3 Best and Cheapest International Health Insurance Plans for students, faculty, and scholars. Whether you’re studying abroad, doing an exchange study program, or are going to graduate from a university or school overseas, you will be required to have medical insurance. Options listed work for J1, F1 or Schengen visas.
Picture by Matt Madd, licensed under CC BY 2.0
These days, it’s easier than ever for students to study abroad and complete all (or part) of their degree at a school or university overseas.
But of course, the anxiety of moving, settling in, and adapting to a lifestyle and culture different from your own can be overwhelming….and there are all sorts of little details you need to take care of.
(To help with your move, here’s an article I wrote about the First 17 Things You Need to Do After Moving to a New Country or City)
And one of those details you want to make sure you prioritize? Health insurance.
It’s not fun, it’s not exciting….but it is important. Primarily because many international universities or study abroad programs will require you to have a student health insurance.
But also because different countries have different health insurance policies. And what applies in your native country might not work in your newfound home (and truly, you don’t want to get stuck without insurance in a foreign country!).
Although most universities and colleges have a partner insurance that they offer to their international students, I’ve found that these tend to be pretty expensive. Which means you’re often better off finding your own insurance.
But as you search for international health insurance coverage for students, keep in mind that some colleges and universities won’t accept all insurance plans. So, before purchasing an insurance plan, we highly recommend asking your school or university what their minimum requirements are in terms of deductibles, coverage amounts, and what they do and don’t cover.
What I recommend is that, if you choose a specific health insurance for students, you should ask your university or school if they accept that specific one. And only once they’ve confirmed should you purchase!
If you want to skip ahead directly to the list of the 3 best insurances for international students, click here.
And now….let’s get started!
What is international student health insurance?
Just like at home, accidents and illnesses can also happen when you’re a student overseas.
And since the insurance that covers you at home likely doesn’t work in your new country of residence, international student health insurance will make sure you’re covered no matter what happens.
Plus, having international student insurance is a requirement to study abroad in many countries.
How do I know if I need international student health insurance while studying abroad?
If you’re on a scholarship or completing a specific study abroad program, often your school will take care of insurance for you.
But truly, the best thing you can do is ask your school and see if it’s a requirement or if they provide it.
In certain cases, you might be able to get away with just purchasing travel insurance (see the next question for more on this).
What’s the difference between international student health insurance, expat insurance, and travel insurance? Which one do I need?
In general, if you are a student with a student visa and your school isn’t taking care of insurance for you, you’ll need international student health insurance. Luckily, this type of insurance is often the cheapest of the 3 options.
If you’re going to be studying in a school/program for 3 months or less and don’t need a student visa (meaning you’re there either on a tourist visa or don’t need a visa at all), you can often just use travel insurance. Learn more about travel insurance and the best plans in our article here.
If you’re moving abroad but not going to be a student, then you likely need expat insurance. Learn more about expat insurance and the best plans in our article here.
International Health Insurance for Students Quick Summary:
- Used by students, scholars, and faculty moving abroad for a long period of time (and is often cheaper than regular expat health insurance)
- Covers your medical needs just like your insurance would back home
- Is a requirement to have to study in some countries (like studying abroad in the United States or Europe)
How do I choose the right international student health insurance plan?
Obviously, this will depend on a lot of things about you personally. But here’s a couple of things to keep in mind:
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- Does the insurance coverage meet the minimum requirements of your school? (Call and ask before purchasing a plan if you aren’t sure)
- How convenient are the care options? Can you visit any doctor, hospital, or clinic with their coverage? Or are you limited to their network?
- Are the reviews mostly positive or negative?
- Does the plan cover pre-existing conditions?
- Do they cover emergencies like terrorism incidents and emergency evacuation?
- If you have dependents (like children or a spouse) does the insurance cover them as well?
- Do they cover any specific medications you need to take?
- Does the plan meet my J1 or J2 visa requirement (if studying in the United States)?
- Is the insurance plan accepted in the Schengen area in Europe?
- Does the plan meet my student visa requirements (if studying anywhere else in the world)?
The 3 Best and Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students
1 – International Student Health Insurance by IMG
IMGlobal offers a variety of insurance plans for students (as well as insurance plans for expats and crew members).
These are the 3 plans they offer:
Plan #1: The Patriot Exchange Program (perfect for students studying abroad in the United States!)
https://www.imglobal.com/travel-medical-insurance/patriot-exchange-program
This program is designed specifically to meet all the U.S. visa requirements for international students (especially for J1 and J2 visa holders). It also covers spouses (husband or wife) and children.
You can choose plans with maximum limits of $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, or $500,000 for injury/illness.
One thing to note: if you’re female, some schools will require that your insurance covers maternity care. This one does not cover it. If this is a requirement for your school, consider the two plans below.
Plan #2: Student Health Advantage (perfect for students studying in Europe/under the Schengen visa!)
https://www.imglobal.com/travel-medical-insurance/student-health-advantage
This program meets visa requirements (for most countries) for international students in a sponsored study abroad program. You can get plans for individuals as well as groups.
