Find your Insurance Plan
Use our Plan Finder to explore the best options tailored to your school, visa, and travel details.
No sign-up. No obligation. Just a free tool to find your best insurance option.
How to choose the best
Health Insurance Plan for International Students
Finding the right health insurance can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you’re just arriving in the U.S. or switching plans after graduation, we’re here to help.
Our Plan Finder guides you step by step to the best options based on your school, visa type, and personal needs.
And if you’re not sure what terms like deductible, copay, or waiver mean – don’t worry. The answers are just below.
Good to know…
Before you choose a plan, it helps to know a few basics.
Here are answers to the most common questions about student health insurance in the U.S.
How do I know which plan is best for me?
Start with your school and visa type – that narrows down your options. Then think about what you need most: lower cost, easier waiver approval, or better coverage? Our Plan Finder helps you compare.
What if my school has special requirements?
Some schools require specific benefits (like unlimited coverage or a low deductible). No problem – we’ll ask for your school name and only show you plans that are likely to meet your school’s waiver criteria.
Is the cheapest plan always the best choice?
Not necessarily. While lower-cost plans may look attractive, they often come with higher deductibles and fewer benefits. Ask yourself: What would happen if you actually need to use your insurance? A few extra dollars now could save you thousands later.
Why choose a plan with strong protection?
Serious accidents can happen anytime – even while walking or biking. A comprehensive plan with high coverage and low out-of-pocket costs can save you from major financial stress. Better protection = better peace of mind.
Completely unexpected – are you covered?
Even healthy students can end up in the hospital. An emergency surgery like an appendectomy can cost thousands – or much more if complications arise. Choose a plan with strong coverage and realistic limits.
Take care of your body and mind
To succeed, you need to stay healthy – physically and mentally. Choose a plan that includes mental health support, preventive care, and essential services like vaccines and GYN visits. You’re worth the investment.
Insurance 101
What is a deductible?
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Before your insurance pays anything, you have to cover some costs yourself. That’s your deductible. Imagine going to an amusement park—before you can ride the rollercoasters
(get insurance benefits), you have to buy a ticket (pay your deductible).
What is a copay?
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A copay is a small, fixed amount you pay every time you see a doctor. Let’s say you visit a clinic, and the doctor fee is $150, but your copay is just $20. That means you only pay $20, and insurance is billed for the rest. It’s like a VIP discount for medical care.
What is coinsurance?
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After you pay your deductible, insurance doesn’t just cover everything 100%. You still share a bit of the cost.
If your coinsurance is 80/20, that means insurance pays 80%, and you pay 20%. It’s like splitting a pizza—insurance takes the big slices, you take the small ones.
What is a Out-of-pocket Maximum?
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Good news! There’s a limit to how much you’ll ever pay in a year. If you hit your out-of-pocket maximum, insurance may cover 100% of eligible costs after that. It's like a video game- once you hit the maximum level, you pay a lot less!
What is a pre-existing condition?
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A pre-existing condition is any health issue you had before your insurance started – like asthma, diabetes, or a past surgery. Some plans don’t cover treatment for those in the first year, so always check. It’s like trying to return a broken item you bought before the warranty began.
What means Medical Repatriation?
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This is when your condition is stable, and it’s safer or better to continue your recovery back in your home country.
Think of it as a paid flight home for your health – arranged and paid for by your insurance in serious cases.
