Find the Best Health Insurance for Students Studying Abroad
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 abroad 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 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.
Find the Best International Student Insurance
- Compare top student insurance plans and pricing
- Get guidance from a student insurance expert at no additional cost
- Choose the right plan for your study abroad goals and budget
TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- International student insurance is essential for all students studying abroad, providing coverage for medical expenses, emergencies, and meeting visa requirements.
- Most international schools and student visas require proof of an adequate health plan before enrollment or visa approval.
- Plans typically cover doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and mental health support.
- Short-term travel medical plans suit study programs under one year, while long-term global health plans are ideal for extended studies abroad.
- When choosing a plan, compare coverage limits, pre-existing condition coverage, affordability, and compliance with your school and visa requirements.
What Is International Student Insurance?
International student insurance is health insurance 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.
Traveling Abroad as a Student Group?
If you’re organizing international travel for multiple students, faculty, or educational staff, check out our Student Group Travel Insurance article for specialized group coverage options.
The Best Health Insurance for Students Studying Abroad
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.
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 insurance 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: GeoBlue Navigator covers pre-existing conditions immediately with proof of prior health insurance.
- Prescription Drugs: Includes 100% coverage for prescriptions and contraceptive supplies.
WorldTrips StudentSecure Select
WorldTrips StudentSecure 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.
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.
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 nationalities 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: 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 Students 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.
Read More: Student Visas for the United States
Health Insurance Requirements
Most international educational programs, universities, and colleges require students to purchase an international 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 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 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
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
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 International Student Health Insurance Plan
Selecting the right student health 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 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. – 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 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: 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 | |||
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Choose Between a Short-Term Student Travel Insurance or a Comprehensive Global Health Plan
Your choice depends on the length of your study abroad program:
Short-Term Travel Medical Insurance – 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.
- 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 the deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket expenses of the insurance policy 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.
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 choose the one that fits your unique journey. With the right plan in place, you can embrace your study abroad experience with confidence and peace of mind.
Ready to protect your health overseas? Get your free quote today and start your journey with coverage designed specifically for international students like you.
Find the Best International Student Insurance
- Compare top student insurance plans and pricing
- Get guidance from a student insurance expert at no additional cost
- Choose the right plan for your study abroad goals and budget
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.
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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.