F1 Student Health Insurance, F1 Visa Health Insurance Cost

What Is an F1 Visa?

An F1 visa is a U.S. student visa issued to international students who want to study full-time at an accredited college, university, high school, language school, or academic institution in the USA. F1 visa holders must enroll in a full-time program, maintain academic progress, and follow all visa rules during their stay. While the U.S. government does not mandate health insurance, most schools require F1 student health insurance for enrollment, making coverage essential for protecting against high medical costs in the USA.

Do F1 Visa Students Need Student Medical Insurance in the USA?

International student medical insurance plans are for students who travel outside their home county for higher education. These international student insurance plans provide essential coverage such as doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health benefits, and even pre-existing condition coverage like maternity after a waiting period. Most student health insurance in USA is designed to meet the insurance requirements of American universities.

To purchase F1 visa student insurance, you must be a full-time student or a full time student or a full time scholar performing research for a minimum of 30 hours every week in an educational institution. International student insurance plans usually require a valid educational visa as proof.

At American Visitor Insurance, we offer a comprehensive student insurance comparison tool that helps you view quotes from multiple companies and compare coverage benefits side by side. This allows you to choose the best student medical insurance plan that fits your specific needs. Along with premium costs, important factors to consider include eligibility rules, coverage limits, and the waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage.

Student medical insurance is also available for dependents such as the spouse or children of the student. Proof of relationship may be required for example, a marriage certificate for a spouse or documentation showing that dependent children are under 19 years old. Many universities require an insurance waiver form when using an outside plan. Your insurance provider can complete this waiver, and American Visitor Insurance can assist you in getting it processed smoothly.

Why Should I Buy F1 Student Insurance?

Buying F1 student insurance for international students is important for several reasons:

• Healthcare in the U.S. is expensive: Medical care in the US is very expensive. Even minor medical issues can lead to thoUSAnds of dollars in debt. Having international student medical insurance protects you from unexpected financial burdens.
• University requirement: Most colleges and universities in the USA require students with an F1 visa to have health insurance either through the university sponsored plan, or showing proof of equivalent coverage to qualify for an insurance waiver.
• Visa compliance and waiver requirements: Although the U.S. government doesn't mandate specific insurance for F1 visa students, maintaining appropriate F1 visa student insurance is necessary for enrollment and to retain requirements for the visa status from your school.
• Coverage for illness and injury: The best F1 visa student insurance plans covers hospitalization, doctor visits, emergency room visits, prescription drugs, and specialist visits for illness and injury ensuring timely medical care during your stay.
• Mental health and maternity benefits: Many F1 student health insurance plans include mental health support to help with stress, adjustment, and academic pressure. Some also offer maternity benefits after applicable waiting periods.
• PPO Networks: The best F1 student medical insurance in the USA provides access to large Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network throughout the U.S. This gives you an easy way to find in-network doctors, specialists and hospitals that have discounted medical providers across the country.
• Emergency medical evacuation & Repatriation of remains: This benefit covers the high cost of transporting you to an appropriate medical facility (or back to your home country) in the event of a serious illness or injury. And in case of an unfortunate death for travelers abroad, the cost of returning your home this is a critical benefit that universities and the U.S. Department of State require.
• Emergency assistance: Many plans include emergency hotlines with 24/7 service, to assist you with the U.S. healthcare system, locate providers, and manage medical emergencies, even if there's a language barrier.

Contact American Visitor Insurance with your university’s insurance requirements, and we can help you choose an alternative F1 visa insurance that meets university requirements and your budget. We will also help complete the university insurance waiver form.

What Are F1 Visa Insurance Requirements?

It is important that F1 visa holders must have health insurance to cover expensive healthcare costs in the United States. While the U.S. government does not mandate specific insurance requirements for F1 visa holders, most universities have their own mandatory health insurance policies. To make sure you meet both university and visa requirements, explore our comprehensive guide on best F1 visa health insurance requirements in USA.

• Many universities mandate enrollment in their own health insurance plans, which tend to be more expensive but provide comprehensive coverage.
• To qualify for a waiver, students must purchase an alternate insurance plan that meets university requirements.
• The international student insurance for F1 visa plan should include:
  • Comprehensive medical coverage
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Repatriation of remains
  • Mental health and maternity coverage (often required by universities)
  • A low deductible, generally under $500 per illness/injury

Do I Need Health Insurance for an F1 Visa?

Yes, F1 students can and should get good health insurance while studying in the United States. Many universities require F1 students to buy the school sponsored health insurance plans. These plans provide comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, routine healthcare, and other health related needs. It is important for F1 students to have health insurance to cover the high costs of healthcare in the U.S. and to meet university requirements.

Which Is the Cheapest Health Insurance for F1 Visa Students in USA?

Which Are the Best Health Insurance for International Students in USA?

Which Is the Popular Health Insurance for International Students in USA?

The following are some of the best international student health insurance plans in USA:

How Student Insurance Works?

Below is a sample scenario to help students understand how Patriot Exchange insurance works in practice while studying abroad.

In this example:

• Medical Bill: $25,100
• Deductible: $100
• Selected Policy Maximum: $50,000

Coverage Overview

How the Claim Is Settled

After the insured pays the $100 deductible, the Patriot Exchange plan applies its standard cost-sharing structure:

• The plan pays 80% of the first $5,000 of eligible medical expenses.
• Then it pays 100% thereafter up to the policy maximum.

