Find the Best Health Coverage for Your Studies Abroad
Studying internationally is an exciting opportunity for students, but it also comes with 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 your semester begins. Without the proper insurance, students risk facing high medical costs and potential visa issues.
Our International Student Insurance Plans provide affordable, comprehensive coverage for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens studying abroad. These plans meet visa and school requirements while safeguarding your health throughout your educational journey.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best plans, compare coverage options, and explain the essential requirements for international student health insurance.
Studying internationally is an exciting opportunity for students, but it also comes with 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 your semester begins. Without the proper insurance, students risk facing high medical costs and potential visa issues.
Our International Student Insurance Plans provide affordable, comprehensive coverage for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens studying abroad. These plans meet visa and school requirements while safeguarding your health throughout your educational journey.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best plans, compare coverage options, and explain the essential requirements for international student health insurance.
Secure Your International Student Insurance
Don’t let unexpected medical costs disrupt your study abroad experience. Get a free quote and apply online today!
What Is International Student Insurance?
International student insurance is health coverage for students studying at a foreign school.
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.
Our Recommended International Student Plans
GeoBlue Navigator for Students
Best for U.S. citizens studying abroad and international students studying in the U.S.
WorldTrips StudentSecure Select
Ideal for short-term international students of all nationalities studying abroad.
IMG Student Health Advantage Platinum
Best for international students and scholars needing family coverage.
Who Needs International Student Health Insurance?
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.
Read More: Student Visas for the United States
What Are International Student Health Plan Requirements?
Most international educational programs, universities, and colleges require students to purchase an international health insurance plan for the duration of their enrollment. However, these requirements may vary by institution and extend to any dependents traveling with you.
While health insurance requirements can differ between universities and colleges, students should ensure their plan includes the following essential benefits.
Medical Coverage for Students
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.
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.
Read More: Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
Emergency Medical Evacuation
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 coverage 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
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.
The Best Health Insurance for International Students
Choosing the right health insurance is essential for international students to ensure access to medical care while studying abroad. With so many options available, selecting a plan that provides comprehensive coverage for routine and emergency medical needs is essential.
Here are our top choices for international students:
GeoBlue Navigator Student
The GeoBlue Navigator Student plan is a top choice for U.S. students studying abroad and international students in the USA, providing comprehensive health coverage throughout their educational journey.
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 Coverage: GeoBlue Navigator covers pre-existing conditions immediately with proof of prior health insurance.
- Prescription Drug Coverage: Includes 100% coverage for prescriptions and contraceptive supplies.
WorldTrips StudentSecure Select
WorldTrips StudentSecure is a specialized travel medical insurance plan for international students studying abroad for less than one year. It provides essential medical coverage, emergency services, and peace of mind while navigating healthcare in a foreign country.
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 Coverage Level Options: Choose from the Elite, Select, Budget, or Smart level of coverage for a plan that fits 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 Coverage: 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.
We recommend the Select level because it offers $1,000,000 in medical coverage, covers pre-existing conditions after a 6-month waiting period, and includes additional benefits like organized sports coverage, which the lower plan levels do not provide.
IMG Student Health Advantage Platinum
The IMG Student Health Advantage (SHA) plan is designed for students of all citizenships 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.
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 Coverage: Students and scholars will have coverage for pre-existing conditions after a six-month waiting period.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Includes emergency medical evacuation benefits up to $500,000.
- Maternity Care: The SHA Platinum plan covers pre-natal and post-natal care, complications during pregnancy, newborn delivery, and routine newborn care.
- Organized Sports Coverage: Provides coverage for students participating in intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports.
Compare and Buy International Student Insurance
The table below compares the features of our top three international student insurance plans: GeoBlue Navigator Student, WorldTrips StudentSecure Select, and IMG Student Health Advantage Platinum.
Each plan provides tailored benefits for international students, OPT participants, traveling scholars, and their dependents.
| Benefit |  GeoBlue Navigator Student |  WorldTrips StudentSecure Select |  IMG Student Health Advantage Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Coverage Limit | Unlimited | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Eligibility | U.S. Citizens Studying Abroad/ Internationals Studying in the U.S. | Students of All Nationalities Studying Internationally | Students of 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 Medical Evacuation | $250,000 | $300,000 | $500,000 |
| Repatriation of Remains | $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 Coverage | 12-month waiting period $25,000 per pregnancy | $10,000 lifetime maximum | Pre-certification required $5,000 maximum limit |
| 24/7 Global Assistance Services | |||
How to Choose the Right International Student Insurance Plan
Selecting the right international student insurance is essential for both international students studying in the U.S. and U.S. students studying abroad.
The ideal plan should provide comprehensive medical coverage, meet visa and school requirements, and align with your budget.
Determine Visa and School Requirements
Many student visas, including the F-1 and J-1 visas for the U.S., require proof of health insurance that meets specific coverage standards. Similarly, U.S. students studying abroad must comply with their host country's student visa insurance requirements.
- International students in the U.S. – Check your school's insurance requirements and whether you must enroll in a university-sponsored plan or if you can opt for a private one.
- U.S. students studying abroad – Review your host country's visa health insurance mandates to ensure compliance.
Compare Key Coverage Benefits
A good student insurance plan should offer:
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Mental health support
- Prescription drug coverage
- Preventive care
- Sports and activity coverage
- Pre-existing condition coverage
Choose Between a Short-Term Travel Plan or a Comprehensive Global Health Plan
Your choice depends on the length of your study abroad program:
Short-Term Travel Medical Insurance – Ideal 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.
- Our Recommended Short-Term Plan: WorldTrips StudentSecure Select
Long-Term Global Health Insurance – Students spending a year or more abroad who need comprehensive health and travel benefits should purchase a long-term global medical plan.
- Our Recommended Long-Term Plan: GeoBlue Navigator Student
Consider Affordability and Plan Flexibility
- Check deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket expenses to ensure they fit your budget.
- Some schools offer their own plans, but private student insurance can often provide better coverage at a lower cost.
- Look for flexible plan levels, like the IMG Student Health Advantage (Basic and Platinum) or WorldTrips StudentSecure (Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite) options, so you can choose coverage that aligns with your needs.
Secure Your International Student Insurance
Don’t let unexpected medical costs disrupt your study abroad experience. Get a free quote and apply online today!
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 international 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 international 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.
About the Author:Mackenzie Manning, Director of User Experience at International Citizens Insurance, specializes in optimizing customer journeys and providing seamless experiences for clients seeking international insurance solutions. With expertise in global health, life, and travel insurance, she helps expatriates and global travelers find the right coverage, ensuring a smooth, informed decision-making process for their international needs.