How does international student health insurance work?

International student health insurance covers medical expenses while studying outside your home country. These plans typically include coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, mental health services, and prescription medications.

Is international student medical insurance required?

Yes, many universities and student visa programs require proof of student health insurance. For example, F-1 and J-1 visa holders in the U.S. are often required to have health insurance that meets specific minimum coverage requirements. Similarly, U.S. students studying abroad may need insurance that complies with the visa regulations of their host country.

Do I need to provide proof of my educational institution?

Yes, most student health insurance providers require proof of enrollment at an accredited educational institution. Accepted proof may include: A copy of your student visa (F-1, J-1, or equivalent) A letter of acceptance or enrollment verification from your school Your school’s insurance waiver form, if applicable Some schools may require you to enroll in their own health plan unless you can provide proof of equivalent coverage.

How long does international student insurance coverage last?

The duration of coverage depends on the plan you choose: Short-term plans: These typically cover students for as few as 5 days to 12 months, making them ideal for semester-abroad programs. Annual plans: These plans provide 12 months of coverage and can be renewed as long as you remain enrolled as a student. Optional Practical Training (OPT) coverage: Some plans extend coverage to OPT students working in the U.S. after graduation. Expert Tip: The IMG Student Health Advantage Platinum plan is renewable for up to 5 years. Make sure your policy covers the entire duration of your study program, including pre-arrival periods and any breaks, if necessary.

What if I need to cancel my coverage?

Most insurance providers allow cancellation under specific conditions, such as visa denial, leaving your study program early, or if your school requires you to enroll in its own health plan. However, it’s important to note that refund policies vary by provider. While some offer full refunds before the coverage start date, others may charge cancellation fees or provide prorated refunds based on the length of coverage used. Be sure to review the cancellation terms of your policy before purchasing.

International Student Insurance: Coverage, Costs, and Best Plans

The Best Health Insurance for Students Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for students, but it also comes with its share of responsibilities. One of the most crucial requirements for student visas and foreign schools is having adequate international student insurance.

Most international schools require proof of health coverage before the semester begins. Without proper insurance, students risk facing high medical costs and potential visa issues.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the best plans, compare coverage options, and explain the essential requirements for international student health insurance.

Protect Your Health While Studying Overseas

Get the coverage you need to study abroad with confidence. Our student health insurance plans include essential medical benefits, emergency care, and support services that keep you safe wherever your studies take you.

Find a Plan

What Is International Student Insurance?

International student insurance is a type of health or travel insurance designed for students studying abroad.

The plans we offer protect students against high medical costs while providing benefits for doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription and contraception medications. They also cover emergency medical evacuations and repatriation to the nearest medical facility or home country.

Our student insurance plans also provide access to mental health support and 24/7 global assistance services. With the proper health plan to protect them against high medical costs and emergencies, students can focus on their education with peace of mind.

If you’re organizing international travel for multiple students, faculty, or educational staff, check out our article for specialized group coverage options:

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Groups

Student Group Travel Insurance

Student Plan Highlights and Coverage Benefits

The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Specialty plan is a top choice for U.S. students studying abroad and international students in the USA, providing comprehensive insurance throughout their educational journey.

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Plan Highlights

J-1 and F-1 Visa Compliance: The Navigator Student plan meets F-1 and J-1 visa requirements, ensuring international students maintain necessary health coverage in the U.S.
Unlimited Medical Maximum: GeoBlue Navigator provides an unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum for all plan members.
Global Provider Access: You can choose any healthcare provider outside the U.S. and access the extensive Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO network within the U.S.
Pre-Existing Conditions: GeoBlue Navigator covers pre-existing conditions immediately, provided proof of prior health insurance is provided.
Prescription Drugs: Includes 100% coverage for prescriptions and contraceptive supplies.

The WorldTrips StudentSecure plan is specialized travel health insurance for students studying abroad for less than a year. The plan provides essential medical coverage, emergency services, and peace of mind while navigating healthcare in a foreign country.

