Compare and Buy International Student Insurance
When you plan to study abroad at an international school or university, you will be required by both your school and your host country to have adequate international student insurance before arriving. To ensure you have the right plan, мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ provides a range of options that will meet or exceed most visa insurance requirements and most schools’ overseas student health coverage.
Insurance for Students Studying Abroad
Our Study Abroad Insurance Plans are for US Citizens studying abroad or enrolled directly at a foreign school.  In either case, make sure you have reviewed your coverage options.  You may be able to save money and get additional benefits from buying a plan directly from one of our providers.  Review the student health plan’s package of benefits, exclusions, and coverage amounts to ensure you are getting what you need – at the right price.
Global Student Insurance Plans
Our International Student Health Insurance plans are available to anyone studying in a foreign country. Â You may choose to purchase a policy on your own as an alternative to the school’s plan. Â Sometimes, you can lower your costs while securing a better plan when buying outside the school plan. Â This often makes more sense for older students, OPT participants, married students, or students with families.
Best Plans for Study Abroad and International Students
WorldTrips StudentSecure Plan
WorldTrips offers the Student Secure plan for international students enrolled in foreign schools and students studying abroad for less than one year. The Student Secure plan is ideal for foreign students enrolled at US colleges and universities.
StudentSecure Insurance
- Provides Medical, Dental, Evacuation and other Benefits
- Keep your coverage when your studies last multiple years
- Medical providers are available in over 130 countries worldwide
GeoBlue Student Plan
The GeoBlue student plan is the Navigator plan for study abroad. The Navigator plan is an excellent option for US students studying abroad or international students in the USA. Eligible applicants include:
- Foreign Students living and studying in the U.S.A.
- International Faculty and Research Scholars in the U.S.
- Optional Practical Training (see OPT Insurance) Participants living in the U.S.
- U.S. Students and/or Faculty planning on studying or teaching outside of the U.S.A.
GeoBlue Student Medical Coverage
- Worldwide medical coverage built for students and faculty in the U.S. and abroad.
- Select from a range of deductibles and rates.
- Choose providers either in or out of our elite network.
IMG Student Health Advantage
IMG offers the Student Health Advantage plan for students studying abroad or enrolled in foreign colleges and universities. It is also a good option for international student health plans in the USA.
Student Health Advantage
- Standard and Platinum level benefits available.
- Coverage for individuals and groups and their dependents.
- Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice.
Best Plans for F1 Visa Students Enrolled in the USA
The insurance requirements for F1 student visas in the United States are typically specified by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). F-1 visa holders are generally required to have health coverage that meets specific criteria. However, please note that policies and requirements may change, so checking for the most up-to-date information is essential.
Here are the basic requirements for F1 student visa insurance:
- Minimum Coverage Amount: The plan must provide a minimum coverage amount for medical expenses. The specific amount can vary by school, but it is typically set to cover a reasonable level of healthcare costs.
- Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: The plan should include medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. This means that the plan should cover the cost of transporting the insured back to their home country in case of a serious medical emergency.
- Deductibles and Co-payments: The plan may have specific requirements regarding deductibles and co-payments. Ensure that the out-of-pocket costs are reasonable and within the accepted limits.
- Coverage Period: The coverage should be maintained for the entire duration of the F-1 status. This includes the period of authorized stay in the U.S., including any Optional Practical Training (OPT) periods.
- Insurance Provider: The plan must be provided by a reputable insurer and meet the criteria set by the school or institution.
F-1 students must check with their designated school official (DSO) or international student office to understand the specific insurance requirements imposed by their educational institution. Schools may have their own policies or additional requirements beyond the government regulations.
Recommended Policies for F1 Students
The GeoBlue Student Insurance plan is a premium plan explicitly tailored for foreign students enrolled at US colleges and universities or other qualified educational institutions (as well as for US students studying abroad). The coverage and service are excellent, the benefits are very good, and the price is affordable.
GeoBlue Student Medical Coverage
- Worldwide medical coverage built for students and faculty in the U.S. and abroad.
- Select from a range of deductibles and rates.
- Choose providers either in or out of our elite network.
The WorldTrips Student Secure plan is available to students from any country traveling to any country for educational purposes, including F1 students enrolled at US institutions. This plan is affordable at the basic level and has premium coverage levels for enhanced benefits.
StudentSecure Insurance
- Provides Medical, Dental, Evacuation and other Benefits
- Keep your coverage when your studies last multiple years
- Medical providers are available in over 130 countries worldwide
Health Insurance for US Students Enrolled in European Schools
The overwhelming majority of US study abroad takes place in schools in Europe (70+%), with 44 percent of students studying in just five countries: Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland. (Source: )
US students in European schools will be asked to apply for a student visa. As part of that application, you will need to provide confirmation that your health insurance is compliant with that country’s requirements. Each country may have different requirements, so you need to check with a local consulate or your school advisor to ensure you have the right plan in place.
We recommend the GeoBlue Student Insurance plan, known as the GeoBlue Navigator plan, for US students in European schools, as it is widely accepted in European countries.
GeoBlue Student Medical Coverage
- Worldwide medical coverage built for students and faculty in the U.S. and abroad.
- Select from a range of deductibles and rates.
- Choose providers either in or out of our elite network.
General Student Health Plan Requirements
Most international educational programs, universities, and colleges require their students to purchase an international student health insurance plan for their enrollment period. These requirements can vary depending on your university or college and can apply to any student or dependents traveling with you as well.
Although the student insurance requirements at your school can vary, you should make sure that your health plan includes at least the following benefits:
Medical Coverage for Students
Universities, and typically the host country, require a minimum amount of medical coverage on your student health plan. This dollar amount sets the minimum limit for eligible medical expenses that your student medical plan will pay (often a maximum). Review the maximum and minimum coverage for the policy and each benefit. (For more comprehensive long-term international health insuranceÌý´Ç°ùÌýcompare global health insurance plans.)
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Another important aspect of international student health policy is emergency evacuation. This benefit of a study abroad insurance plan covers your costs if the local facilities in which you fall injured or ill cannot give you proper care. If deemed necessary by the acting physician and your insurer, this coverage will provide transportation to the nearest facility to properly treat your condition. This type of coverage does not guarantee travel back to your home country in this situation unless deemed necessary by your attending physician.
Repatriation of Remains
Repatriation of Remains, or the Return of Mortal Remains, provides funds in the event of your death outside your home country. In an unfortunate event like this, shipping your remains to your family back home can be expensive. This benefit will provide the proper planning, logistics, and financial coverage for your family members.
Choose one of the plans below, including evacuation, repatriation, and all other benefits most schools require.
GeoBlue Student Medical Coverage
- Worldwide medical coverage built for students and faculty in the U.S. and abroad.
- Select from a range of deductibles and rates.
- Choose providers either in or out of our elite network.
StudentSecure Insurance
- Provides Medical, Dental, Evacuation and other Benefits
- Keep your coverage when your studies last multiple years
- Medical providers are available in over 130 countries worldwide
For group quotes, see: Student Group Insurance Plans
Our recommended International Student Plans:
Student Secure Plan:Ìý Learn More | Free Quote / Apply
Navigator for Student:Ìý Learn More | Free Quote / Apply
Student Health Advantage:Ìý Learn More | Free Quote / Apply
Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on or .