5 Best & Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students & Studying Abroad

5 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 coverage. Options listed work for J1, F1 or Schengen visas.

 

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 5 best insurances for international students, click here.

And keep reading all the way to the end, since I also write about 2 other international health insurance companies that can cover international students as well. 

So 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 5 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:

• • 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)?

 

Who do these international students health insurances for  work for?

For these international students studying abroad (exchange studies):

• Americans
• Canadians
• Australians
• Chinese
• Germans
• French
• Argentinians
• British
• Swedes
• New Zealanders

And for citizens from almost every other country studying abroad

 

For international students studying in:

• The United States
• Canada
• China
• Germany
• Sweden
• Spain
• Portugal
• France (European Union/Schengen Area as a whole)
• United Kingdom
• China (and Hong Kong)
• Australia
• Switzerland

And for students (middle/high school, college/university, undergrad/PhD) studying in almost any other country in the world

In other words, no matter your citizenship or which country you are moving to study, most of these international health plans will work for you since they are truly global insurances.

 

 

The 5 Best and Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students

Attention: Here’s a tip, take a few minutes and make a quote with all the companies mentioned below. I say from experience, a good search can save you a lot of money.

   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!)

 

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. Recently, IMG added telemedicine coverage for non-urgent cases and coverage for COVID-19 cases like any other illness and injury.

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!)

 

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). In addition, IMG covers COVID-19 and telemedicine costs for non-urgent cases. 

 

 

Plan #3: 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
• They cover COVID-19 and telemedicine consultations

 

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. Cigna Global – International Health Insurance for Students

Cigna Global, one of the largest health insurance companies in the world, has an excellent reputation in the health care industry. It offers plans for travelers, expats and of course, international students.

 

 

Cigna Global offers 3 main plans, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The plans cover the entire world, with the option of including the United States or not. All of them can be used by foreign students. Below is a table for comparing the plans:

 

 

Cigna allows you to have a flexible plan by adding optional modules to your insurance, such as:

• Include dental and eye treatments
• International evacuation and crisis assistance

 

The company also has a flexible payment policy, offering several options such as annual, monthly and quarterly payments.

 

What I like about the Cigna Global International Health Insurance for Students:

• It has an agile claim process, according to company data 95% of refund requests are received within 10 days
• One of Cigna’s differentials is its super complete service and online help center, with access to a list of more than 3,000 hospitals, online access for travelers and information guides
• Altogether Cigna is a partner of more than 1.65 million hospitals, doctors, clinics and specialists from around the world, giving a wide range of options to its beneficiaries
• They have 24/7 assistance to answer any of your questions

 

What I don’t like about the Cigna Global International Health Insurance for Students:

• Your most basic plan does not cover prenatal and postnatal care
• Does not provide coverage for outpatient consultations with specialists and doctors

 

    3. Now Health International

Now Health International is a leader in the international insurance market and its focus is to satisfy its clients with efficient and affordable plans.

Thus, one of the great advantages of this company is its state-of-the-art customer service, which provides information in a fast and practical way.

All Now Health plans are designed to meet, guide, and solve the challenges experienced by foreigners who reside in another country, including international students and exchange students around the world.

Plus, all plans are customizable so that they perfectly fit all your needs.

 

 

What I like about Now Health International Student Plans:

• Clear information and 24/7 customer service
• Coverage in over 190 countries and territories
• Various international insurance options and customizable plans
• Some plans offer coverage for maternity routines

 

What I don’t like about Now Health International Student Plans:

• In some procedures, Now Health works with a reimbursement system
• For plans with routine maternity coverage, you must wait a 12-month waiting period to access this benefit

 

   4. Allianz Worldwide Care
German company Allianz is one of the best well-known insurance company. They can offer health coverage to expats/immigrants as well as students abroad. So they have really good options for health insurance plans for J-1 visa students in the United States (and plans that cover the other types of student visas all over the world).

Besides their basic plan, Allianz Care, you can also choose from two more robust options: Allianz Care Pro and Allianz Care Plus.  

 

What I liked most about student health insurance with Allianz Care: 

• They have 24/7 customer support 
• Allianz’s app is easy and simple to use 
• You can add family members (spouse or children) to your insurance plan
• They offer specific mental health help as well for students with stress or anxiety 
• In most cases, you don’t pay the healthcare provider directly (Allianz pays them directly for your consultation so you don’t have to request reimbursement)

What I liked least about student health insurance with Allianz Care: <

• The website is a bit complicated to navigate if you’re looking for specific info about coverage  
• You need to pay extra fees for services like dental assistance or repatriation depending on your plan

 

 

    5. Foyer Global Health

Foyer Global Health offers international health insurance depending on your needs. Basic or Premium? Short or long term stay? Alone or with the family? Regardless of your needs, there is a plan that suits them.

