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International Student Insurance Reviews, Features, and Benefits
Many universities offer medical insurance coverage for international students. However, the premium for this insurance is usually high and might not fit your budget. You can shop for a plan from outside the university. As an F1 visa holder, many universities or colleges, require you to buy an insurance plan that meets the requirement laid down by the school.
If you do not opt for the plan that your University offers, you will need to submit a Waiver Form stating that the minimum requirements per the school are met by the insurance plan you buy outside the school. Visitor Guard® can help match you with an insurance plan that best fits your needs per your visa status and also help with the Waiver Form.
The following benefit overviews and international student insurance reviews should help you understand the insurance features and find the coverage option that makes the most sense for you. Read on to get an experience-based view of the best international student health insurance in the USA.
International Student Insurance Reviews
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Chethan Parameshwara
visitorguard.com has flexible and affordable health insurance options for students on F1/OPT. Also, the website is easy to use. Thanks for providing the great user experience and making health insurance accessible.
Benefits for International Student Insurance
There are key benefits that international student insurance and college student insurance provide and understanding these best-in-class benefits for an international student is important. Be sure that your plan covers most of these before purchasing.
These benefits should be included in your plan if you hope to feel safe and secure. Before you sign up for any insurance policy, you will want to check your university’s insurance requirements. You will have to buy a plan that meets those requirements.
If there is no requirement then look for policies that cover extensive medical care and emergency transportation. The cost of medical care and ambulance transportation is astronomical in the US. Look for a plan with a minimum of $100,000 or more in emergency medical coverage.
The best international student insurance will cover you for inpatient (hospitalization and surgeries) and outpatient (doctor visits, Urgent Care visits, Student Health Center visits) medical benefits, medical evacuation and repatriation insurance, mental health, sports coverage and substance abuse, and more.
Student Insurance Policy Coverage
Medical Limit (Hospitals & Doctors)
Plans with a range of medical maximum options $50,000 onwards providing coverage for inpatient and out patient visits.
Evacuation Benefits
All international student insurance plans cover medical evacuation, the maximum covered ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 lifetime maximum.
Repatriation
Repatriation benefits vary with plan, and the maximum covered range from $25,000 to $200,000 for the return of mortal remains or for local cremation/burial.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Many of the plans provide coverage for a mental, nervous, or emotional Illness that generally denotes an Illness of the brain with predominant behavioral symptoms; an Illness of the mind or personality, evidenced by abnormal behavior; or an Illness or disorder of conduct evidenced by socially deviant behavior.
Deductible
Most plans have a deducible of $50 or $100 per injury and sickness. The deductible is typically waived and a minimum copay of $5 sometimes applied, if first treated at a Student Health Center.
Co-insurance
Many plans pay 100% up to the chosen policy maximum per injury/sickness in network (once the deductible has been met). Others cover 80% of the first $10,000/$25,000 and 100% there after.
A Look at International Student Insurance Popular Plans
Which plan makes the most sense for you? You don’t have to take our word for it. Let’s take a look at the top plans and see what people are saying about the coverages, features, benefits, and overall customer experience.
Patriot Exchange Insurance
$47 / mo for a 24 year old with $100,000 plan maximum and $500 deductible- Policy Maximum choice of $50K, $250K, $500K per injury or sickness
- $100 deductible per injury or sickness
- 100% coverage after deductible
- Student Health Center $5 co-pay per visit
- Pre-existing conditions coverage available to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens (limited to $500 a year with $50,000 lifetime maximum after 12 months of continuous enrollment)
- Optional Adventure sports rider
Patriot Exchange Insurance
Patriot Exchange Insurance is an affordable and comprehensive student medical insurance plan that provides coverage to students traveling outside their country of residence. The plan offers per-incident coverage. After the deductible, Patriot Exchange pays 100% up to the policy maximum. It’s also renewable and cancellable (full refunds are offered before the coverage date begins).
Highlights:
- Comprehensive medical insurance for students studying abroad or participants of cultural exchange programs
- After the deductible, 100% coverage up to chosen policy maximum for eligible expenses.
