows preparedness for studying in the USA.
✈️ Before Departure from France
It is strongly recommended to purchase US student health insurance for France students before flying to the USA so coverage begins from the date of arrival. Medical emergencies can occur immediately after landing and healthcare costs without insurance can be extremely high.
🏫 Before University Enrollment Deadline
Most US universities require proof of health insurance before course registration or orientation. Students must either:
Missing the insurance deadline may result in automatic enrollment into a costly university plan.
💼 For OPT and Continuing Students
French students transitioning to OPT or continuing studies should renew or purchase USA student medical insurance before the current policy expires to avoid gaps in coverage and maintain university or visa compliance.
⚠️ Note: Why Buying Health Insurance Early Is Important for French Students in the USA
French students in the USA choose different health insurance plans based on visa type, budget, university waiver rules, maternity needs, or pre-existing medical conditions. The table below shows the best student health insurance plans for French students in the USA based on common situations.
| Your Situation | Recommended Plans | Why |
|---|---|---|
| F1 student, budget-conscious | Student Journey Lite, StudentSecure Smart | Lowest monthly cost |
| University waiver required | Student Journey Platinum, StudentSecure Select | Meets waiver criteria |
| Needs maternity coverage | Student Journey Platinum, StudentSecure Elite | Pregnancy benefits |
| Pre-existing condition | Student Journey plans | Waiting-period coverage |
| Playing university sports | Diplomat America, StudentSecure Elite | Sports injury coverage |
The United States of America is a place where healthcare related costs are extremely high as compared to France. French students who are in the USA can incur a medical bill of thousands of dollars if they don’t have health insurance, even for a normal check-up or a short hospital stay. The table below compares typical medical expenses in both countries and shows how health insurance helps French students avoid unexpected medical bills while studying abroad.
| Medical Service | Cost in France | Cost in USA |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor visit | €25-€50 | $150-$300 |
| Emergency room visit | €100-€200 | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Appendectomy | €1,500-€3,000 | $25,000+ |
| 3-day hospitalization | €800-€1,500 | $15,000-$30,000 |
The cost difference highlights why health insurance is essential for French students in the USA. A good student health insurance plan helps avoid unexpected medical expenses and offers financial protection during medical emergencies.
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.
The following are some of the best international student health insurance plans in USA. If you want a side-by-side comparison of the most popular and highly rated options, explore our top 5 best health insurance plans for international students in the USA.
or United HealthCare 
Policy maximum?
$50,000 to $5,000,000
Deductible options?
$0 to $500
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Policy maximum?
$500,000
Deductible options?
$250
Period of coverage?
30 days to 12 months
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$0
Period of coverage?
30 days to 364 days
or United HealthCare Policy maximum?
$500,000
Deductible options?
$250
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$0
Period of coverage?
30 days to 364 days
or United HealthCare Policy maximum?
$1,000,000
Deductible options?
$100
Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Below is a sample scenario to help students understand how Patriot Exchange insurance works in practice while studying abroad.
In this example:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurance Coverage | Up to $50,000 |
| Deductible | $100 per certificate period |
| Medical Expenses (Claimed) | $25,100 |
After the insured pays the $100 deductible, the Patriot Exchange plan applies its standard cost-sharing structure:
Since the total medical bill is $25,100, the insured is responsible for 20% of the first $5,000, which equals $1,000.
All remaining eligible charges are paid by the insurance company. Because the policy maximum is $50,000, the full claim amount fits within the allowed limit.
| Expense Type | Amount Billed | Amount Insurance Pays | Amount Student Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $100 | $0 | $100 |
| Hospital Room Rent | $9,000 | $8,000 | $1,000 (20% of first $5k) |
| Surgery | $15,000 | $15,000 | $0 |
| X-ray & Diagnostics | $1,000 | $1,000 | $0 |
| Total | $25,100 | $24,000 | $1,100 (Deductible $100 + Coinsurance $1,000) |
In this example, the student pays a total of $1,100 ($100 deductible + $1,000 coinsurance), and Patriot Exchange covers the remaining $24,000. This demonstrates how the plan protects students from major medical expenses while studying abroad.
We have made every effort to ensure the information above is accurate and current. However, policy terms, benefits, and limits may change periodically. Please refer to the official Patriot Exchange policy brochure for exact details.
Yes. If your university does not require enrollment in a specific student health insurance plan or does not impose minimum coverage requirements, you are generally free to choose the insurance plan that best fits your needs and budget.
You can select either a student insurance plan or a travel medical insurance plan depending on what coverage you prefer.
If you prefer private or non-university health insurance plan instead of student-specific plans, you can consider these popular options:
The U.S. Department of State does not mandate specific health insurance requirements for F1 visa holders. However, most U.S. universities require international students to have valid health insurance as a condition of enrolment and registration.
F-1 student health insurance requirements for French students in USA are set by individual schools. check with your school to see what coverage is mandatory to have, if any, you can find a plan that fits both your needs and the school’s requirements on American visitor insurance. Some universities require students to enrol in a school-sponsored insurance plan, while others allow students to purchase a private international student health insurance plan that meets the school’s coverage criteria.