It covers mental health disorders, maternity care, and pre-existing conditions (which are things many other plans don’t cover).
Plan #3: Student Health Advantage Platinum
https://www.imglobal.com/travel-medical-insurance/student-health-advantage-platinum
This plan is exactly like the above but offers double the maximum coverage: $1,000,000
What I like about IMG’s International Student Insurance:
- Most of their plans are designed to cover the J1 and J2 visa requirements for international students studying in the U.S.
- Most of their plans are also designed to cover students studying in Europe/Schengen visa countries
- They have more than 17,000 healthcare providers for you to choose from internationally
- They cover students of all nationalities
- Their customer service is available 24/7 (in case of emergencies)
- Their plans are designed for individuals as well as groups of 5 or more
What I don’t like about IMG’s International Student Insurance:
- Not all their plans cover maternity care or pre-existing conditions (or there is a 1-year waiting period to cover pre-existing conditions)
2 – StudentSecure Insurance by HCCMIS
HCCMIS from the Tokio Marine group offers insurance for full-time students and scholars studying away from home (alongside the usual travel insurance offerings).
These are the 4 levels of international student health insurance coverage they offer:
StudentSecure Elite
- Offers the lowest deductibles and the highest maximum coverage
- Meets J-1 visa requirements
- You only have to wait 6 months before a pre-existing condition can be covered
- Offers club/intramural/intercollegiate sports coverage
- Covers Personal Liability
StudentSecure Select
- Meets J-1 visa requirement
- You only have to wait 6 months before a pre-existing condition can be covered
- Optional Crisis Response rider for ransom, your personal belongings, and crisis fees
StudentSecure Budget
- Pre-existing condition coverage begins after 12 months from purchasing the insurance
- Meets J-1 visa requirement
- Mid-level benefits & deductible
StudentSecure Smart
- Lowest cost plan (but also has lowest benefits)
- Highest deductibles
- Doesn’t cover club sports
- Meets J-1 visa requirement
- Can only cover a pre-existing condition on its acute onset
Here is a comparison of the 4 HCC StudentSecure Benefits and Limits per plans (click to see full chart):
What I like about HCCMIS’ StudentSecure plans:
- Emergency dental care (in case of an accident) is covered up to $250 maximum per tooth and $500 maximum in the certificate period
- They all meet the J-1 visa requirements
- They offer a savings plan if you pay your full premium in advance
What I don’t like about the HCCMIS’ StudentSecure plans:
- There is no coverage for pre-existing conditions in their Smart plan
- There is a 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions to be covered even in their Elite plan
- There is no coverage for vaccinations unless you get the Elite plan
- There is no coverage for maternity and nursery care for newborns in the Smart plan
3 – Liaison Student Series by Seven Corners
Like the others, Seven Corners offers medical insurance for a wide variety of travelers, including a variety of plans for international students.
They offer the following plans for students: Liaison Student Economy, Liaison Student Choice, and Liaison Student Elite. These can cover you worldwide with the option to include or exclude the U.S.
Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
What I like about Seven Corners Liaison Student Plans:
- They have an extension of benefits for you in your home country
- They cover maternity and routine newborn care
- They offer to return remains or cremate them
- They have 24/7 travel assistance and customer services
- They have optional coverage for sports/adventurous activities
What I don’t like about Seven Corners Liaison Student Plans:
- You have to wait for nearly a year (364 days) of continuous coverage before a pre-existing condition is covered
- Their benefits for maternity coverage are reduced by 25% if you don’t notify them of your pregnancy within the first 90 days
- They have state restrictions in Maryland, Washington, New York, South Dakota, and Colorado
Summary Comparison of the three insurance companies for international students (with links for you to get a quote)
| IMGlobal | SEVEN CORNERS (Liaison Plans) | HCCMIS (STUDENTSECURE Plans) |
| Student Health Advantage (maximum limit $500,000) | Liaison Student Economy (Lifetime Medical Maximum $5,000,000) | Smart (maximum benefit $ 200,000) |
| Student Health Advantage Platinum (maximum limit $1000,000) | Liaison Student choice (Lifetime Medical Maximum $5,000,000) | Budget (maximum benefit $ 500,000) |
| Patriotic Exchange Program (maximum limit $5,000,000) | Liaison Student Elite (Lifetime Medical Maximum $5,000,000) | Select (maximum benefit $ 600,000) |
| Elite (maximum benefit $ 1,000,000) |
An in-depth analysis and comparison of the 3 best and cheapest international student insurance plans
| IMG | SEVEN CORNERS (Liaison Plans) | HCCMIS (STUDENTSECURE Plans) | |
| Medical Maximum | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Mental health Benefit | Not specified | Inpatient: $10,000 (45 days max) Outpatient: 80% of URC to $1,000 | Outpatient: $50 maximum per day, $500 maximum. |
| Inpatient Prescription Drugs | 80% of expenses out of network or 100% in network(US) and internationally | INSIDE THE UNITED STATES $10 copay for generic/$20 copay for brand name (not subject to the deductible)OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES $0 copay (deductible applies) |
|
| Outpatient Prescription Drugs | 50% of actual charges 90 days maximum for dispensing. | INSIDE THE UNITED STATES $10 copay for generic/$20 copay for brand name (not subject to the deductible)OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES $0 copay (deductible applies |
For Generic Drugs: 100% coinsurance