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.

Final Calculation

Summary for Students

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.

Disclaimer

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.

What Does F1 Student Insurance Cover in the USA?

F1 student health insurance in the USA typically covers a range of health-related and travel-related services designed to protect international students during their studies.

• Emergency medical evacuation: Covers expenses incurred to transport the student's to their home country or to another facility that has the capability to provide appropriate care if needed.
• Repatriation of remains: The policy covers the expenses incurred to return the remains to the home country in case of death.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Some plans offer coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions but there might be exclusions or waiting periods.
• Dental Coverage: Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
• Maternity Coverage: Some plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.
• Medical coverage: It includes the cost related to doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency room visits, surgical procedures etc…
• Prescription medications: Coverage for medications prescribed by a doctor during the treatment.
• Mental health coverage: Some student medical insurance plans offer mental health coverage such as such as therapy or counseling.

Why Buy International Student Insurance at American Visitor Insurance?

With over 20 years of experience, American Visitor Insurance is a trusted marketplace helping international students find affordable, university-compliant student health insurance while navigating the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system.

Side-by-Side Plan Comparison

AmericanVisitorInsurance.com is one of the leading platforms for comparing international student health insurance in the USA. Students can easily review multiple plans, compare pricing, check coverage levels, and understand policy features.

We offer plans from top-rated U.S. insurers such as IMG, WorldTrips, and Global Underwriters all in one place.

Coverage Designed for International Students

Whether you are an F-1 student, J-1 exchange visitor, OPT participant, CPT intern, language school student, or attending a U.S. university or high school, you can choose from plans that offer:

• University-compliant coverage
• Coverage valid anywhere in the U.S.
• Plans for dependents and spouses
• Student medical insurance for OPT status even without current coursework
• Student insurance for pre-existing condition coverage
• Sports insurance coverage for students

Affordable & Transparent Pricing

Our student plans are often much cheaper than university insurance, offering strong coverage at lower rates. You can get instant quotes, compare policies, and enroll online with no hidden fees.

Flexible Policy Options

• Purchase coverage from anywhere in the world
• Start your insurance immediately or schedule a future date
• Renew, extend, or cancel your policy online
• Keep your coverage active during OPT, STEM OPT, or while waiting for employment

Access to U.S.-Based PPO Networks

Many plans give access to large U.S. PPO networks like UnitedHealthcare, helping students:

• Reduce out-of-pocket costs
• Avoid upfront payments at many hospitals
• Enjoy smoother, faster claims processing

Expert Customer Support & Guidance

Our licensed and highly experienced support team is here to help you at every step:

• Answering plan and university requirement questions
• Guiding you through choosing the right student plan
• Helping extend or update your policy
• Available across time zones to assist students and parents abroad
• Instant support via phone, email, and chat so you always get quick, clear answers
• Guidance through purchase and documentation, ensuring you are never left navigating the process alone
• Personalized recommendations tailored for international students, OPT participants, and exchange visitors
• Support across time zones, ensuring students and parents abroad can reach us easily

Health Insurance for F1 Students in USA - FAQs

Which Is the Best Health Insurance for F1 Students in USA on OPT Status?

International students on the F1 visa are allowed to enroll for optional practical training(OPT). This allows students to work off campus, or work without being enrolled for coursework in the university. Since students in this OPT visa status are not enrolled in coursework, they will be ineligible for some student insurance plans.

The best student health insurance plan for someone on OPT status is generally the Atlas America insurance. If you are not concerned about COVID-19 as an illness, you can choose Atlas Essential insurance which is cheaper than the Atlas America plan because it excludes COVID coverage. The plan is a good comprehensive plan from a major visitor insurance company and has excellent ratings. Compare medical insurance for OPT students in USA and buy a plan that satisfies your needs.

What Factors Determine International Student Health Insurance Cost?

When choosing the best travel insurance for students studying abroad, understanding the factors that drive the cost is important.

1. 1

   Student’s Age

   • Younger students usually pay lower premiums.
   • The prices for best health insurance for f1 students in USA increase with age due to higher medical risk.
2. 2

   Duration of Coverage

   • Whether it's a short summer program or a full multi-year degree, longer coverage = higher cost.
   • Most student plans are priced monthly or daily, so your total cost scales with time.
3. 3

   Maximum F1 Student Insurance Coverage

   • Plans typically range from $50,000 to $500,000+.
   • Higher coverage = more protection, but also higher premiums.
   • The cost of F1 student health insurance is less for lower medical maximum and increases with higher medical maximum coverage.
   • Important to meet visa or university requirements.
4. 4

   Deductible Amount

   • A higher deductible reduces your monthly premium.
   • Lower deductible = better emergency coverage, but increased plan cost.
5. 5

   Type of Insurance Plan

   • Budget plans cover essentials only (emergency care, accidents).
   • Comprehensive plans include broader protection (checkups, mental health, maternity) — priced higher.
6. 6

   Visa or University Requirements

   • Some visas (like F-1 or J-1) or universities require a minimum coverage standard.
   • This can increase cost if your plan needs an upgrade to meet the requirements.
7. 7

   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 Students in USA

Not on an F1 Visa? Please Review These Other Visa Categories