Millions of international students come to the USA each year. However, most American universities make it necessary for F-1 students to have health insurance.
Unlike many other countries, the USA does not have a national healthcare system and people are responsible for their own medical expenses. International students in the States have two main choices when it comes to health insurance: they can opt for their university’s health insurance plan or choose a private one that meets the university/student visa requirements.
The right medical insurance plan protects you from high medical costs while studying and also guarantees peace of mind. Other benefits of international insurance include coverage of pre-existing conditions, mental health support, and emergency medical care.
This guide will focus on insurance plans offered by some of the top private providers for international students in the USA.
Why health insurance is crucial for international students in the USA
Before jumping into the best health insurance options, it’s important to know why having coverage is essential. Health insurance is a must for international students in the USA for two main reasons.
First, healthcare in the USA is extremely expensive.
Second, most universities require international students to have health insurance.
Let’s take a deeper look into the two reasons.
- There is no universal healthcare in the USA and getting necessary medical care can be difficult for international students without insurance. Many healthcare providers assume patients have insurance and those without it often end up paying much higher prices. For example, a hospital might charge $900 for a treatment, but an insurance company negotiates a lower price, so its policyholders pay only $250.
- Most universities also require health insurance as a prerequisite for enrollment to ensure students have access to necessary medical care. Many institutions offer their own health insurance plans, typically billed along with tuition fees. However, you might be able to choose a private insurance plan instead—if it meets your university’s requirements. In this case, you will have more flexibility to carefully research and choose a policy that provides complete coverage for their medical needs. You will have to submit proof of your private plan and complete a waiver form. This waiver process varies by institution and often includes strict deadlines, so make sure to check your school’s policy before purchasing an external plan.
Overall, international students in the USA need health insurance to visit clinics, urgent care centers, private doctors, hospitals, or university health centers. However, even with insurance, you will normally need to pay a fixed fee for each medical visit, called a co-pay.
For example, a visit to a primary care doctor might have a $25 co-pay, while an emergency room visit could cost $150 or more. The co-pay amount depends on your plan, so be sure to check your policy details. Moreover, some insurance plans only cover specific hospitals or clinics, meaning visits to out-of-network facilities could cost more. Also, some plans may not cover routine check-ups or specialist visits without prior approval.
Health insurance in the USA costs a lot but plans for international students are cheaper, usually between $30 and $140 per month for those below 25 years. However, there are several criteria other than the monthly premium to picking the best international student health insurance policy.
Also Read: International Student Health Insurance USA 2024: Complete Guide
How to choose the best international student health insurance plan?
First, check if your university allows you to choose a different health insurance plan instead of the school-sponsored group insurance plan. If you can, compare private insurance options that cover doctor visits, hospital stays, and medicines.
A good insurance plan in the USA should cover your medical needs without being too expensive. In general, choose a plan with a low deductible to avoid paying too much from your pocket later. Deductible is the fixed amount you have to pay before your insurance starts covering most or all of your medical costs. Plans with higher deductibles may look cheaper as they offer lower premiums but can cost more in the long run.
It’s best to pick a plan that also includes mental health care, maternity care, and emergency travel coverage for extra protection.
Below are some more points to remember when picking the best international student insurance plan for yourself:
- Most student health plans don’t cover eye or dental care. If you wear glasses or often need dental checkups, think about adding extra coverage.
- If you have a health condition like diabetes, pick a plan that covers it right away so you don’t have to wait.
- Mental health coverage is useful. Even if your university offers basic services, extra coverage can help with more support.
- You can also opt for add-ons like dental treatments, physiotherapy and health screening. Some plans can even offer Emergency Reunion Coverage, which pays for a family member to come and stay with you if you’re in the hospital.
Here is a quick comparison of health insurance options for international students in the USA.
| Type of Insurance | Merits | Cons |
| University-Sponsored Plan |
– Easy to use with campus health centers and partner hospitals.-Meets university requirements. |
– Limited flexibility in choosing hospitals and doctors outside the university network.- Some plans may not cover dependents. |
| Private Insurance from Other Companies |
– Often more affordable than university plans.- Wide range of options with different levels of coverage.- Can be tailored to include specific needs like travel insurance or extended coverage after graduation. | – Less convenient as it requires managing claims and provider networks independently.-Has to comply with the minimum coverage conditions set by the university |
| University Plan + Private Insurance |
– Combines the benefits of both plans for broader coverage.- Can reduce overall medical expenses by covering gaps in the university plan. | – Requires managing two insurance policies, which can be complex.- Additional cost if coverage overlaps. |
J-1 visa holders and their dependents must have medical insurance for their entire study-abroad program. However, F-1 visa students and their dependents are not mandated to have health insurance by the US government.