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:
Most international student health insurance plans seem similar on first impressions. However, while they have many benefits in common and the premium is also similar, different student insurance plans do have some additional benefits or perhaps some specific constraints. In order to choose the best plan based on the French students requirements and to get sufficient coverage from the health insurance plan for students from France, it is important to compare different features available in the best health insurance for French students in USA:
The following are important factors for comparing cheapest health insurance for French students plans:
Based on these factors, American Visitor Insurance provides an excellent compare student medical insurance facility where getting quotes as per students’ requirements. Once the required information is entered in the form, a summary of popular student insurance plans are displayed which can be compared.
Yes. French students studying in the USA may be able to waive their university’s health insurance plan if they purchase a private international student health insurance policy that meets the school’s waiver requirements.
University waiver compliance allows students to choose an out of campus insurance by showing proof of equivalent international student health insurance. The private plan must usually offer these coverages:
Universities provide a waiver form outlining the minimum required benefits. Submit this form along with your insurance proof by the school’s deadline.
⚠️ Important: Waiver requirements vary by university. Always review your school’s insurance guidelines before purchasing a private student health insurance plan.
Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student insurance.
Learn More »Compare and buy student health insurance quotes 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 USA for students online.
Know More »Yes, we do have student insurance plans for international students on a valid student visa, who are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and are currently not taking any courses on campus.
The cost of health insurance for France students studying abroad varies significantly depending on different factors such as the insurance provider, the age of the student, the deductible, the co-insurance, the medical coverage amount and the specific plan chosen.
Here are some key points to consider while buying health insurance for France students in USA in American Visitor insurance:
Keep in mind that student medical insurance USA costs can change over time, and there may be new plans or regulations in place since my last update. It's essential to research and compare different insurance options on American Visitor Insurance to find a plan that fits your specific needs and budget.
If you are an international student looking for health insurance, We recommend using the compare student insurance plans tool to explore the health insurance options available to you on American Visitor Insurance.
Yes, in fact many international students studying in the United States are required to have student travel insurance USA coverage to satisfy University needs. The specific requirements for best health insurance for international students varies depending on the educational institution, state regulations, and the type of visa the student holds.
Some key points to consider:
At American Visitor Insurance we offer the best international student insurance USA plans from top rated insurance providers.
The "best" USA student health insurance for students from France varies depending on Students’ needs, preferences, and budget. Different factors should be considered when choosing the most suitable medical insurance for students, such as coverage, cost, benefits, network of healthcare providers, and the specific requirements of your educational institution. Here are some options to consider:
Best health insurance for international students on American Visitor Insurance : American Visitor Insurance specializes in providing health insurance for France students studying in USA. These plans may offer a range of options and coverage levels, and some may be accepted by various educational institutions. Student insurance plans offered on American Visitor Insurance are comparable to University insurance plans but are cheaper and with similar benefits.
When comparing student health insurance plans, consider the following factors:
Before buying the best student insurance on American Visitor Insurance, it is essential to compare student medical insurance plans and read the policy details and terms carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us or call.
Finally, the best health insurance for international students is one that provides adequate coverage and aligns with their specific needs, budget and circumstances of the student.
Most student insurance plans offered on American Visitor Insurance can be extended if you apply before your current coverage expires.
Using the insurer's provider directory and contacting customer support enable you to find in-network doctors and hospitals after you buy a plan.
Yes. International students can apply and get medical insurance while studying outside their home country on American Visitor Insurance. In the United States, it is required for the students to have medical insurance in order to enroll in the University. Before purchasing health insurance, it is important to check the requirements of the University to which particular benefit coverage is mandatory. Some Universities make it mandatory for some particular benefits like mental illness, preventive care.
It is important to compare student medical insurance plans and choose the right plan and having the right health insurance plan for a student can ease the whole situation of staying in foreign country and managing unexpected health related issues.
There is no f1 visa health insurance requirements mandated by US consulates,unless the University insists on the College insurance plans.France 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.Their plans offer coverage for medical expenses,emergency medical evacuation repatriation of remains, accidental death and dismemberment and more.They also have a wide range of deductibles and co-insurance options to choose from.
Patriot Exchange Insurance: This is a plan designed by International Medical Group (IMG) which is the best international health insurance for F2 visa holders.Patriot Exchange insurance can be bought by the F2 visa dependents even if the F1 visa student is not covered by the Patriot exchange plan.Their plans offer coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, accidental death and dismemberment and more. They also have a network of providers that accept direct billing, which means you don’t have to pay upfront and file a claim later. The cost of their plans starts from $50 per month for individuals and $100 per month for families.
"After rigorous searching for suitable student health insurances online, I stumbled upon the American visitor Insurance."
"Appreciate all the help that you provided me. It really worked well and I was able to purchase the student insurance policy."
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Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Student.
Blogs and articles for international student travel insurance France to USA.
Queries and answers about international student insurance from France to the USA.
Blog about buying health insurance for students in USA for France students.