- All claims handled in the United States
- Plan be renewed a minimum of (5) days for a maximum of 48 continuous months
Limitations
- Available only till the age of 64 years
- No coverage for pregnancy
Additional Ratings
- Rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best
- Great customer feedback online
Study USA Insurance
Study USA is an affordable and comprehensive student medical insurance plan that provides coverage to students traveling outside their country of residence. The plan offers per-incident coverage. To be eligible for the Study USA health insurance you must be a full-time international student taking classes. You can stay on the plan up to a maximum of 4 years as long as you are a full-time international student. The plan has a choice of coverage levels based on your needs and budget. Study USA insurance plan meets the requirements of most universities for international students on an F1 visa. You are eligible for the plan as a J-1 visa exchange student.
The Highlights:
- Comprehensive medical insurance for Illness and Medical Expense Protection
- Choice of coverage levels for your needs and budget.
- COVID-19 coverage (Plus, Preferred and Platinum plans only)
- Emergency Health Care
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- All claims handled in the United States
- From 30 to 364 consecutive days of coverage, renewable for up to 4 years.
Limitations
- Not all options offer coverage for Dental
- Excludes drug and alcohol abuse
Additional Ratings
- Rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best
- Great customer feedback online
Study USA Insurance
$47 / mo for a 24 year old with $100,000 plan maximum and $500 deductible- Policy Maximum choice of $100K, $300K, $500K per injury or sickness
- Choose from 4 options: Basic, Standard, Preferred, Platinum
- $25 to $250 in network deductible depending on the option
- Dental coverage with Preferred and Platinum options
- Optional Intercollegiate, Interscholastic, Intramural or Club Sports on the Platinum
- COVID-19 coverage (Plus, Preferred and Platinum plans only)
- Maternity Care for Covered Pregnancy on Standard, Preferred, Platinum
ATLAS AMERICA
$80 / mo For a 45-year-old with $50,000 plan maximum- Hospitalization, ER, Dr. Office Visits, Prescription Drugs
- Coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing condition
- Coverage for 5 days to 364 days
- $15 co-pay for Urgent Care
- Brochure
Atlas Travel Insurance – Also for Students on OPT
Atlas Travel Insurance is comprehensive insurance for students designed to provide medical coverage for students while traveling outside their home country. Students who are non-US citizens can consider the Atlas America plan for coverage in the US while students who are US citizens or non-US citizens needing coverage outside the US can consider the Atlas International insurance. This insurance covers the acute onset of pre-existing conditions within predefined limits. Within the PPO network, and after the deductible, Atlas covers 100% up to the policy max for injuries or illness covered in the plan. The plan can be purchased by students who are on an OPT status.
The Highlights:
- Cancelable and refundable if there are no claims
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions for up to 2,000,000 for those under 70 years of age
- Claims handled in the USA
Limitations
- Coverage limited to 364 days; however, the policy is renewable
- Emergency room coverage has limitations
- Pre-existing condition coverage is limited to the acute onset and must be treated
Additional Ratings
- Rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s
- Great customer feedback online
International Student Insurance Reviews
Benefits for hospitalization, ambulance, evacuation, prescription drugs, mental health, pregnancy, and a pre-existing conditions. No medical examinations required; Easy online application. Confirmations including ID Cards received immediately. Waiver forms completed and sent to your University after purchase.
Ready to purchase your international student insurance? Find out more about International student insurance and College student insurance. Or give us a call at 1-804-325-1385.
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International Student Insurance Cost
Student Age |
Medical Limit |
Insurance Price |
|---|---|---|
Less than
|
$50K |
$35 |
18 to 29 years |
$50K |
$35 |
30 to 39 years |
$50K |
$47 |
Know Before You Go: International Student Health Insurance
Most US universities require you to have a comprehensive insurance plan while enrolling. The USA is expensive in terms of medical treatment, and a small injury or illness can cost you a significant amount. So having International Student Insurance can safeguard you in terms of maintaining a budget and get treated duly without any worry about the payment. With the various types of visas, we offer for every type of visa holder including F1, F2, J1, J2, etc.
And in most cases, you can avail of an insurance plan with the same coverage but at a much lesser cost when you purchase one from outside your school. If you are an international student living in the USA with your families, they also can get coverage in your student medical insurance.