Why is international student insurance important in the USA?
Health insurance for international students is important to cover the costs of medical care in case of accident or sickness while studying abroad. As an international student, it is vital to ensure you have the best student health insurance for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains and accidental death and dismemberment. At American Visitor Insurance we offer a wide range of deductibles and co-insurance for foreign student insurance which meet school requirements, including for those on F1 visa, OPT status, F2 visa, sports coverage, M-1/M-2 or J visas as well as for US students studying abroad.
What are the travel tips for international students in USA?
Here are some travel tips specifically for international students in the USA:
- Travel Documents:
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
- Check if you need a visa for any international travel (not applicable for domestic travel within the U.S.).
- Make photocopies of your passport, visa (if applicable), and I-20 or DS-2019.
- Student Visa Requirements:
- If traveling internationally, ensure your F-1 or J-1 visa is valid and not expired.
- Obtain a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 from your international student office before leaving the U.S.
- Health Insurance:
- Check if your university offers health insurance that covers you while traveling within the U.S. or abroad.
- Consider purchasing additional travel insurance for emergencies.
- Flights and Accommodation:
- Book flights and accommodation well in advance to save money.
- Consider budget airlines and hostels for affordable options.
- Packing:
- Pack light but include essentials like adapters, chargers, and medications.
- Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly.
- Finances:
- Inform your bank of international transactions to avoid account restrictions.
- Load local currency on a travel card or debit card if traveling abroad.
Do international students need health insurance in the USA?
Yes international students in the USA need health insurance simply because US healthcare is so expensive and it is too risky to be uninsured. Many universities require students on F-1 and J-1 visas to have mandatory health insurance that meets specific coverage requirements. Some institutions provide their own student medical insurance plans, while others allow students to purchase private student insurance as those offered in American Visitor Insurance. Since U.S. healthcare is expensive, having a comprehensive insurance plan ensures coverage for medical emergencies, doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospitalization. J-1 visa holders are legally required to have health insurance that meets U.S. Department of State guidelines.
What are the types of student insurance plans for international students in US?
University Sponsored Health Insurance Plans
University sponsored health insurance plans are health coverage options provided directly by universities to their students, including international students. These plans are specifically 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 for international students can be quite expensive. The cost, often included in tuition and mandatory fees, can put a financial strain on students, especially those on a tight budget. In cases where students prefer a different plan, some universities offer an opt-out option, allowing students to waive the university-sponsored plan by providing proof of equivalent private health insurance like the plans that are available on American Visitor Insurance
Student health insurance plans on American Visitor Insurance for international students in US
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 us with 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 Us 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.
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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How much does F1 visa student health insurance cost in the US in 2025?
How much is insurance for international students in the USA? How much does International student insurance cost per month?
The international student insurance for USA cost per month ranges from$32 to $463. The price depends on the factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, and co-insurance. Additionally the student health insurance cost in the US also depends on coverage for mental illness, dental expenses, hazardous sports, maternity and coverage for pre-existing ailments. Here at American Visitor insurance we have calculated the cost of health insurance for international students to help you compare and make an informed choice while buying the plan.
The cost of health insurance for an international student per month aged 20 years.
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Which is the best health insurance for international students in USA?
Health insurance for F1 students in USA, Medical insurance for international students
- Affordable student health insurance plan designed for international students and scholars studying outside their home country.
- Student Secure Smart cost starts at $32 per month and $372 per year with a medical maximum of $100,000 and deductible $0.
- Meets J1 visa requirements. Monthly and annual payment options are available.
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to $25,000 lifetime maximum.
- Sports activities, leisure, recreational, entertainment or fitness is covered upto overall maximum limit.
- Complete your Student Secure Insurance application form to ensure you have the coverage you need while studying abroad.
- Offers comprehensive health insurance for international students studying abroad.
- Student Secure Budget cost starts at $53 per month and $624 per year with a medical maximum of $250,000 and deductible $0.
- Meets J1 visa requirements. Monthly and annual payment options are available.
- Covers pre-existing conditions and maternity care (after waiting periods).
- Sports activities, leisure, recreational, entertainment or fitness is covered upto policy limit.
- Complete your Student Secure Insurance application form to ensure you have the coverage you need while studying abroad.
- Affordable medical insurance plan designed for international students or Cultural Exchange scholars.
- Patriot Exchange insurance cost starts at $56 per month or $675 per year with a medical maximum of $50,000 and a $250 deductible. An annual payment option is available.
- Meets J visa requirements and also suitable for F Visa for international students.
- Covers pre-existing conditions after 12 months: $500 per coverage period, $1,500 lifetime max.
- The student can buy this plan with a sports rider to cover activities such as downhill skiing.
- Can be renewed online up to 48 months.
- Complete your Patriot Exchange insurance application form to ensure you have the coverage you need while studying abroad.
- Provides comprehensive health coverage for international students and scholars studying outside their home country.
- Student Health Advantage Standard cost starts at $118 per month or $1,416 per year, with a medical maximum of $500,000 and a $250 deductible.
- Ideal for J1/J2, F1/F2, M1/M2, and A1/A2 visa holders.
- Covers pre-existing condition after 12 months of a waiting period.
- Can be renewed for up to 5 years with no break in coverage.
- Offers worldwide coverage for international students and faculty outside their home country.
- Geoblue Navigator student insurance cost starts at $463 per month or $3,468 per year, with an unlimited medical maximum and a $0 deductible. Both monthly and annual payment options are available.
