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Student F1 visa health insurance

International Student Medical Insurance (USA F1 insurance holders)

International student medical insurance plans are for students who travel outside their home county for higher education. These student health insurance plans provide coverage for health expenses, prescription drugs, mental health coverage, and even pre existing conditions such as maternity expenses after a waiting period. International student insurance plans are designed to satisfy the requirements of American universities. To purchase student insurance, you should be either 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 America visitor Insurance we have developed a student insurance comparison facility where you can get quotes of plans offered by different companies, as well as compare them based on different coverage details. You can select the plan that suits your specific needs best. Some of the factors that you should consider other than the premium rates are the eligibility requirements and the waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage. Student insurance is also available for dependants of the actual students such as the spouse and child/children of the student.

However you should have documentation to prove dependence. In the case of spouse a proof of marriage might be requested, and the dependant children should be less than 19 years old. Quite often your university will ask for an insurance waiver form to be completed. This can be provided by the insurance provider from whom you purchase the insurance plan. At American visitor Insurance, we can facilitate getting the insurance waiver form completed.

Why should I buy F1 student insurance?

What are F1 Visa Insurance Requirements?

F1 Visa holders must have health insurance to cover expensive healthcare costs in the United States. While there are no specific government related insurance requirements, almost all U.S. universities have their own health insurance requirements. Many universities mandate enrollment in their own health insurance plans, which tend to be more expensive but provide comprehensive coverage. The insurance should cover medical benefits, repatriation of remains, and medical evacuation to meet university requirements. Ensuring you have suitable health insurance for your well-being and to protect against unforeseen medical bills.

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 international students in USA?

The cheapest f1 student health insurance is offered by WorldTrips in the StudentSecure Smart plan starting at just $32 per month. This student plan provides comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and accidental death and dismemberment.

What does international student insurance cover?

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

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 $30 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.

Insurance Plans Policy maximum Deductible Cost *
StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips $100,000 $0 $32
StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips $250,000 $0 $53
Patriot Exchange IMG $50,000 to $500,000 $0 to $500 $53 - $70
Diplomat America Global Underwriters $50,000 $250 $63
Student Health Advantage IMG $500,000 $250 $115
Navigator Student GeoBlue Unlimited Coverage $0 $463

* 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about F1 Student Insurance

1. Do students qualify for medicaid?

Medicaid is a US government program available to US citizens in some sort of financial need. Check with your state's guidelines for eligibility. Medicaid is however not available for international students who are not US citizens.

2. Is healthcare free for international students in the USA?

US college students can be covered by their parent's health insurance up to the age of 26 years. It is technically not "free" as their parents are paying for it, but it may be subsidized by the parent's employer.

3. Are F1 Visa students required to have health insurance?

International students on the F1 Visa are not required by any government agency to have international student insurance when studying in the USA. However, given the very high cost of healthcare in the United States, most schools have their own requirements and often require international students to buy health insurance.

4. What is the best F1 student health insurance? What is the best health insurance for international students in usa?

There is no single best health insurance for f1 students in USA. The f1 student health insurance differs depending on the needs and budget of the students. Each f1 student insurance usa plan has some advantage such as being cheap and affordable or being more expensive but providing better coverage. Some of the best health insurance for international students in USA offer unique advantages such as coverage for hazardous sports, coverage for pregnancy, coverage for pre-existing ailments etc… The Student Secure budget plan by WorldTrips is a cheap and popular plan. The Patriot Exchange plan by IMG is also very popular as a F1 visa insurance plan.

5. Do any f1 student insurance usa plans cover pregnancy?

Yes, some of our international student insurance cover pregnancy of an insured student or enrolled spouse if the pregnancy begins after the waiting period in the policy. They usually do not cover the pregnancy of a dependent child.

6. What are the benefits of health insurance for F1 Visa?

Health insurance F1 Visa is most important given the high US healthcare costs and provides the following coverage:

  • Medical expenses related to diagnosis, testing, treatment, and hospitalization for accidents and illnesses.
  • Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation in case of complications or emergencies

7. Can I use my Indian health insurance in the USA?

While you can use your Indian health insurance in the USA, it is important to check if your policy provides coverage for medical expenses. Many Indian health insurance plans do not cover international medical expenses, so you may need to buy additional student insurance plan to make sure you have the proper coverage during your study in the USA.

8. Can F1 students get health insurance?

Yes, an international student on a student Visa (F1 of J1) can get health insurance in the USA. However, not all health insurance plans are the same and some may not cover pre-existing conditions, or other specific benefits. Therefore, it is important to compare different F1 Visa student insurance plans and read the policy before buying one. You can compare different types of US Visa insurance plans on American Visitor Insurance online.

There are different types of Visas for international students who want to study in the US, such as F-1, J-1, M-1, and Q-1. Each visa has different requirements and regulations regarding health insurance. For example, students on a J-1 visa are required by the U.S. government to obtain health insurance that meets the following criteria:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains coverage amounting to $25,000
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
  • A deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness

Students on an F-1 visa do not have a set of government mandated requirements and instead must purchase insurance that meets their school requirements. Depending on the college or university, they may be required to purchase their group insurance plan or have the option of choosing their own.

Best health insurance for F1 students FAQs

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. Compare medical insurance for OPT students in USA and buy a plan that satisfies your needs.

How can I reduce my F1 visa 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 $450 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: The cost of health insurance for international students in the US 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.
    Click here to read more »

How can I buy medical insurance for F1 students?

1: Finding the available best health insurance for international plans

Complete the student insurance quotes request form by providing details of the student and insurance requirements.

2: Compare the different medical insurance options

Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.

3: Buy the student health insurance that you like best

Purchase the plan that fits your requirements and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.

4: Review the students medical insurance plan documents received by email

Review the travel insurance policy documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers.

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Health Insurance for International Students resources

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How can I find the cheapest F1 student health insurance?

Cheapest medical insurance for F1 students

International students studying abroad, along with their education get an opportunity to experience a new culture, see different parts of the world and meet new people with varied backgrounds. We work with all reputed US insurance providers to offer excellent F1 student health insurance.

American Visitor Insurance has a compare F1 visa student travel insurance tool along with article's and FAQ's with to help students fine the best health insurance for F1 students. The compare foreign student insurance tool displays the cost and coverage details of students medical insurance that satisfy f1 visa health insurance requirements. Students can easily find cheap health insurance for international students by comparing both cost and other F1 visa student insurance coverage benefits.

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Which are the best insurance companies for international students in USA?

You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), WorldTrips, GeoBlue insurance.

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