F1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements: All You Need to Know

The United States health care system is the most expensive in the world, but it also provides the best medical services. For international students, navigating this system can be overwhelming, especially since most come from countries with universal healthcare. To help you navigate the US healthcare system, we answer the most common questions international students have about health insurance while on their F1 visa.

Do International Students Need to Buy Health Insurance?

Though insurance is not a set requirement – almost all U.S. universities have set F1 visa health insurance requirements and require international students to show proof of insurance to register for classes. Regardless - medical treatment in the U.S. can be extremely expensive, so having insurance is essential to protect you from the high costs of medical bill.

How Do I Check My School’s Insurance Requirements?

International students on F-1 visas must follow their university’s health insurance requirements. Depending on your school, you may be required to enroll in the school's plan or given the option to select your own accident and sickness plan.

What Type of Health Insurance Options are Available to F1 Visa Holders?

University Sponsored Health Insurance

Most schools offer their own health insurance which is designed to meet the requirements of international students. These plans are very comprehensive and provide good coverage, however, are extremely expensive. Enrolling in the school plan is very convenient as it is billed as a part of your school fees. Some universities also have a mandatory enrollment policy, where you will automatically be enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Often, schools will implement this requirement but allow waivers only if you have sufficient coverage through an employer or your sponsoring government embassy.

Schools such as Columbia University, University of Texas Dallas, and Northwestern University implement a mandatory school plan for international students.

Private Insurance – Waiver Options

The majority of the school plans are extremely expensive and add an unnecessary financial burden on international students. Most schools allow you to waive out of the school plan with a plan that meets the requirements set by the university. Luckily, many international students choose ISO to waive the school’s insurance as we offer plans that meet or exceed the university requirements. Our plans are much more affordable than the school plan, with similar coverage. Being able to waive out of the school plan helps international students save thousands of dollars.

This applies for schools such as the University of South Florida, Louisiana State University, and Virginia Tech.

ACA Compliant Plan - Are F1 Visa Holders Eligible for Obamacare?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also commonly called Obamacare, was signed into U.S. law in 2010. International students are not eligible for the ACA compliant plans as it is a federal law for U.S. citizens. However, your school may require you to enroll in the school plan or other ACA compliant coverage, as the benefits required by these types of plans are more comprehensive.

Schools that offer and expect you to enroll in ACA Compliant & ACA Comparable plans are NYU, UC Schools and The University of Chicago

Voluntary Insurance

Some institutions have no set insurance requirements for international students but highly recommend to have a health insurance plan. This means F1 students can select any medical insurance of their choice. In some cases, the school may not even check to see if you have coverage. It is always good to still try to get coverage even if your school does not deem coverage necessary since medical costs in the US are very expensive.

Comparing your international student insurance options

When comparing health insurance for F1 students, it’s essential to find a plan that suits your unique needs. Every international student has their own circumstances, so factors like your health, participation in activities, and financial situation should guide your decision. Choosing between your school’s plan and a private international student insurance plan can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to assess your options based on the protect you from the high costs of medical bill.

School plan

The insurance plan offered by institutions typically will provide very comprehensive coverage to make sure you’re protected in case you wind up severely injured/sick. Having a high-benefit plan, on the other hand, can result in higher premiums. The cost of your school's insurance versus purchasing your own with comparable coverage will be the most important factor in determining which one to enroll in.

Some insurances offered by institutions can cost over $7,000 per semester and the plans do not have any level of customization so you may wind up paying for things you don’t need. For example, you may need to pay for dental/vision coverage with the school plan - even if you’ve gotten your routine services and will not need any follow-up visits while you’re abroad. However, the high level of benefits for the school plan will be beneficial for those who have pre-existing conditions or know that they go to the doctor often during the year for sickness/injury.

Alternative Insurance

If your school allows you to waive out of the school plan, private health insurance would be a more affordable and flexible option for you. Many private health insurance providers such as ISO specialize in creating plans that are designed to meet the insurance requirements set by your schools. These alternatives provide more than sufficient coverage at a fraction of the school plan, while still meeting your school's waiver requirements.

Whether you choose your school’s insurance or opt for a private plan, understanding the F1 visa health insurance requirements set by your school is crucial. Take into account your health needs and financial situation to make an informed decision. Private plans often offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising coverage, making them a strong option for many international students in the U.S.

ISO plans are guaranteed to meet your school's waiver requirements!

At ISO, each insurance plan is designed based on two factors. The federal government requirements for each visa status, and your school’s waiver requirements. ISO customizes plans to meet each school’s waiver requirements. All plans shown on the ISO website meet the school’s requirements, whether it is a university or community college, high school, or ESL institute, students can choose any plan that ISO offers!

We also provide affordable and flexible OPT insurance plans while you work in the United States. Our OPT insurance provides nationwide coverage; you can purchase a plan for just 1 month as you wait for employment!