- Exceeds J-1 visa requirements.
- Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum with no waiting period for preventive care.
- Pre-existing conditions exclusion can be waived with proof of prior creditable coverage.
- Coinsurance is waived for care outside the U.S.
- Sports, terrorist and alcohol-related injuries are covered.
Compare the health insurance for students in USA?
What are the factors that determine health insurance cost in USA for international students?
- 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 $32 to $460 per month, or $400 to $4,200 per year. 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. The price increases with the duration of coverage required.
- Maximum F1 student insurance coverage: Travel health insurance cost in USA for international students is directly dependent on the medical maximum coverage required. The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
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Best health insurance for international medical graduates in USA
How to choose best health insurance for international students in USA?
- Understand your needs
- Check if your university requires specific health insurance coverage. Some universities mandate that international students have health insurance that meets certain requirements.
- If you have a pre-existing condition, look for plans that offer coverage after a reasonable waiting period.
- Compare insurance providers
- Ensure the provider has a strong network of healthcare providers in the U.S.
- Check for 24/7 customer support and assistance services.
- Compare different student insurance options
- Coverage Limits: Compare the maximum coverage limits for medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor visits.
- Deductibles and Co-pays: Understand how much you need to pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.
- Exclusions: Check what is not covered, such as pre-existing conditions, dental, or vision care.
- Additional Benefits: Some plans may offer additional benefits like mental health coverage, sports injuries, or maternity care.
You can choose a health insurance plan that provides adequate coverage while fitting your budget and meeting any university requirements on AmericanVisitorInsurance. 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.
International student health insurance reviews
"After rigorous searching for suitable student health insurances online, I stumbled upon the American visitor Insurance website and the customer representatives were really patient and helpful in guiding me with the best plan that suits me."
Ron W
"We want to appreciate the fine service provided by your friendly employees from the NJ office, in helping us navigate insurance plans and successfully purchase plans for my parents. They are extremely courteous, patient, efficient and knowledgeable"
Konstantin V.B
"Your customer service provided me with perfect service and helped me very much to find policy I needed (for J2 visa). She was very polite and answered all my questions. I'm fully satisfied with the service. Thank you very much!"
Amanda
Not on a F1 visa? Please review these other visa categories
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OPT Status within F1 visa
Insurance plans for students on OPT status, OPT student insurance.
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Health Insurance for International Students resources
Student medical insurance resourceful links
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Student medical insurance blogs
Blog about buying international Student medical health insurance.
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Student travel insurance resources
Some useful resources to help you understand Student health medical insurance.
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Student medical Insurance FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions to compare and buy Student travel insurance.
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Student health insurance – Blogs
US Students Abroad Insurance
What are the travel tips for US students studying abroad?
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
This free service is offered by US Government for US citizens who are traveling or living abroad. You can enter your upcoming trip abroad which can be helpful for US department of state to help in case of an emergency
Travel Documents before leaving the USA
Before you are leave the States, be sure you have the correct paper work completed. You may need a current passport and the visa depending on the country you are visiting. These are important proofs of identity which you should carry with you at all times and carefully protect.
In case of an emergency abroad
Imagine yourself trapped in an emergency situation while abroad and looking for help. When you travel, unexpected situations are common. Most insurance policies offer some concierge services to help the traveler while abroad. One safety step is to have contact details to the nearest US embassy office since that can also provide assistance in an emergency.
Travel with insurance coverage
Visiting a doctor or hospital may not be in your plan while visiting abroad. However what happens in case you are forced to take medical assistance in case of an emergency situation? A proper student travel insurance coverage plan will be useful to pay medical bills, avoid financial loss, and even make sure get access to the care you may need.
Packing
You may wonder as to what clothing to carry and which pair of shoes you should wear while traveling abroad. Try to avoid carrying too many valuables unnecessarily. Make sure that you have copies of your travel documents and that they are kept at different places in your luggage. It is advisable that you avoid carrying too many credit cards or bundles of cash. Travelers checks will be useful while abroad. It is a good idea to keep track of the serial numbers of the checks.
Destination research
One of the most important tasks before leaving on your trip is to do some research on your destination. The destination you are visiting may not have the same laws or regulations you are used to in the States. Be aware of dress codes (formal or not) in your destination and be careful of any drugs (even prescription or over-the-counter ones) you might want to take with you.
Never accept bags from strangers in airports, particularly in other countries, nor agree to carry something (even if it seems harmless) for someone else. If you don't want to stand out, leave your baseball caps and clothes with lettering/logos at home. Women should be sure short pants, short skirts, tank tops, etc. are acceptable where they are traveling. Most other cultures dress more formally and modestly than what we are used to State-side.
What are the best health insurance for US students studying abroad?
The best health insurance options for U.S. students studying abroad includes plans that offer comprehensive coverage for sudden illness or injuries from accidents.
* The best student health insurance abroad cost per month for an international student aged 20 years.
At American Visitor Insurance we offer the best student insurance for US students studying outside USA. This is very important for US students while outside the USA to have the best health insurance coverage for sudden sickness or unexpected injury. One can compare student insurance USA plans based on cost and benefits. Do contact our customer support for clarification or if the University has specific requirements.
One can buy the student insurance USA online, to instantly get the student insurance USA ID Card and policy details. These can used to avail any of the student insurance benefits.
Click here for popular countries for US Students study abroad »
Student sports group travel insurance
Best health insurance for international student Athletes.