 

 

The company has 3 different plans, see below the main differences between them:

 

ESSENCIAL

• Consultations, surgery and anesthetics
• Therapeutic devices and devices only if necessary as a rescue measure, such as cardiac pacemakers
• Congenital diseases, only up to a maximum of € 100,000 per life
• Does not cover maternity and childbirth care

 

ESPECIAL

• Consultations, surgery and anesthetics
• Therapeutic devices and devices up to € 2,000 for therapeutic aids and devices, such as artificial limbs and prostheses
• Congenital diseases up to a maximum of € 150,000 per life
• Covers maternity and childbirth care, up to € 5,000 with a 10-month waiting period

   
EXCLUSIVE

• Consultations, surgery and anesthetics
• Unlimited therapeutic devices and devices
• Congenital diseases up to a maximum of € 200,000 per life
• Maternity and childbirth care, midwife or nurse services at the hospital up to € 20,000 and a 10-month waiting period

What I like about Foyer Global Health plans:

• All plans include consultations, surgeries and basic dental treatments
• 24-hour phone and email service with experienced advisers, doctors and specialists
• Offers evacuation and repatriation service
• Medical support and pre-trip advice (vaccinations, preparation of a first aid kit)

 

What I don’t like about the Foyer Global Health plans:

• Your most basic plan does not cover prenatal and postnatal care

 

Bonus Health Insurance Companies for International Students:

 

   – StudentSecure Insurance by WorldTrips

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

 

   – Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International from Global Underwriters

Global Underwriters offers international health insurance plans for a wide range of travelers, including students and exchangers.

Among GU’s plans, I recommend Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International for international students. If you want to study in the US, take a look at the Diplomat America plan that is tailored to suit foreigners in the country.

 

 

What I like about Global Underwriters plans:

• Major student plans have coverage for medical evacuations, emergency dentistry and repatriation of remains
• Medical coverage of up to $1,000,000 in Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International plans
• Coverage and assistance in case of lost luggage and interruptions during travel
• Up to $1,000,000 available for coverage in cases of accidental death or dismemberment
  They have 24/7 customer service assistance

 

 

What I don’t like about the Global Underwriters plans:

• Diplomat International plan does not cover Covid-19
• Diplomat Long Term does not serve students residing in Australia and Iran, as well as New York, Maryland, South Dakota
• The Diplomat Long Term plan does not cover travel to Cuba, Iran and Afghanistan

 

   – 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

 

 

 

2 International Health Insurance Companies That Can Also Be Used by International Students

The two companies I will list below do not specifically offer health insurance plans for students abroad, instead they offer international and even global health insurance.

And it is almost certain that your school or university abroad will accept these insurances when evaluating your documentation. That’s because these companies offer their services almost worldwide and have very complete coverage.

My advice to you is, make a quote on these two companies and compare with the value of the insurance plans mentioned above. If any of these offer good coverage at a lower price than other companies, check with your school or university abroad to see if they accept such insurance. This is a great chance to save money before venturing out to another country!

 

•  Geoblue

Geoblue is another great option when choosing international health insurance, especially if your destination is the United States. Geoblue has exceptional quality standards and is among the outstanding companies in the area.

 

 

What I like about Geoblue’s international health insurance:

• High standards of service and quality
• Adaptable plans for your real needs
• 24-hour service every day of the week
• Some plans cover evacuation, medical appointments and necessary care during maternity
• They have ophthalmology and dentistry options
• The Xplorer plan has no medical cap, covers extreme sports and does not charge deductibles for standard services or cancellation fees

 

 

What I don’t like about Geoblue’s international health insurance:

• Does not serve residents of New York and Washington
• It is necessary to contact a broker to find out about the prices of the plans

 

 

• Aetna (acquired by Allianz)

Aetna is an exceptional company in the field of international health insurance. One of the reasons for this is that their main objective is to provide service and service within the expectations and needs of their customers.

One of the advantages of getting an Aetna plan is that they work with several flexible plans capable of adapting to your profile.

