The best international student health insurance is the policy that suits your individual needs, aligns with your budget, and meets or exceeds any requirements of your school, visa, and/or program. Even if you aren't required to carry medical insurance as part of your visa or program arrangements, having a basic international student health insurancepolicy at a minimum may be a good idea.
Depending on the plan you choose, international student health insurancemay cover expenses related to:
- Transportation to a hospital via ambulance
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- ICU care
- Outpatient prescription drugs
- Mental health care
- Other health care services related to a covered event
Many international student insurancepolicies do NOTcover expenses such as:
- Pre-existing conditions (though some plans provide coverage after the policy has been in effect for a certain amount of time)
- Routine medical care like annual physicals
- Injuries that occur while participating in excluded activities such as extreme sports
- Routine prenatal care, pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care, unless directly related to a covered pregnancy
These are just some examples to help illustrate the potential benefits and limitations of international student insurance. These lists are in no way comprehensive and coverages vary by plan. All policy information should be carefully reviewed prior to enrollment.
Having insurance may not take care of every expense that you could incur while studying abroad, but it can provide financial coverage and travel assistance to help you navigate stressful experiences such as illnesses or injuries while studying abroad.
StudentSecure® International Student Insurance from WorldTrips
StudentSecureis international student health insurance for full-time students and scholars studying outside of their home country. There are four different plans in the StudentSecure Series so you can choose the level of coverage that best fits your needs and budget: Elite,Select,Budget, andSmart.
Here is a quick overview of each plan:
- StudentSecure Elite – There is a maximum benefit of $5M with $500,000 of maximum coverage per injury or illness. There is a deductible of $25 per injury or illness within the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or at a student health center; otherwise the deductible is $50 per injury or illness. (Note that emergency room visits have a $100 deductible for claims incurred within the U.S.)
For claims incurred inside the U.S., the plan will pay 100% of eligible expenses, after the deductible and up to the overall maximum limit, within the PPO. Outside the PPO, the plan covers usual, reasonable, and customary charges. For claims incurred outside the U.S., after the deductible is met, the plan will pay 100% of eligible expenses up to the certificate period maximum.
- StudentSecure Select – There is a maximum benefit of $600,000 with $300,000 of maximum coverage per injury or illness. There is a deductible of $35 per injury or illness within the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or at a student health center; otherwise the deductible is $70 per injury or illness. (Note that emergency room visits have a $200 deductible for claims incurred within the U.S.)
For claims incurred inside the U.S. and within the PPO, the plan will pay 80% of the next $5,000 of eligible expenses after the deductible is met, and then 100% to the overall maximum limit. Outside the PPO, the plan covers usual, reasonable, and customary charges. For claims incurred outside the U.S., after the deductible is met, the plan will pay 100% of eligible expenses up to the certificate period maximum.
- StudentSecure Budget – There is a maximum benefit of $500,000 with $250,000 of maximum coverage per injury or illness. The deductible is $45 per injury or illness within the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or at a student health center; otherwise the deductible is $90 per injury or illness. (Keep in mind, emergency room visits have a $350 deductible for claims incurred within the U.S.)
For claims incurred inside the U.S. and within the PPO, the plan will pay 80% of the next $25,000 of eligible expenses after the deductible is met, and then 100% to the overall maximum limit. Outside the PPO, the plan covers usual, reasonable, and customary charges. For claims incurred outside the U.S., after the deductible is met, the plan will pay 100% of eligible expenses up to the certificate period maximum.
- StudentSecure Smart – There is a maximum benefit of $200,000 with $100,000 of maximum coverage per injury or illness. The deductible is $50 per injury or illness within the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or at a student health center; otherwise the deductible is $100 per injury or illness. (Keep in mind, emergency room visits have a $350 deductible for claims incurred within the U.S.)
