F-1 Student Health Insurance: Requirements, Cost, and Best Plans

Health insurance is a major expense for F-1 students in the United States. Some universities charge more than $5,000 per year for student coverage, while private international student plans may advertise prices below $100 per month.

However, choosing the right plan is more complicated than finding the cheapest premium.

F-1 students need to consider:

• University insurance requirements
• Waiver eligibility
• Deductibles
• Copayments
• Provider networks
• Pre-existing condition coverage
• Mental health benefits
• Medical evacuation and repatriation

This guide explains F-1 student health insurance requirements, costs, and the best plan options in 2026.

Quick Comparison of F-1 Health Insurance Options

Prices and eligibility vary by student, university, state, age, and coverage period.

Is Health Insurance Required for an F-1 Visa?

F-1 students are responsible for obtaining health insurance for themselves and their families while studying in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)

There is not one single federal F-1 insurance plan that every international student must purchase.

In practice, detailed insurance requirements are often set by the university.

A school may:

• Automatically enroll students in its health plan
• Add the premium to the tuition bill
• Allow students to waive the university plan
• Require alternative coverage to meet specific minimum standards

For example, NYU requires students in degree programs to maintain health insurance, automatically enrolls many students, and allows waivers only when alternative coverage meets the university’s criteria. (nyu.edu)

Therefore, F-1 students should check both:

1. Their immigration responsibilities
2. Their university’s specific insurance policy

University Insurance vs. Private Insurance

University-sponsored insurance

A university plan may offer:

• Easy enrollment
• Access to campus health services
• Local hospital networks
• Prescription coverage
• Mental health treatment
• Preventive care

The main disadvantage is cost.

For 2026–2027, NYU publishes annual student premiums of:

• Basic Plan: $4,747
• Comprehensive Plan: $5,397

Private international student insurance

Private plans may cost much less, but they are not automatically accepted by universities.

Before buying one, confirm:

• Whether your school allows a waiver
• The waiver deadline
• Minimum coverage requirements
• Required local provider network
• Coverage dates

A low-cost plan that your university rejects may leave you paying for both plans.

1. ISO Gold

Best for: Affordable coverage with a balance of benefits

ISO Gold currently lists a monthly rate of:

$56 per month

Published benefits include:

• Unlimited annual maximum
• $300,000 maximum per injury or sickness
• $500 in-network annual deductible
• $50 primary care copay
• $60 specialist and urgent care copay
• 80% in-network coinsurance
• Aetna PPO network

Approximate annual premium

At the published monthly rate:

$672 for 12 months

Actual pricing may vary according to eligibility and age.

This can be attractive for healthy students whose universities accept the coverage.

2. ISO Platinum

Best for: Students who want a lower deductible and stronger benefits

ISO Platinum currently lists:

$87 per month

Published benefits include:

• Unlimited annual maximum
• $500,000 per injury or sickness
• $300 in-network annual deductible
• $30 primary care copay
• $50 specialist or urgent care copay
• 80% in-network coinsurance
• Aetna PPO network

Approximate annual premium

At the current published monthly price:

$1,044 for 12 months

This can provide a stronger balance of price and benefits than the cheapest student plans.

3. ISO Silver

Best for: Students focused on the lowest premium

ISO currently lists its Silver plan at:

$33 per month

Published features include:

• $400,000 annual maximum
• $150,000 per injury or sickness
• $45 deductible per event at a student health center
• $100 deductible per event elsewhere
• Aetna PPO network

Important warning

The plan also has more limited benefits than Gold or Platinum.

Students should carefully compare:

• Emergency room costs
• Per-condition maximums
• Pre-existing condition rules
• University waiver requirements

The cheapest monthly premium does not always create the lowest total healthcare cost.

4. PSI International Student Insurance

Best for: University-specific waiver support

PSI offers plans designed around specific schools and international student categories.

Students can search for their university and review:

• Recommended plans
• Coverage dates
• Waiver instructions
• Supporting documents

For example, PSI currently lists a University of Chicago plan for 2026–2027 at $1,095 annually, while prices at other universities differ significantly.

PSI can be useful for students whose main goal is replacing a costly university plan.

However, always search for your exact university because eligibility and pricing are school-specific.

5. IMG Student Health Advantage

Best for: Broader international student benefits

IMG offers plans designed for international students and scholars studying outside their home country.

Student Health Advantage includes benefits in areas such as:

• Mental health
• Maternity
• Organized sports
• International emergency care

The plan is annually renewable.