Therefore, the best time to buy insurance is before applying for your visa (for exchange visitors on a J-1 visa) or before your semester starts for (F-1 visa students), either from home or after arriving in the USA. If your school has a mandatory plan, it starts once you pay tuition.
However, you must start looking for a good policy early and select the best international student insurance cover for your time in the United States.
Top 5 health insurance options for international students in the USA
Some top insurance providers for international students in the USA are:
- GlobalHealth by Foyer Group
- Cigna
- Aetna
- International Student Insurance (ISI)
- International Medical Group (IMG)
- Visitors Coverage
- ISO
- Compass Student Insurance
We have picked some of the best international student insurance policies to simplify your effort.
Plan 1: Affordable USA Health Insurance with Comprehensive Coverage
Student Secure (Budget) by ISI is one of the most affordable study health plans for international students in the USA The plan covers medical costs, mental health care, and pre-existing conditions after 12 months. It also includes coverage for sports injuries.
Students can pay daily or monthly and it meets school and visa rules for J-1 and F-1 students. The plan costs $52 per month for those below 24 years. Read the below table for more information.
| Benefit | Budget Plan Coverage |
| Maximum Coverage | $500,000 total, $250,000 per illness/injury |
| Deductible | $0 |
| Co-Pays | $25 (Student Health Center), $50 (Physician – in-network), $75 (Urgent Care – in-network), $150 (Hospital – in-network), $350 (Emergency Room) |
| Coinsurance | 80% of next $45,000, then 100% (In-Network USA); URC (Out-Network USA); 100% (Outside USA) |
| Hospital & Treatment | Semi-private room, outpatient care, and prescribed medications covered (50%) |
| Mental Health | 30 outpatient visits, 30 inpatient days |
| Maternity Coverage | Up to $5,000 |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Covered after 12 months |
| Medical Evacuation & Repatriation | $250,000 (evacuation), $25,000 (remains) |
| Sports Coverage | Covers leisure and fitness sports (school sports not covered) |
Plan 2: Coverage for International Students with Additional Benefits
The StudentSecure Budget Plan is one of the best international student insurance policies with a balance of affordability and comprehensive coverage. It includes medical care, mental health services and leisure sports coverage. The plan meets J-1 visa requirements and offers cost savings for students who pay in full.
Additional benefits include access to Air Doctor, telehealth and in-clinic visits. The plan is offered by WorldTrips, which was rated one of the best travel insurance providers by USA Today in 2024.
The below table summarizes the main inclusions of the plan.
| Benefit | Budget Plan Coverage |
| Maximum Coverage | $500,000 total, $250,000 per illness/injury |
| Deductible | $0 |
| Co-Pays | $25 (Student Health Center), $50 (Physician – in-network), $75 (Urgent Care – in-network), $150 (Hospital – in-network), $350 (Emergency Room) |
| Coinsurance | 80% of next $45,000, then 100% (In-Network USA); URC (Out-Network USA); 100% (Outside USA) |
| Hospital & Treatment | Semi-private room, intensive care, outpatient treatment, and ambulance up to $500 |
| Mental Health | 30 outpatient visits, 30 inpatient days |
| Maternity Coverage | Up to $5,000 |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Covered after 12 months ($25,000 for acute onset) |
| Medical Evacuation & Repatriation | $250,000 (evacuation), $25,000 (remains) |
| Sports Coverage | Covers leisure and fitness sports (no coverage for intercollegiate sports) |
| Prescription Drugs | 50% of actual charges |
| Emergency Dental | Up to $500 |
| Telehealth (Air Doctor) | 2-3 free visits for policies over 6 months |
Plan 3: Student Health Policy with High Ratings
Student Journey (Plus) Medical Insurance by IMG is one of the most popular student health policies for J-1, F-1, and M-1 visas. It covers unlimited medical costs, with up to $300,000 for each illness or injury. You pay $500 in-network or $750 out-of-network before coverage starts. Student health center visits cost $25.
IMG plans are rated 4.6/5 by over 14 thousand reviewers. You can also customize the health coverage options for foreign students and purchase add-ons for high school sports, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports, personal liability or legal assistance.
| Benefit | Student Journey Plus Coverage |
| Maximum Coverage | Unlimited |
| Per Illness/Injury Limit | $300,000 |
| Deductible | $500 (In-Network), $750 (Out-Network) |
| Co-Pays | $25 (Student Health Center) |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Covered after 6 months |
| Hospital & Treatment | Covers emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and tests |
| Telehealth Services | Included |
| Medical Evacuation | $120,000 |
| Maternity & Dental Care | Included with limits |
| Accidental Injuries & Death | Included |
| Customization Options | Available, including sports coverage |
Plan 4: Health Insurance With Lifetime Coverage
The GeoBlue Navigator Health plan covers 80% of costs within a network doctor and 60% if you go to a doctor outside the network. It has 100% of medical costs outside the USA and includes check-ups, maternity care, and COVID-19 treatment.