For claims incurred inside the U.S. and within the PPO, the plan will pay 80% of eligible expenses after the deductible is met and up to the overall maximum limit. Outside the PPO, the plan covers usual, reasonable, and customary charges. For claims incurred outside the U.S., after the deductible is met, the plan will pay 100% of eligible expenses up to the certificate period maximum.
IMPORTANT! StudentSecure plans do NOT provide coverage for medical expenses related to *pre-existing conditions. However, after your policy has been in effect for 6 months, this exclusion is waived for StudentSecure Elite and StudentSecure Select policy holders. After 12 months, the exclusion is waived for StudentSecure Budget policy holders. Make sure to review your plan’s policy documents for details regarding pre-existing conditions.
StudentSecure plans meet or exceed most government and visa requirements, including J-1 visa requirements (learn more below). They also meet the requirements of many programs and schools at a budget-friendly rate.
Here are a few of the plans’ highlights:
- Medical benefits such as Hospital Room and Board, Intensive Care Unit, and Local Ambulance
- Coverage for injuries resulting from leisure sports and activities
- Some outpatient prescription drug coverage
- Some mental health coverage
A StudentSecure plan can reduce your personal expenses if you face an unexpected injury or illness throughout the course of your international studies. You can choose a monthly payment option or pay a reduced cost for paying your premium in full.
All four plans include multilingual travel assistance services and access to our Student Zone, where you can download your visa letter, renew your coverage as needed, and manage your policy online.
*A pre-existing condition is any condition:
- for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within 12 months prior to your effective date of coverage
- which would cause a reasonably prudent person to seek medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment within 12 months prior to your effective date of coverage
- that existed (with reasonable medical certainty) 12 months prior to your effective date of coverage, whether or not it was known to you
Health Insurance for International Students in USA
Many foreign visitors to the United States are surprised to find that healthcare costs are oftenmuch more expensivethan those in their home countries. Because of this reality, it makes sense for visiting students to carry international travel health insurance, even when it is not required.
Whether you are in the U.S. on an F-1 or a J-1 visa, it makes sense to review your insurance coverage options. While there is no medical insurance requirement for obtaining an F-1 visa, your program may require that you have a policy.
What Is an F-1 Visa?
An F-1 visais issued to students who will be in the country strictly for educational purposes and who do not have any intention of immigrating into the U.S.
You may need an F-1 visa if your intended type of study falls under one of the following categories:
- University or college
- High school
- Private elementary school
- Seminary
- Conservatory
- Another academic institution (including a language training program)
F-1 Visa Insurance
Under such circ*mstances, there is no official requirement for F-1 student insurance. However, certain schools and educational programs have a requirement in place. Therefore, when looking for health insurance for F-1 students in the USA, look for a plan that meets any requirements while also fitting your study abroad budget and providing any specific coverage you need for your time abroad.
Regardless of any requirements or lack thereof, you may want to consider holding a basic policy to cover unexpected medical situations. Travel medical insurance could also help prove your ability to pay for medical expenses incurred during your stay in the U.S., which could be beneficial when obtaining your visa.
What Is a J-1 Visa?
The U.S. Department of State classifies international visitors based on the purpose and length of their visit. For example, if you are coming to the States to be anau pair, you will need to apply for a J-1 visa.
Here are the types of exchange programs that may require a J-1 visa:
- Au pair
- Camp counselor
- College or university student
- Government visitor
- Intern
- International visitor
- Physician
- Professor and research scholar
- Secondary school student
- Short-term scholar
- Specialist
- Summer work travel
- Teacher
- Trainee
J-1 Visa Insurance
In addition to the typical requirements such as a copy of your birth certificate and a valid passport, the U.S. Department of State requires proof of health insurance for students studying in the USAunder a J-1 visa. This insurance must meet specific J-1 visa insurance requirements.
WorldTrips offers two different plans that meet J-1 student insurance requirements:
- Atlas Travel® – This is a travel medical insurance plan designed for international travelers taking a single trip abroad. Though it is not designed specifically for students, it does meet J-1 visa requirements.
