OPT Health Insurance Plans for F-1 Visa Holders
OPTima Enhanced
$79 per month
- Annual maximum Unlimited
- Per injury/sickness maximum $500,000
- Deductible per event $250
- Copay emergency room - $350
- Coinsurance in-network - 75%
- Pre-existing conditions - Covered after 12 months
- Medical evacuation - $60,000
- Repatriation of remains - $50,000
- Provider network - Aetna PPO
OPTima Basic
$39 per month
- Annual maximum Unlimited
- Per injury/sickness maximum $125,000
- Deductible per event $400
- Copay emergency room - $350
- Coinsurance in-network - 75%
- Pre-existing conditions - Covered after 12 months
- Medical evacuation - $50,000
- Repatriation of remains - $25,000
- Provider network - Aetna PPO
ISO OPTima Insurance for F1 OPT
After graduation, F-1 visa holders entering the Optional Practical Training (OPT) period are no longer covered by university-sponsored health insurance. ISOA’s OPT plans are designed to bridge that gap, offering affordable, flexible coverage tailored to your post-completion OPT and STEM OPT needs.
ISO’s OPTima plans provide an affordable option for those on their F1 OPT (Optional Practical Training) period. Our plans are designed to help you stay insured once your student coverage ends. You can enroll as soon as you apply for your EAD card and get OPT insurance before/during your employment.
About Our OPT Plans
- OPTima Enhanced – Enhanced coverage with broader benefits and lower deductibles.
- OPTima Basic – Short-term coverage for OPT and STEM OPT with essential benefits.
Why ISO
- Over 25 years serving international students
- U.S.-based customer support
- Access to Aetna PPO network
- Plans designed specifically for F-1 visa holders on OPT
- For international students by international students
Any Questions?
We Are Here to Help
Additional FAQ
Though there is no federal mandate for those on F1 OPT to be enrolled, it is always highly encouraged due to the high costs of medical services in the United States. Accidents happen – and being uninsured for even one day in the US puts you at risk of potentially thousands of dollars of debt. If you won’t receive coverage from your school or employer, ISO’s OPTima plan options can help keep you covered during your full OPT period across the US. Review our plan links above.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the period where international students on an F1/M1 visa can work legally in the United States after their graduation. After applying and being verified, a student can be granted up to 12 months of employment authorization (24 months available for those in STEM programs.
Yes. Our OPTima plans are designed to provide flexibility to all of those who are applying for F1 OPT. You can enroll from minimum 1 month and up to 12 months coverage, so it is a viable option to purchase after graduation but before your employer plan may start.
ISO is the leading provider of health plans for international students and visa holders in the USA. Since 1958, ISO prides itself on being a pioneer in serving international students with health insurance. We have provided our services to the growing US international student community, including over:
- 1,000,000 international students
- 6,700 universities, colleges, and schools nationwide
- 200 countries and territories of origin
- $100 million in paid claims.
Our employees are US based former international students and OPT participants that understand your health insurance needs and concerns.
You can apply for F1 OPT beginning from 90 days before your academic program ends, and until 60 days after your academic program ends. Your school should provide a lot of help in the process but it’s best to stay on top of this and submit your application as soon as possible, as there can be delays in the wait time for application approval.
F-1 visa holders who have graduated and are on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT are eligible. You can enroll even before your employment begins.
Yes, ISO OPT plans are available for both standard OPT and STEM OPT extension periods.
No. You can enroll as soon as you apply for your EAD card, even if you haven’t started working yet.
Yes. Coverage is available regardless of employment status during OPT.
Yes. These plans are specifically designed for graduates who are no longer covered by university insurance.
Yes. Coverage is available regardless of employment status during OPT.
Yes. ISO plans use the Aetna PPO network
You can visit the Aetna PPO network website to find a provider. You can also visit our provider page once logged in to find a health care provider
Yes. ISO offers phone and email support for all plan holders, including OPT participants. Our agents are US based and are happy to assist with any issue.