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Insurance plans for international students: What coverage do you need?
Here are the best insurance plans for international students. Learn how to choose the right coverage for your studies abroad.
Moving to a new country for your studies? Congratulations! That’s super exciting! You’ll be getting new experiences, a new set of friends, and amazing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Since you’re here, you’re obviously wondering which are the best insurance plans for international students. Because, a simple visit to a doctor abroad might cost hundreds of dollars, and an unexpected hospital stay could cost thousands. In fact, that’s the reason why many universities and visa programs require students to have health insurance before they arrive.
In this guide, we’ll be covering all the information international students need to know, what coverage matters most, and 5 of the best long-term insurance plans available today.
Do international students need health insurance?
In many cases, yes. Some countries require proof of health insurance before granting a student visa.
For example:
- Australia requires international students to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout their studies.
- The United Kingdom requires students staying longer than 6 months to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application.
- The United States does not have a federal health insurance requirement for students on an F-1 visa. However, many universities require international students to have health insurance as a condition of enrollment. Some schools even enroll students in a university-sponsored health plan.
- In Canada, health insurance requirements for international students vary by province. In British Columbia and Alberta, eligible international students can enroll in the provincial healthcare system. In Ontario, international students are enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) through participating institutions.
Apart from meeting visa and university requirements, insurance gives you access to medical care when you need it. Whether it’s a sports injury, an illness, mental health support, or emergency treatment, the right policy will help you focus on your studies instead of worrying about medical bills.
What should an international student insurance plan cover?
Not all insurance plans are created equal. So, when comparing insurance plans for international students, do look for these key benefits.
Emergency treatment
Accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen anywhere. Emergency medical coverage should be one of the first things you look for.
Hospital stays
Hospitalization costs can be extremely expensive, especially in countries like the United States. Your plan should provide adequate inpatient coverage.
Prescription medication
Prescription drug coverage can significantly reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Mental health support
Studying abroad can be stressful. And the fact that you’re away from your loved ones makes it even harder. So, access to counseling, therapy, and mental health services is becoming increasingly important for international students.
Repatriation coverage
If a serious illness, injury, or death occurs, repatriation coverage helps cover transportation costs back to your home country.
Emergency medical evacuation
In severe situations, medical evacuation coverage pays for transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility.
Best insurance plans for international students
There are several student insurance options available out there, but not all are suitable for long-term international study. The 5 plans we’ve shortlisted for you below stand out for their coverage, flexibility, and popularity among international students.
1. ISO Student Health Insurance
Founded in 1958 by international students, ISO specializes exclusively in health insurance for students studying abroad. The company offers affordable plans designed to meet the requirements of many U.S. colleges and universities. And it has access to a large network of healthcare providers across the country. Students also benefit from multilingual customer support, immediate access to insurance documents after enrollment, and a straightforward claims process. Also, ISO is a popular choice among students from more than 185 countries.
Best for: Budget-conscious students in the United States.
Pros:
- Affordable monthly premiums.
- Accepted by thousands of universities.
- Multiple coverage levels.
- F-1 visa compliant options available.
Cons:
- Focused on students studying in the U.S.
- Coverage varies between plan tiers.
Price range: Approximately $31 to $85+ per month depending on age and plan level.
2. IMG Student Health Advantage
Designed specifically for international students and scholars, IMG Student Health Advantage offers long-term medical coverage that can be renewed for up to 4 years. The plan includes maternity care, mental health coverage, organized sports coverage, and international emergency assistance. With coverage limits of up to $500,000, access to emergency medical evacuation, and support both in the U.S. and abroad, it’s a strong option for students.
Best for: Students looking for renewable long-term coverage with strong medical benefits and mental health support.
Pros:
- Coverage to international students and scholars in more than 170 countries.
- Renewable for up to 48 months.
- Includes mental health benefits.
- Covers organized sports.
- Prescription drug coverage included.
Cons:
- Pre-existing conditions are excluded during the first 12 months of continuous coverage.
- Telehealth is not included for most individual plans.
- Out-of-network coverage requires higher out-of-pocket costs.
Price range: Approximately $68 to $207+ per month depending on coverage level and eligibility.
3. Allianz Care Student Plans
Allianz Care’s student health insurance plans are designed for students who want more than just emergency medical coverage while studying abroad. Along with treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries, these plans help cover diagnostics, follow-up care, and preventive health services. Coverage includes hospitalization, day-care treatments, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation, with the option to add outpatient and dental benefits for a more comprehensive protection. Students also get access to telehealth consultations, fitness and nutrition resources, travel security support, and an expatriate assistance program.
Best for: Students seeking comprehensive coverage.
Pros:
- Present in over 150 countries.
- Inpatient and outpatient options.
- Evacuation and repatriation included.
- Wellness and preventive care benefits.
Cons:
- More expensive compared to others on this list.
Price range: Ranges from $500 to over $4,000 per year, depending on your destination, geographical area of coverage, and whether you need short-term or long-term coverage.
4. Cigna Healthcare
Cigna Global offers international health insurance designed for students who plan to live and study abroad for an extended period. The plans provide coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries, along with access to mental health support and multilingual customer service available around the clock.
Best for: Students seeking flexibility and international coverage that can travel with them.
Pros:
- Worldwide coverage network.
- Flexible Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans.
- Strong inpatient benefits.
- Optional add-ons available.
Cons:
- Premium plans can become costly.
- May offer more coverage than some students need.
Price range: Custom pricing based on age, destination, and selected coverage.
5. ISI
International Student Insurance (ISI) has been helping students find affordable health coverage since 2001. And it has insured more than 2 million students from over 200 nationalities. It offers a range of plans designed for international students, exchange visitors, and OPT participants, with options that can meet visa and university insurance requirements. Depending on the plan selected, students can access benefits such as mental health coverage, maternity care, sports coverage, prescription benefits, and emergency medical assistance.
Best for: Students looking for affordable coverage with multiple plan options.
Pros:
- Multilingual customer support.
- Designed specifically for international students and OPT participants.
Cons:
- Benefits and coverage limits vary significantly between plans.
- Some plans have waiting periods or restrictions for pre-existing conditions.
- Not every university accepts every ISI plan.
Price range: Starting from $29 per month, with pricing varying based on age, destination, coverage level, and plan selected.
How to choose the right student insurance plan
The best insurance plan for you depends on several factors, including where you’re studying, your budget, and the type of healthcare coverage you need. While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option available, it’s important to look beyond the monthly premium and understand exactly what the policy covers.
Start by checking the insurance requirements for both your destination country and your university. Purchasing a plan that doesn’t meet these requirements could result in additional costs or you might even have to buy a second policy.
Next, take a close look at the coverage limits. A lower-cost plan may save money upfront, but it could leave you responsible for significant medical expenses that are not covered.
It’s also worth reviewing how the plan handles pre-existing conditions. Some insurers exclude them entirely, while others impose waiting periods before coverage begins. If you have ongoing healthcare needs, this should be one of the first things you verify.
Mental health support is another benefit you should look for. Moving abroad, adjusting to a new culture, and balancing academic pressures can be challenging. In such times, access to counseling, therapy, or other mental health services plays an important role.
Finally, consider your budget. The goal is to find a policy that offers the best balance of affordability and protection. Whether you choose ISO Student Health Insurance, IMG Student Health Advantage, Allianz Care, Cigna Global, or International Student Insurance (ISI), having the right coverage will let you focus on settling into your new home, succeeding in your studies, and making the most of your international experience.
