If you are reading this blog, you are likely very close to flying to the U.S. as an international student. 

‍

However, you need to understand that the U.S. currency has a higher value compared to Indian currency, and the costs of education, health, lifestyle, and living can be hard to afford. Other countries may provide universal health care and medicines, but the price in the USA can be skyrocketing. 

‍

To ensure you can get the proper healthcare and medical attention, getting health insurance is essential during your stay in the US.

‍

Is Health Insurance Really Needed For F1 Visa Holders

‍

Surprisingly, many ask if health insurance is mandatory for F1 Visa Holders. The answer is No; there isn't any regulation by the government for receiving an F1 visa. But health insurance is necessary during your stay because:

• Hospitals in the USA are pricey, and paying medical bills independently could be worrisome without insurance.
• Many colleges make health insurance obligatory, including F1 visa international students.
  
  

Note: The health insurance compulsion comes from the universities, not U.S. law. Always verify the health insurance conditions with your institution.

Why International Students Need Health Insurance

‍

Below are two major reasons for getting a health insurance for international students in the US:

‍

1. Expensive Healthcare: Without insurance, even a routine doctor's visit or an emergency room trip can cost thousands of dollars.
2. University Mandate: Many colleges have compulsory health insurance rules for international and provincial students to ensure access to critical healthcare.
   
   

3 Types Of Health Insurance Plans for International Students

‍

Institutes have various viewpoints on insurance policies:

• Mandatory Group Health Insurance: Some American institutes instruct all international students to partake in uni-sponsored group plans. These projects are often fruitful but very costly, added to tuition fees.
• Waivable Group Health Insurance: Many Universities allow their students to opt out of group plans if they have a fairly comparable insurance policy. Students need to prove that the external coverage is enough to meet the university's minimum qualifications to qualify for a waiver.
• No Mandatory Insurance: Few universities leave it entirely upon the student to have health insurance. But, in this case, it's a bit difficult to research and choose a policy that offers complete coverage for your needs.
  
  

‍

Types of Health Insurance for International Students in the U.S.

‍

‍

Top 6 Student Health Insurance with Cost

‍

The price of health insurance for F1 visa holders differs depending on the plan and coverage level. Usually, health insurance costs range between $500 and $5,500 per year. Here's a table of popular health insurance plans for international students:

‍

The plan choice depends on factors such as your healthcare needs, budget, and whether your university has compulsory provisions.

Getting Health Insurance as an F1 Visa Holder

‍

If you're an F1 visa individual, follow these steps to get a policy:

1. Please review whether your academy requires you to register for their group health insurance plan or if you can select your policy.
2. Use insurance policy comparison tools online to find health insurance choices that meet your requirements. Hunt for plans that cover basic services such as physician visits, hospital admissions, and prescription pills.
3. Look for an all-around plan that protects necessary healthcare needs such as mental health care, maternity care, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains, especially if you intend to travel to India repeatedly or stay in the U.S. post-studies.
4. Ideally, you should buy your health insurance before starting your semester. Depending on your school's deadlines, this can be done from your home country or after you arrive in the U.S.
   
   

The Best Time to Get A Health Insurance

‍

Student visa applicants need to purchase health insurance before enrolling at their university. However:

• Policies can be purchased from the home country or after arriving in the U.S. Typically, before the beginning of the semester.
• For mandatory plans, coverage becomes functional after the tuition fee.
• Coverage can commence as early as the day after purchase, depending on the policy.
  
  

What Happens With My F1 Insurance After I Graduate?

‍

• After graduation, students are no longer eligible for their student health insurance policy.
• Suppose a student modifies their immigration status, e.g., to an H-1B visa. In that case, they must get health insurance that fulfills H-1B visa provisions.
• The latest insurance policy must comply with the student's adjusted immigration status or visa.
  
  

Searching for the Best Health Insurance Plan

‍

Managing affordability with satisfactory coverage is essential. Policies from providers like ISO (International Student Insurance) often give more suitable value than university-sponsored plans, offering complete coverage at a lower price. Always explore and compare multiple plans to find one that fits your healthcare demands and budget.

Want to have a U.S. Visa and study at one of their reputed universities? Check out the Futurense US Pathway today!

FAQs:

‍

• Is health insurance mandatory for F1 visa holders?

No, health insurance is not a federal requirement for obtaining an F1 visa. Still, most universities in the U.S. mandate it for international students. Due to high healthcare costs in the U.S., it's advisable to have coverage.

• What is protected by the international students' health insurance plan?

1. Medical treatment is provided without the need for hospitalization.

2. Coverage for hospital stays requiring overnight admission.

3. Urgent dental treatments.

4. Medicines given by healthcare providers.

5. Coverage for required medical tests and procedures.

‍

• What are the advantages of private health insurance for international students?

Private health insurance generally suggests broader coverage and a more extensive network of healthcare providers, often at a lower cost than university plans.

• Is there a scope of health insurance for dependent students?

If you have dependents in the U.S. on an F1 visa, they will join the country under an F2 visa. Their health insurance is known as F2 visa insurance, and your dependents will generally need the same health coverage as you, based on your school's conditions.

‍