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Plan Highlights

Visa and School Compliance: StudentSecure meets the health insurance requirements for many student visas, including those for F-1 and J-1 visa holders.
Four Plan Options: Choose from the Elite, Select, Budget, or Smart levels based on your budget.
Home Country Coverage: Provides up to 15 days of coverage for medical expenses incurred in your home country for every three months of coverage you purchase.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Students who purchase the Elite or Select level will have coverage for pre-existing conditions after a 6-month waiting period. The Budget level provides coverage after a 12-month waiting period, while the Smart level does not cover pre-existing conditions.
Maternity Benefits: The Select level covers up to $10,000 for a covered pregnancy and provides up to $750 for nursery care for a newborn.

The IMG Student Health Advantage (SHA) plan is designed for international students studying abroad or attending foreign colleges and universities. It is also an excellent choice for international students seeking health coverage while studying in the USA.

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Plan Highlights

Student Visa Requirements: Meets the health insurance requirements for most student visas, including J-1 visas for international students studying in the U.S.

Pre-Existing Conditions: Students and scholars will have coverage for pre-existing conditions after a six-month waiting period.

Emergency Evacuation: Includes evacuation benefits of up to $500,000 for medical emergencies.

Maternity Care: The SHA Platinum plan covers prenatal and postnatal care, complications during pregnancy, newborn delivery, and routine newborn care.

Organized Sports: Provides coverage for students participating in intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports.

Do You Need Health Insurance to Study Abroad?

International student health insurance is essential for anyone studying abroad, as it covers medical expenses and emergencies while also meeting visa and school requirements.

The following groups should secure a global health plan before heading overseas:

U.S. Citizens Studying Abroad: Students enrolled in foreign universities or participating in exchange programs.
International Students in the USA: F1 and J1 visa holders pursuing education at U.S. institutions.
Global Students: Any student studying in a country other than their home country.
OPT Participants: Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) who need continued coverage after graduation.
Graduate and Undergraduate Students: Those pursuing degrees abroad, whether short-term or long-term.
Married Students and Families: Spouses or dependents traveling with students who also need coverage.
Exchange Program Participants: Students involved in international academic, cultural, or work exchange programs.
Traveling Scholars and Researchers: Individuals participating in academic programs or research projects abroad.

Student Health Insurance Requirements

Most international educational programs, universities, and colleges require students to purchase a global health insurance plan, not just travel insurance, for the duration of their enrollment.

While health insurance requirements can differ between universities and colleges, students should ensure their plan includes the following benefits.

Most universities involved with study abroad programs require international students to have a health plan that meets a minimum level of medical coverage so that eligible medical expenses are covered up to a specified dollar amount per academic year.

It’s important to review the maximum and minimum coverage limits for each benefit within the policy to ensure adequate protection. If you’re looking for more comprehensive, long-term coverage, consider exploring international health insurance plans that offer extended benefits.

Emergency medical evacuation, or medevac, coverage is another crucial emergency medical benefit of an international student health policy. Medevac covers transportation costs if the hospitals near where you get injured or sick cannot provide the necessary care.

This ensures you receive the proper medical treatment and care. However, travel back to your home country is only covered if your attending physician deems it medically necessary.

Repatriation of remains, or return of mortal remains, provides financial coverage and logistical support if you die while studying abroad.

This emergency benefit covers the cost of transporting your remains back to your home country. It also includes planning and coordination services to help your family during an emotionally challenging time.

How to Choose the Right Student Health Plan

Selecting the right student health insurance is essential for both international students studying in the U.S. and U.S. students abroad.

The ideal plan should provide comprehensive medical coverage, meet visa and school requirements, and align with your budget.

Visa and School Requirements

Many student visas, including those for F-1 and J-1 students in the U.S., require proof of health insurance coverage that meets specific standards. Similarly, U.S. students studying abroad must comply with their host country’s student visa insurance requirements.

International students in the U.S. should review their school’s insurance requirements to determine whether enrollment in a university-sponsored plan is mandatory or if a private plan is allowed.

U.S. students studying abroad should also confirm their host country’s visa-related health insurance requirements to ensure compliance.

Choose a Short-Term or Long-Term Plan

Your choice depends on the length of your study abroad program:

Short-Term Travel Medical Plan: This is the ideal health insurance for students studying abroad for less than a year. These plans focus on emergency medical care and basic coverage while still meeting student visa requirements.

Long-Term Global Health Plan: Students spending a year or more abroad who require comprehensive health and travel benefits should consider purchasing a long-term health plan.