France is amongst the most popular study-abroad destinations for US students. Beyond the opportunity to learn French and immerse fully in French culture, students are also attracted to France’s state of the art technology and management schools, prestigious art and fashion institutions and last but not least, its world famous culinary academies.
Outside Academics, France is world famous for its museums, historic landmarks and vibrant cultural centers all of which attract American students and tourists from around the world.
While studying in France is exciting, it is important for US students to be aware that domestic US health insurance usually does not provide adequate coverage outside US borders including Europe. To avoid unexpected medical expenses, US students should buy the best international student health insurance for France that includes coverage throughout their entire study period in France.
Compare and buy international student health insurance on American Visitor Insurance for France to ensure peace of mind and uninterrupted academic and cultural exploration.
It's never too late to buy student travel insurance on American Visitor Insurance for France. International students can purchase student travel or education insurance for France before their arrival or even after reaching France, as long as they are not already injured or ill.
👉 Tip: Buying insurance early ensures uninterrupted coverage and access to quality healthcare throughout your stay. Compare student insurance plans for France and choose the coverage that best fits your needs.
The cost for the France student travel insurance varies depending on the age of the student and the duration of coverage required. The older the student the higher will be the cost. The longer the duration of France travel insurance required, the greater will be the cost. Our France student travel insurance quote comparison facility lists the travel insurance that satisfy your requirements comparing them based on price and benefit. Compare student travel insurance France and get get free online.
How much does health insurance for US student abroad costs?The US student abroad cost ranges from $26 to $289 per month. The price depends on the factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance.
The best student health insurance abroad cost per month for an international student aged 20 years.
| Insurance Plans | Policy maximum | Deductible | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips | $200,000 | $0 | $26 |
| Patriot Exchange Program IMG | $50,000 | $250 | $39 |
| StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips | $500,000 | $0 | $47 |
| Student Health Advantage Standard IMG | $500,000 | $250 | $82 |
| StudentSecure Select WorldTrips | $1,000,000 | $0 | $80 |
| Student Health Advantage Platinum IMG | $1,000,000 | $25 | $246 |
| Study Abroad Student Insurance BCBS | Unlimited Coverage | $0 | $289 |
Source:American Visitor Insurance®
Review student insurance plan benefits.
Yes, in most cases private international student insurance is still recommended. French public health insurance (Sécurité Sociale) may not start right away when you move to France, while still it covers a part of your medical expenses, it typically does not pay 100% of costs. Students are often responsible for co-payments, deductibles, and services that may not be fully covered, such as specialist visits, dental care, vision, or repatriation.
Private health insurance plan helps fill these gaps by covering the remaining expenses and providing additional benefits like emergency evacuation, higher coverage limits, and faster access to care. Many U.S. students choose private student health insurance for more complete financial protection and peace of mind during their stay in France.
Generally, most international student medical insurance plans available on American Visitor Insurance continue to provide coverage while you travel outside France, as long as you are outside your home country (the United States). This means that if you decide to travel to other European countries such as Spain, Germany, Italy or Switzerland during weekends or holidays, your health insurance will cover you.
Benefits include visits with doctors, emergency care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs during travel within Europe. In the event of a serious emergency, benefits such as emergency medical evacuation and repatriation will also apply, subject to the terms of the policy. Always review your policy details to confirm coverage limits and eligible countries.
Some international health insurance plans for international students that can be purchased through American Visitor Insurance may include mental health benefits, even while traveling within Europe. The benefits may be available for emergency mental health care or for scheduled visits, depending on the insurance plan. Because benefits vary by plan, it’s important to review coverage details before purchasing.
If you’re a U.S. student studying in France, choose a health insurance plan that provides comprehensive medical coverage throughout your stay and meets your university or visa requirements.
When comparing plans, look for:
American Visitor Insurance’s comparison tool helps U.S. students easily review plans side-by-side, compare benefits and prices, and select the best health insurance for their time studying in France.
Yes. Getting student health insurance is strongly recommended — and often required — even for short-term study programs in France. Whether you’re studying for a few weeks or a few months, universities or visa authorities may ask you to show proof of valid health coverage before you enroll or travel.
If you’re a U.S. student in France without insurance, even a simple doctor visit or unexpected illness can quickly become expensive. Accidents, infections, or sudden health issues can happen anytime, and paying out of pocket can add unnecessary stress to your study experience. American Visitor Insurance can assist you in comparing affordable student medical insurance plans that offer dependable protection while you are studying abroad in France.
No. Travel insurance is designed for short trips. Students staying for a semester or year typically need to obtain comprehensive student health insurance which includes coverage for routine medical treatments, doctor visits, mental health coverage, prescription medications and hospital stays.
Yes, many student health insurance plans allow you to enroll even after you arrive. However, purchasing before departure is recommended so you’re protected during travel and from day one of your stay. Early enrollment also helps meet visa or university requirements without delays.
Most universities in France accept private international student health insurance as long as the plan meets their minimum coverage standards. The private international student plans available on American Visitor Insurance are designed to meet common university and visa requirements, including coverage for hospitalization, doctor visits, and emergency care, making it easier for students to find suitable protection.
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