- StudentSecure® – This is a series of international student health insurance plans designed for full-time students and scholars studying outside of their home country. It offers four plan levels–Elite,Select,Budget, andSmart–so you can choose the international student insurance plan that best fits your needs and budget.
Both policy offerings meet J-1 visa insurance requirements, include multilingual travel assistance services, and provide coverage for unexpected medical expenses.
Explore J-1 visa insurance requirements and learnhow the two plans compare below:
J-1 Visa Insurance Requirements | Atlas Travel | StudentSecure |
| Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness | Up to $2,000,000 in maximum coverage for those under the age of 65 | Coverage options begin at $100,000 per accident/illness and go up to $500,000 |
| Repatriation of remains in the amount of at least $25,000 | Coverage is included in the overall maximum limit and begins at $50,000 | Plans cover repatriation of remains from $25,000 to $50,000 |
| Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of at least $50,000 | $1,000,000 lifetime maximum for emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility. Costs of air or ground transportation ticket home are also provided for eligible injuries/illnesses. | Plans offer coverage from $50,000 up to $500,000 for emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility. Costs for air or ground transportation ticket home are also provided for eligible injuries/illnesses. |
| A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness | Deductible options start at $0 | Deductibles range from $25 to $50 |
If you are looking for international student insurance for the USA,be sure to take the time to fully understand the coverage that each policy provides. Carefully review the policy documents for any plan you’re considering to see the benefits provided and their conditions as well as any exclusions.
Remember, thebest health insurance for international students in the USA is the plan that meets your school, program, and/or visa requirements while providing the coverage you’re seeking at a price that aligns with your budget.
International Student Health Insurance Cost
The international student health insurance costis an important consideration when selecting a policy, though cost alone should not determine which policy you choose.
Factors that can affect the cost of your policy include the location of your studies (outside the U.S. or within the U.S.), the amount of coverage you choose, your deductible selection, and your age. There are some options, such as the StudentSecure plans provided by WorldTrips, that allow students to pay their premium in monthly installments or you can pay your premium in full.
To give you an idea how much you might pay for an international student health plan, here are some *cost examples for StudentSecure plans when you are studying abroadoutside the U.S., and you choose a monthly payment option:
- StudentSecure Elite: Plans range from $135 - $914 per month depending on age
- StudentSecure Select: Plans range from $74 - $547 per month depending on age
- StudentSecure Budget: Plans range from $43 - $424 per month depending on age
- StudentSecure Smart: Plans range from $25 - $214 per month depending on age
There are also additional coverage options available as policy add-ons. These include coverage for accidental death or dismemberment, crisis response coverage, and coverage of injuries that occur during organized sports participation. There are additional fees and limitations for these clauses.
*These cost examples are valid as of the publish date on 7/15/2022. Prices are subject to change without notice, so be sure to take a close look at your policy application.
Cost of Health Insurance for International Students in USA
To get any idea of the health cost in the USA for international students, here are some *cost examples for StudentSecure plans when you are studying abroadinside the U.S., and you choose a monthly payment option:
- StudentSecure Elite: Plans range from $193 - $2,028 per month depending on age
- StudentSecure Select: Plans range from $99 - $1,206 per month depending on age
- StudentSecure Budget: Plans range from $48 - $604 per month depending on age
- StudentSecure Smart: Plans range from $30 - $389 per month depending on age
There are also additional coverage options available as policy add-ons. These include coverage for accidental death or dismemberment, crisis response coverage, and coverage of injuries that occur during organized sports participation. There are additional fees and limitations for these clauses.
*These cost examples are valid as of the publish date on 07/15/2022. Prices are subject to change without notice, so be sure to take a close look at your policy application.
The student health insurance for USA cost should be factored into your overall budget as you plan your expenses for your educational adventure abroad. Traveling to a foreign country to further your study or work opportunities, or both, is an exciting undertaking. When you take the time to properly research available student health insurance policies, you take an important step in preparing for your time abroad.