The plan also covers injuries from sports and alcohol-related incidents.
| Benefit | Navigator for Student Coverage |
| Maximum Coverage | Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum |
| Deductible Options | $0, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 |
| Preventive Care | No waiting period or sublimits |
| Doctor Visits & Coinsurance | Deductible waived for office visits; Coinsurance waived outside the USA |
| Hospital & Treatment | No precertification penalty for inpatient/outpatient care |
| Maternity & Contraceptive Care | Covered (services, surgeries, and supplies) |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Covered with proof of prior creditable coverage |
| Mental Health Services | Comprehensive coverage included |
| Medical Evacuation & Repatriation | Included |
| Sports & Injury Coverage | Covers sports, terrorist, and alcohol-related injuries |
| Telemedicine | Unlimited virtual healthcare services |
| Additional Benefits | Optional dental and vision coverage, mobile tools for easy access to healthcare |
Plan 5: Affordable Study Health Plan With Extensive Network Coverage
Student Health Advantage by IMG is a great option for international students. It offers low deductibles and covers up to 90% of in-network medical expenses. It also meets visa rules and covers maternity, mental health, sports injuries, and emergency medical care worldwide.
The plan can be renewed for up to five years and offers high coverage limits. Pre-existing conditions are covered after six months.
| Benefit | Platinum Plan Coverage |
| Maximum Coverage | $1,000,000 (Student), $100,000 (Dependent) |
| Deductible | $100 (In-Network), $150 (Out-of-Network), $25 (International) per illness/injury |
| Coinsurance | 90% (In-Network), 80% (Out-of-Network), 100% (International) |
| Student Health Center | $5 copay per visit, 100% covered after copay |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Covered after six months |
| Sports Coverage | Covers organized sports and fitness activities |
| Mental Health & Maternity | Included |
| Medical Evacuation & Repatriation | International emergency care included |
| Coverage Period | 1 to 12 months, renewable up to 60 months |
Apart from the above policies, there are several other options available from different insurance providers. You can compare the plans on online tools and choose the best international student insurance coverage for your needs.
Other popular USA health insurance plans compared
The Patriot Exchange by IMG and the Navigator Student by GeoBlue are some of the most popular health insurance plans among international students in the USA. Insubuy’s Exchange Guard Essential is another trusted policy that meets the requirements of many universities and the J-1 visa.
The three plans are compared below with their costs and benefits.
| Plan Name | Cost Per Year | Pre-Existing Conditions | Mental Health Coverage | Sports Coverage | Emergency Evacuation | COVID-19Coverage |
| Patriot Exchange | $936 | No coverage initially | Yes | Optional add-on | Yes | Yes |
| Exchange Guard Essential | $843 | Not covered | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Navigator Student | $5,100 | Immediate coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
International student insurance plans in the USA vary in coverage, benefits, and flexibility. Plans also differ in renewal periods, coverage, cost, and flexibility. You can compare different plans online and find one that fits your needs and budget.
InsureRight (by GradRight)lets you compare top student health plans that match your university’s requirements and save thousands of dollars.
You can also speak with an expert or chat online for personalized advice. Our team helps you find the best plan with a $0 deductible and unlimited coverage, so you stay protected while studying in the USA.
FAQs
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When should I get health insurance for my F1 visa?
You must have health insurance before your semester starts or when you arrive in the USA You can buy it after enrolling and accepting an offer from your university.
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What happens to my insurance after I graduate?
Student insurance will end based on the duration of your plan. However, university insurance plans end after graduation. You will need a new health plan if you switch to an H-1B visa for work or another status.
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What benefits should international students look for in health insurance plans?
International students should choose a health plan that covers hospital care, prescriptions, emergencies, mental health, and sports. Look for plans with cancer coverage, private rooms, evacuation benefits, and visa-compliant, flexible options.
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How can students compare USA insurance plans effectively?
Websites like Insubuy and American Vistor Insurance compare USA insurance options for students effectively. Otherwise, you can get the help of expert tools at GradRight and save thousands of dollars by comparing and purchasing your international insurance from pre-approved plans.
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Which providers offer the best international student insurance plans?
Top student health plan providers for international students in the USA include ISO, IMG, Cigna Global, and Zolve. Others like Seven Corners and Student Secure also offer some of the best international student insurance plans with dental and vision coverage.
