Are you visiting the United States for your studies? If so, you are far from alone. Each year, the U.S. welcomes more than 1 million international students from around the world.
As you may already know, many universities in the U.S. require health insurance for their international students (F-1 visa holders), and the U.S. Department of Health has set health insurance requirements for J-1 visa holders.
While this may seem like a hassle, protecting your health in the U.S. is vital. According to IMG's international student claims data, 1 in 10 students will need to file a claim. Healthcare costs can quickly add up, and, without the right coverage, you could be liable to pay the bills on your own.
Many universities have their own coverage options for students; however, it's important to know that you don’t always have to buy the university's insurance plan. Most often, you are allowed to buy a policy of your own from another provider to make sure the insurance you buy gives you the coverage you need at the price you want.
There are several options for health insurance for international students. By shopping around, you can potentially save money and get better benefits. Here are IMG's international student health insurance plans that meet student visa requirements:
International Student Insurance Option 1: Student Journey Medical Insurance
Medical insurance for international students and scholars studying in the U.S.
Student Journey Medical Insurance has three plan options, each designed to suit the medical and budgetary needs of international students on a J-1, F-1, or M-1 visa. Student Journey Medical Insurance plan highlights:
- Three plan levels with varying maximum limits, deductibles, and coinsurance options: Student Journey Lite, Student Journey Plus, and Student Journey Platinum
- Medical benefits for illnesses, injuries, emergency care, and mental health
- Includes telehealth for 24/7 access to medical professionals via phone or video consultations
- Priced competitively for healthier students seeking lower up-front premiums and some higher out-of-pocket costs when seeking treatment
- Can be purchased for up to 12 months and coverage can be purchased for partners and children
International Student Insurance Option 2: Patriot Exchange Program
Coverage for individuals, families, and groups involved in an educational or cultural exchange program
This program is designed for individuals and groups of five or more students who are participating in an educational or cultural exchange program. Most of the Patriot Exchange Program plan options available are compliant with U.S. J-1 and J-2 visa requirements. Highlights for international students seeking health coverage include:
- Plans can be renewed for up to 48 months after a minimum of one month of coverage is purchased
- Coverage for students, groups, their spouses, and unmarried dependent children who are traveling with you
- Optional add-on coverage for legal assistance; personal liability; high school, intramural, interscholastic, or club sports
- A higher benefit plan compared to Student Journey Medical that includes higher up-front premiums but lower out-of-pocket expenses when seeking treatment
- Plan maximums up to $500,000 per incident and a lifetime maximum of $5 million
International Student Insurance Option 3: Student Health Advantage
Health Coverage for Long-term International Students and Scholars
The Student Health Advantage program is designed for individuals or groups of five students or more who are participating in a sponsored educational exchanges. Some of the highlights of this plan include:
- Our most benefit-rich student offering to provide maximum coverage for students and the option to add dependents
- Mental health coverage, organized sports coverage, maternity benefits, and international emergency care
- The freedom to choose your own doctor and seek medical treatment at the hospital of your choice
- Standard and Platinum options to let you choose how much you wish to pay and how much coverage you need
Even if you do ultimately choose a non-IMG plan, it's important to remember that most of these insurance plans are not effective until the first day of class. Make sure that you are covered for the entire time you are in the country and purchase a plan that will provide health insurance for those first days or weeks that you spend stateside before your classes begin.
Check out our International Student Insurance Infographic for more information!