Consider Affordability and Plan Flexibility

Review the policy’s deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket costs to make sure the coverage fits your budget. While some schools offer their own insurance plans, private student insurance often delivers broader benefits at a more affordable price.

Compare Key Coverage Benefits

A good student insurance plan should offer:

Comprehensive medical care
Emergency medical evacuation
Repatriation of remains
Mental health support
Prescription drugs
Preventive care
Sports and activities
Pre-existing conditions

The table below compares the features of our top three international student insurance options:


Plan Name	Worldwide Specialty	StudentSecure	Student Health Advantage
Medical Coverage Limit	Unlimited	$1,000,000	$1,000,000
Eligibility	U.S. citizens studying abroad / Foreigners studying in the U.S.	All Nationalities studying internationally	All Nationalities studying internationally
Policy Duration	3-12 months	5 days-12 months	1-12 months
Renewable		Up to 4 years	Up to 5 years
Preventive Care
Emergency Evacuation	$250,000	$300,000	$500,000
Repatriation	$25,000	$50,000	$50,000
Prescription Coverage
Mental Health Support
Pre-Existing Conditions	100% Covered	6-month waiting period	6-month waiting period
Maternity	12-month waiting period $25,000 /pregnancy	$10,000 lifetime maximum	Pre-certification required $5,000 maximum limit
24/7 Global Assistance
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Safeguard Your Study Abroad Experience

Choosing the right international student insurance is essential to ensuring your time abroad is safe, secure, and stress-free.

With plans tailored to meet diverse needs, from short-term travel coverage to comprehensive long-term protection, you can focus on what matters most: your studies and personal growth.

Remember, meeting visa and school insurance requirements isn’t just a formality; it’s your safeguard against costly medical emergencies and unexpected challenges far from home.

Take the time to compare plans, understand your coverage options, and select the one that best suits your unique needs. With the right plan in place, you can embrace your study abroad experience with peace of mind.

Protect Your Health While Studying Overseas

Get the coverage you need to study abroad with confidence. Our student health insurance plans include essential medical benefits, emergency care, and support services that keep you safe wherever your studies take you.

Find a Plan

FAQs About Student Insurance

International student health insurance covers medical expenses while studying outside your home country.

These plans typically include coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, mental health services, and prescription medications.
Yes, many universities and student visa programs require proof of student health insurance. For example, F-1 and J-1 visa holders in the U.S. are often required to have health insurance that meets specific minimum coverage requirements.

Similarly, U.S. students studying abroad may need insurance that complies with the visa regulations of their host country.
Yes, most student health insurance providers require proof of enrollment at an accredited educational institution.

Accepted proof may include:
- - A copy of your student visa (F-1, J-1, or equivalent)
- - A letter of acceptance or enrollment verification from your school
- - Your school’s insurance waiver form, if applicable
Some schools may require you to enroll in their own health plan unless you can provide proof of equivalent coverage.
The duration of coverage depends on the plan you choose:
- - Short-term plans: These typically cover students for as few as 5 days to 12 months, making them ideal for semester-abroad programs.
- - Annual plans: These plans provide 12 months of coverage and can be renewed as long as you remain enrolled as a student.
- - Optional Practical Training (OPT) coverage: Some plans extend coverage to OPT students working in the U.S. after graduation.
Expert Tip: The IMG Student Health Advantage Platinum plan is renewable for up to 5 years.

Make sure your policy covers the entire duration of your study program, including pre-arrival periods and any breaks, if necessary.
Most insurance providers allow cancellation under specific conditions, such as visa denial, leaving your study program early, or if your school requires you to enroll in its own health plan.

However, it’s important to note that refund policies vary by provider. While some offer full refunds before the coverage start date, others may charge cancellation fees or provide prorated refunds based on the length of coverage used.

Be sure to review the cancellation terms of your policy before purchasing.

International Student Insurance

The Best Health Insurance for Students Studying Abroad

Protect Your Health While Studying Overseas

What Is International Student Insurance?

Groups

Student Group Travel Insurance

Student Plan Highlights and Coverage Benefits

Do You Need Health Insurance to Study Abroad?

Student Health Insurance Requirements