Quick answer
Most international students in the U.S. pay somewhere between a few hundred and several thousand dollars a year for health insurance, depending on the school and plan. Many universities require you to buy their student health plan unless you prove comparable coverage; at Penn State, for example, the 2026-27 plan costs $4,365 a year for undergraduates and $5,295 for graduate students. J-1 exchange visitors must meet federal minimums for coverage.
Key takeaways
- Most U.S. schools require international students to have health insurance, and many enroll you in their plan automatically.
- J-1 students and scholars need at least $100,000 in medical coverage per illness or accident, plus evacuation and repatriation coverage.
- School plans are usually ACA-compliant and cover pre-existing conditions; cheaper international student policies often don’t.
- Starting in 2027, most student visa holders can no longer get marketplace premium tax credits.
- One ER visit or ambulance ride without coverage can cost thousands of dollars.
On this page
What international student health insurance costs
| Type of coverage | Typical cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| University student health plan | Commonly several thousand dollars a year | Usually ACA-compliant; required at many schools unless you get a waiver |
| International student insurance from a private company | Often less than a school plan | May have benefit limits and exclude pre-existing conditions; must meet your school’s waiver rules |
| Marketplace plan | Full price for most students | Students with low U.S. income usually can’t get tax credits |
For example, Penn State’s 2026-27 student plan costs $4,365 a year for undergraduates and $5,295 for graduate students, and international students are enrolled automatically unless they file a waiver.
Requirements for J-1 exchange visitors
Federal rules require J-1 exchange visitors, and their J-2 dependents, to carry insurance with:
- at least $100,000 in medical benefits per accident or illness,
- $25,000 for repatriation of remains,
- $50,000 for medical evacuation to your home country,
- a deductible of no more than $500 per accident or illness.
F-1 students don’t have a federal insurance requirement, but most schools set their own.
What to look for in a plan
- Enough coverage. U.S. care is expensive. An ER visit can cost thousands, and ambulance rides often aren’t cheap either.
- Pre-existing conditions. ACA-compliant plans must cover them. Many international student policies exclude them or make you wait. See getting health insurance with pre-existing conditions.
- Mental health care, prescriptions and preventive care.
- A network near campus, so you’re not stuck with out-of-network bills.
- Your school’s waiver rules, if you want to use a plan other than the school’s.
Can international students use the ACA marketplace?
Students on F-1 and J-1 visas are lawfully present and can buy marketplace plans. But premium tax credits won’t help most of them. Many students have little U.S. income, and lawfully present immigrants with income below the poverty level can’t get tax credits starting in 2026. Starting in 2027, tax credits are limited to green card holders and a few other groups, so most student visa holders will pay full price. See can I get health insurance if I’m not a U.S. citizen and health insurance for students.
Comparing plans for a student? See options by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance mandatory for international students in the U.S.?
It’s required for J-1 visa holders by federal rules, and most colleges require it for all international students.
Can I waive my school’s health plan?
Often, if you show another plan that meets your school’s standards. Each school sets its own waiver rules and deadline.
Does student health insurance cover me outside the U.S.?
Some plans cover travel or visits home, but many cover only emergencies abroad. Check before you travel.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal, immigration or insurance advice. Check your school’s requirements and your visa sponsor’s rules. Last reviewed September 2026.