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Insurance Plans for F, J or M Visa University Students

The plans below are examples commonly used by international students.
Your actual options depend on your school, visa, and location.
Use our Plan Finder to discover the best available insurance plans tailored to your needs – in just 3 quick steps.

Benchmark

Choose your deductible amount:
  • Annual maximum: Unlimited
  • Max per Injury/Sickness: Unlimited
  • Deductible per period of insurance: $250 or $500
From
$121 /month
Regional Pricing (RP) - Rates may vary by region
Start Plan Finder

This plan may not be available for your school.

Care

  • Annual maximum: Unlimited
  • Max per Injury/Sickness: $500,000
  • Deductible per period of insurance: $250
From
$84 /month
Regional Pricing (RP) - Rates may vary by region
Start Plan Finder

This plan may not be available for your school.

Savings

  • Annual/Lifetime maximum: $200,000
  • Max per Injury/Sickness: $100,000
  • Deductible per Injury/Illness: $100
From
$34 /month
Regional Pricing (RP) - Rates may vary by region
Start Plan Finder

This plan may not be available for your school.

Virtual Healthcare Icon

Find your best plan - tailored just for you!

These plans are example plans commonly used by international students.
Use our Plan Finder to explore the best options tailored to your school, visa, and travel details.

No login required – get instant access.

Start Plan Finder

International Student Health Insurance in the USA –
Simple, safe & school-approved

Getting ready to study in the U.S.? There’s a lot to figure out – from class schedules and roommates to health insurance requirements.
If you're coming on an F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa, most schools will ask for proof of valid health insurance.
You might even be automatically enrolled in their plan — unless you submit your own.
We’re here to help you to understand what kind of coverage you need,
and how to meet your school’s waiver requirements.

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Common Questions, Easy Answers

Quick Facts for F-1, J-1 & M-1 Students Your health plan is part of staying enrolled and protected – here’s what you should know.

Do I really need health insurance in the U.S.?

Yes – almost every college or university will ask you to show proof of insurance. Without it, you might not be able to register for classes or stay in your program.

What if my school already offers a plan?

Some schools automatically sign you up for their insurance. But others let you choose your own – as long as your plan meets their rules. That’s where waiver forms come in. Read more

What does my plan need to cover?

Every school is different, but most want you to have:
✔ at least $100,000 per accident or illness
✔ a U.S.-based PPO network
✔ coverage for doctor visits, mental health, emergencies, prescriptions
✔ low deductible (usually under $500)
We design our plans to match those typical requirements. Read more

Do I need insurance before I arrive in the U.S.?

Yes – your school or visa sponsor may want to see your insurance info before your program starts. It should be active by the date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Do I need an ACA-compliant plan?

Some schools ask for ACA-compliant insurance. We offer plans that meet those standards – and we’re happy to help you check what your school requires.
More on ACA requirements

Are there special insurance rules for the J-1 visa?

Yes – J-1 students must meet specific government rules.
More on J-1 visa requirements

Waiver Check
Waiver Requirements
✖

Not sure if our plan meets your school’s requirements?
We are happy to help! Send us your school's waiver form or a link to the waiver guidelines, and we’ll check if our insurance meets the requirements – free of charge and with no obligation. Go to Waiver Check

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I waive the university insurance plan? +
Most schools provide a waiver form that you can complete online or as a PDF. You’ll need to show that your insurance meets the university’s requirements. Once submitted, the school will review and confirm whether your plan is accepted.
What are the health insurance requirements for my visa? +
If you're on an F-1 or M-1 visa, insurance is usually required by your school – not by the government. If you're on a J-1 visa, you must meet official U.S. Department of State (DOS) insurance standards. See J visa-specific requirements here
What does the waiver form require? +
Waiver forms usually ask for specific coverage amounts (e.g. $100,000 per illness/injury), access to a U.S. PPO network, mental health benefits, prescription coverage, and a low deductible. We design our plans to meet these typical requirements.
More details here

What if my waiver isn’t accepted? +
If your waiver is denied, the school may automatically enroll you in their insurance plan and bill your student account. You can still contact your school to ask for clarification or appeal if needed. And no worries — we offer a refund if your plan isn’t approved by your school, as long as no claims have been made.
What does ACA-compliant mean – and do I need it? +
ACA stands for the Affordable Care Act. Some universities require insurance that meets these standards, including preventive care, maternity, and mental health coverage. We offer student plans that are ACA-compliant.
More on ACA requirements here

Can I include my dependents in my insurance? +
Yes! If your spouse or children are coming with you on an F-2, J-2, or M-2 visa, they can be added to your plan during the enrollment process.
View all FAQs
Services:
Find your insurance plan
Waiver Check
FAQ
Contact us
MyInsurance

Insurance Plans for:
F, J or M Visa University Students
J Visa Scholars
OPT Participants
F or J Visa K12 Students
Resources:
Waiver & Insurance Requirements intl. Students
DOS Regulations for J1 Visa Holder
OPT Process explained
Agent BeWell Tips
Blog for intl. Students, Scholars and OPT Participants
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Need help? We are always here for you!

For eligibility, enrollment, or general questions such as brochure requests or information about a group plan:

Compass Student Insurance
116 Village Blvd, Suite 306
Princeton, NJ 08540
+1 781 356 1999
[email protected]
or simply use our chat or contact form!
For plan benefit and claims questions, ​
​please visit our page Myinsurance


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Best options for international student insurance plans for international students and visiting scholars in the USA. ​Compass Student Insurance offers health insurance plans for international students, scholars, and professionals in the U.S. Our plans meet the insurance requirements for F-1, J-1, M-1, H-1B visa holders and those on OPT. We work with UnitedHealthcare PPO, one of the largest U.S. networks, and support waiver approvals for most U.S. universities. Thousands of international students trust Compass for affordable, flexible health insurance — before and during their stay in the U.S.

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