OPT Insurance vs. F1 Insurance: A Comprehensive Comparison 

As international students in the US, one of the most crucial aspects of your stay is ensuring that you have the right health insurance coverage. Depending on your visa status, you may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) during or after completing your coursework as an F1 student insurance. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences and similarities so that it becomes clear to you. 

Table of Contents: 

• Understanding OPT and F1 Visa Status 
• Understanding OPT and F1 Student Insurance Options 
• The Key Differences 
• Conclusion 

Understanding OPT and F1 Visa Status 

1. F1 Visa: The F1 visa is for students who are enrolled in accredited academic programs in the United States. This visa category allows students to stay in the US if they are enrolled in a full-time program and maintain their status. 
2. OPT Status: Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows F1 students to work in their field of study for a certain duration after completing their academic program. OPT can be used for 12 months, with the possibility of a 24-month extension for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates. 

Understanding OPT and F1 Student Insurance Options 

F1 Student Insurance 

F1 student insurance is designed to provide coverage for healthcare expenses while international students are studying in the US. Here are some key features and considerations of F1 student insurance: 

• University requirement: Many US universities and colleges require F1 students to have health insurance coverage. Students often have the option to purchase the university’s recommended plan or find a plan from a private insurance provider using the waiver option that meets specific requirements. 
• Comprehensive coverage: F1 student insurance typically offers comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medications, and preventive care. 
• Cost: The cost of F1 student insurance can vary widely depending on the university’s plan or the insurance provider’s plan. Some universities include the insurance cost in the student’s tuition fees. 
• Duration: F1 student insurance is valid for the academic program. It may also include a grace period that covers students during their OPT period, but this varies by university and insurance provider. 

OPT Insurance 

OPT insurance, however, is designed specifically for F1 students during their Optional Practical Training period. Here are the key features and considerations of OPT insurance: 

• Duration: OPT insurance is typically available for the OPT period, which can be 12 months or 24 months (about 2 years) for STEM graduates. It is specifically tailored to cover the healthcare needs of students while they work and gain practical experience in their field. 
• Job-related coverage: OPT insurance plans often focus on providing coverage for work-related injuries or illnesses that may occur during your employment. This can be particularly important if your job involves physical labor or potential workplace hazards. 
• Transitioning: When transitioning from F1 student status to OPT status, you may need to switch from your university’s student insurance plan to an OPT insurance plan. This transition process should be carefully planned to ensure uninterrupted coverage. 

The Key Differences

Features	F1 insurance	OPT insurance
Purpose and Eligibility	The F1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa issued to international students pursuing academic programs in the United States.	Optional Practical Training is an extension of the F1 visa program that allows F1 students to work in their field of study during or after completing their academic program.
Duration	An F1 visa’s duration is typically tied to the academic program’s length, including a grace period of 60 days (about 2 months) after completion.	OPT provides 12 months for most students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree holders may be eligible for a 24-month extension.
Work authorization	F1 students are restricted to on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks.	OPT allows F1 students to engage in off-campus employment related to their major field of study, with full-time employment permitted during the OPT period.
Employment type	On-campus employment, including teaching assistantships or research positions, is allowed. Off-campus employment is limited and requires special authorization.	OPT allows for practical training in the form of internships, co-op programs, and employment, often related to the student’s major field of study.
Application process	The F1 visa application process involves obtaining admission to a U.S. educational institution and securing the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.	To apply for OPT, F1 students must obtain a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) and submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Timing	Students can apply for an F1 visa to pursue an academic program in the United States.	OPT can be pursued after completing at least one academic year of study and is typically undertaken after graduating or completing the academic program.
Immigration status	F1 students are considered non-immigrants, primarily in the United States for educational purposes.	While on OPT, students continue to maintain their F1 non-immigrant status, with the added benefit of gaining practical work experience.
Duration of stay after completion	After completing their program, F1 students have a 60-day grace period to either depart the US, apply for OPT, or take other actions, such as transferring to another educational institution.	OPT allows students to remain in the US legally and work for a specified period after graduation, providing an opportunity to gain real-world experience in their field.

Conclusion 

Choosing between OPT insurance and F1 student insurance depends on your unique circumstances and healthcare needs. F1 student insurance offers comprehensive coverage throughout your academic program, while OPT insurance is tailored to the specific requirements of your Optional Practical Training period. 

Before choosing, carefully review the insurance options available to you, consider your budget, assess your healthcare needs, and consult with your university’s international student office for guidance. Whether you opt for F1 student insurance or OPT insurance, having the right coverage is essential to ensure your well-being during your time in the US. 

To know more about these plans, feel free to contact Visitor Guard®.