Pricing generally requires a personalized quote and may depend on:

• Age
• Coverage period
• Deductible
• Selected plan level

Students should read the policy documents carefully because exclusions and limitations may apply.

6. HealthCare.gov Marketplace Plans

Best for: Comprehensive health coverage

Eligible lawfully present noncitizens may purchase health insurance through the official U.S. Marketplace and may qualify for savings depending on current rules and income. (healthcare.gov)

Marketplace plans generally include major benefit categories such as:

• Hospitalization
• Emergency services
• Prescription drugs
• Mental health care
• Preventive services

Important warning

Marketplace insurance is not automatically accepted for every university waiver.

The university may require:

• Local in-network providers
• Specific deductibles
• Full-year coverage
• Medical evacuation
• Repatriation benefits

Check the school requirements before enrolling.

How Much Does F-1 Student Health Insurance Cost?

A rough comparison shows the wide price difference.

Low-cost private student plan

Approximately:

$33–$87 per month

based on current published ISO prices.

School-specific private option

Can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 annually depending on the university and policy.

University-sponsored plan

Can exceed:

$4,000–$5,000 per year

at some institutions, as the NYU 2026–2027 example shows. (nyu.edu)

Marketplace plan

The price depends on:

• Age
• Location
• Income
• Plan category
• Eligibility for savings

There is no universal F-1 student insurance price.

What Coverage Should F-1 Students Look For?

Before buying a plan, compare:

Medical maximum

A higher maximum can reduce risk from major hospital expenses.

Deductible

A $300 deductible usually provides more protection than a $1,500 deductible, but often comes with a higher premium.

Coinsurance

If a plan pays 80% of eligible in-network costs, the student may be responsible for the remaining 20%, subject to the policy terms.

Out-of-pocket maximum

This limits the student’s cost for covered services under applicable plans.

Provider network

Check for nearby:

• Hospitals
• Primary care doctors
• Specialists
• Urgent care centers

Pre-existing conditions

Marketplace plans cover pre-existing conditions, while some international student plans may apply waiting periods or exclusions.

Mental health coverage

Review benefits for:

• Therapy
• Psychiatry
• Substance use treatment

Prescription drugs

Students taking regular medication should check the exact formulary and copayments.

What Happens to Insurance During OPT?

After graduation, university-sponsored coverage may end.

F-1 students entering Optional Practical Training should arrange new insurance before losing student coverage.

Options may include:

• Employer-sponsored insurance
• Marketplace coverage, if eligible
• Private OPT insurance

ISO currently offers OPT-specific plans starting at $39 per month for its OPTima Basic option. (isoa.org)

Do not assume your university policy automatically continues throughout OPT.

Common F-1 Insurance Mistakes

Missing the waiver deadline

You may remain responsible for the university premium.

Choosing only by monthly price

Compare deductibles and possible out-of-pocket costs.

Buying a plan without local doctors

A large national network can be important.

Assuming dental and vision are included

These often require separate plans.

Ignoring coverage dates

Insurance should not end during vacations or between semesters unless you have replacement coverage.

Which F-1 Health Insurance Plan Is Best?

Best for simple university compliance:

University-sponsored insurance

Best balance of affordable price and benefits:

ISO Gold

Best stronger low-cost option:

ISO Platinum

Best for university waiver assistance:

PSI

Best for international benefits:

IMG Student Health Advantage

Best for comprehensive regulated coverage:

HealthCare.gov Marketplace, when eligible and suitable for university requirements

Final Thoughts

F-1 student health insurance can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars per year to more than $5,000.

The right choice depends mainly on:

• University requirements
• Budget
• Health needs
• Local provider network
• Waiver eligibility

Before buying any plan:

1. Read your university’s insurance rules.
2. Check the waiver deadline.
3. Compare premiums and deductibles.
4. Review pre-existing condition coverage.
5. Confirm doctors and hospitals near campus.
6. Plan for insurance after graduation and OPT.

The cheapest plan is only a good deal when it provides adequate coverage and your university accepts it.

Official Sources

• Study in the States – F-1 Student Health Insurance Guidance
• HealthCare.gov – Marketplace Eligibility
• HealthCare.gov – Lawfully Present Immigrants
• ISO – F-1 Student Insurance Plans
• ISO Gold
• ISO Platinum
• IMG – International Student Insurance
• PSI – International Student Insurance
• NYU – Student Health Insurance