Brand Name drugs: 50% coinsurance Specialty Drugs: No coverage |
| Repatriation of remains | $25,000 maximum or $5,000 for cremation | $50,000 or
$5,000 for cremation |
Extends to $50,000 maximum for lifetime |
| Evacuation in case of an emergency | $50,000 | $10,000 | Extends to $500,000 maximum for a lifetime |
| Hospital Room | Offered up to the average semi-private room rate | Usual, Reasonable and Customary to the medical maximum. | $350 for treatment received in an emergency room |
| Terrorism | $50,000 | $100,000 | Extends to $50,000 maximum in a lifetime eligible medical expenses only |
| Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) | $25,000 principal sum which is not subject to deductible. | $25,000 for primary participant; $10,000 for plan participant spouse; $5,000 for plan participant child; Aggregate limit of $250,000 for total number of insured on plan | Lifetime maximum- $25,000
Death- $25,000 Loss of 2 limbs $25,000 Loss of 1 limb $12,500 Optional AD&D Rider: Additional $25,000 lifetime maximum |
| Emergency Dental | $500 period of coverage per injury | $2,500 | Up to $250 maximum per tooth; $500 maximum per certificate period. |
| Maternity | Covered only in the platinum plan | INSIDE THE UNITED STATES In PPO Network: 80% up to $25,000 Out of PPO Network:60% up to $25,000 OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES80% up to $25,000 Benefits reduced 25% for failure to notify us within the first 90 days of pregnancy. |
Up to $25,000 |
| Pre-existing conditions | $1500 maximum limit after a 12 month waiting period | Covered like any other disablement, one has to wait for 364 days though after which you enjoy $25,000 for primary participant; $10,000 for plan participant spouse; $5,000 for plan participant child; Aggregate limit of $250,000 for total number of insureds on plan. | 6 months waiting period |
| Intensive Care Unit | Company pays 100% after the deductible is met. | $50,000(separate from medical maximum) | Up to overall maximum unit |
| Vaccinations | Not specified | $200 per 364 days of coverage subject to if required by the school or the visa program | $150.
The following are covered: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (TDAP); Chicken Pox (Varicella); Hepatitis B; and Meningitis (Meningococcal MCV4 and B) (These are not subject to coinsurance or deductible) |
| Routine Newborn Care | Not specified | $750 per newborn child | Up to $750 |
Do the student insurance plans above cover the requirements of the F1 and J1 visa (for international students studying the United States)?
Yes, all the plans above meet the visa requirements for the J1 visa.
But F1 visas do not always require you to show proof of health insurance. Check with your school or university in the US to find out if you need insurance or not and what kind they accept.
Either way, it’s recommended that you have at least a travel insurance to avoid being completely without medical coverage.
Do the insurance plans above cover for studying abroad in Europe/the Schengen visa?
IMG provides great coverage for those studying in the Schengen area (since its plans meet the Schengen area requirements).
How do I prove to my school abroad that I’m covered by a health insurance?
BEFORE you do anything else, talk to your school and make sure you know their requirements for health insurance.
(The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money on a plan they won’t even accept)
Then, once you’ve purchased a plan (which is hopefully one you know your school will accept), the insurance company will send you a certificate. All you have to do is send this certificate to the appropriate person at your university, college, or school.
How do I file a claim with my student health insurance in case of accident, injury, or illness?
Head to our article about travel insurance here and scroll down to the bottom for the “General Tips to Guarantee You Get Back Your Travel Insurance Reimbursement” section for a complete breakdown.
Conclusion….
Whether you’re an international student, faculty, or scholar, you’re going to want to get health insurance when studying or working abroad. This’ll help make sure your time abroad goes smoothly and you don’t end up spending all your study abroad savings on medical care! Plus, for many countries and schools abroad, it’s a requirement that you purchase an international student health insurance plan.
I know dealing with health insurance can be tricky, so if you have any questions about what plan is best for you or how any of this works, please let us know in the comments below!
Are you studying abroad and need to receive or send money back home cheaply?
I have a specific article to help you make international transfers as cheaply as possible: The 5 Best Websites for International Money Transfers (send and receive money from abroad).
Planning your next trip?
Then don’t forget travel insurance! You don’t want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. WorldNomads is ideal for adventurous travelers, backpackers, or anyone looking to be protected during their trip. They cover almost every single activity you can image!
Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, we recommend Booking.com. They have a huge selection of hotels and hostels all over the world. Plus, in most cases, you can cancel your reservation without any costs up to a few days before the check-in date!
Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at KAYAK. It’s a flight aggregator that combines several other ticket search websites to make it easier for you to compare prices and make sure you are getting the best deal.
And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then check out Rentalcar.com to search and compare car rental companies from all over the world on a single website. Then, you can find the cheapest price for the best car!
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