 

 

What I like about Aetna’s international health insurance:

• They have been on the market for over 5 decades
• It has flexible and bespoke plans
• They have 24/7 specialized service
• Most plans provide coverage for emergency evacuations, cancer treatments, repatriation and hospitalizations.
• It is an award-winning company with titles such as “Health Insurer of the Year” and “Best International Private Health Insurance Provider”
• They have an app that encourages customers to maintain healthier habits with a points and awards system

 

 

What I don’t like about Aetna’s international health insurance:

• No travel insurance plans for travelers and their families
• The website is not very clear about some of the plans’ coverage

 

 

Summary Comparison of the 5 insurance companies for international students (with links for you to get a quote)

IMGlobal	Cigna Global	Foyer Global Health	WorldTrips (STUDENTSECURE Plans)	Global Underwriters
Student Health Advantage (maximum limit $500,000)	Silver (maximum limit $1,000,000)	Essential (No maximum limit)	Smart (maximum benefit $ 200,000)	Diplomat America (maximum benefit of $1,000,000)
Student Health Advantage Platinum (maximum limit $1000,000)	Gold (maximum limit $2,000,000)	Special (No maximum limit)	Budget (maximum benefit $ 500,000)	Diplomat Long Term (maximum $1,000,000)
Patriotic Exchange Program (maximum limit $5,000,000)	Platinum (No maximum limit)	Exclusive (No maximum limit)	Select (maximum benefit $ 600,000)	Diplomat International (maximum benefit $1,000,000)
			Elite (maximum benefit $ 1,000,000)

 

An in-depth analysis and comparison of the 5 best and cheapest international student insurance plans

	IMGlobal	Cigna Global	Foyer Global Health	WorldTrips (STUDENTSECURE Plans)	Global Underwriters
Medical Maximum	$5.000.000	Unlimited on the Platinum plan	There are no limits regardless of the plan	$1,000,000	$1,000,000
Mental health  Benefit	Not specified	Unlimited for up to 90 days	Included in all plans, with a 10-month waiting period	Outpatient: $50 maximum per day, $500 maximum	Not specified
Inpatient Prescription Drugs	80% of expenses out of network or 100% in network(US) and internationally	Not specified	There is coverage
Outpatient Prescription Drugs	50% of actual charges 90 days maximum for dispensing	Not specified	Not specified	For Generic Drugs: 100% coinsurance Brand Name drugs: 50% coinsurance Specialty Drugs: No coverage	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
Repatriation of remains	$25,000 maximum or $5,000 for cremation	Optional	Optional	Extends to  $50,000 maximum for lifetime	Included in
Evacuation in case of an emergency	$50.000	Optional	Optional	For Generic Drugs: 100% coinsurance Brand Name drugs: 50% coinsurance Specialty Drugs: No coverage	Included in
Hospital Room	Offered up to the average semi-private room rate	Private Room	Private Room	Extends to  $50,000 maximum for lifetime	Usual
Terrorism	$50.000	Not specified	Not specified	Extends to  $500,000 maximum in a lifetime eligible medical expenses only	Not specified
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)	$25,000 principal sum which is not subject to deductible	$ 25,000 for the lead participant; $ 10,000 for spouse participating in the plan; $ 5,000 for a child participating in the plan; Aggregate limit of $ 250,000 for the total number of policyholders in the plan	Optional	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	Included in
Emergency Dental	$500 period of coverage per injury	Optional	Optional	Up to $250 maximum per tooth; $500 maximum per certificate period	Included in
Maternity	Covered only in the platinum plan	In the Platinum plan, $14,000/ €11,000/ £9,000	Special and Exclusive plan only	Up to $25,000	Depends on the plan
Pre-existing conditions	$1500 maximum limit after a 12 month waiting period	In the Platinum plan, $39,000/ €30,500/ £25,000	There is coverage	6 months waiting period	There is no coverage in the Diplomat America plan
Intensive Care Unit	Company pays 100% after the deductible is met	In the Platinum plan, it completely covers	There is coverage	Up to overall maximum unit	There is coverage
Vaccinations	Not specified	Optional	Special and Exclusive plan only	$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)	Not specifie
Routine Newborn Care	Not specified	Optional	Special and Exclusive plan only	Up to $750	Not specifie

 

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.

 

Summing up….

5 Best & Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students & Studying Abroad

1. IMGlobal
2. Cigna Global
3. Now Health International
4. Allianz
5. Foyer Global Health
6. HCCMIS 

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).