Understanding your health and travel insurance options is essential for international students planning to study in the United States. Policies and requirements vary depending on the type of visa an international student holds. These differences are not always straightforward, which is why we’ll outline key things you need to know about health and travel insurance in the US below.

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Travel Insurance in the US

Travel insurance protects you and your belongings as you travel from your home country to the US. While it isn’t required, it’s still a good idea for international students to consider buying a travel insurance plan.

A typical travel insurance plan includes:

• Medical expenses in the case of an accident or illness
• Reimbursement (up to a set amount) for the damage or loss of baggage and belongings
• Personal liability: If you cause property damage or injury to someone else while traveling, the insurance company will pay for consequential losses up to a set amount
• Trip disruption: For example, if your connecting flight is delayed, travel insurance will cover the cost of your accommodation and food during your wait time
• The cost of bringing a family member or friend to stay with you if you’re hospitalized

Not all plans cover all of these circumstances. It’s important to research beforehand, so you understand which travel insurance plans suit your needs.

Some credit cards include travel insurance, so check with your bank to see if you’re already covered!

Health Insurance in the US

When budgeting for living expenses, set aside money for health insurance. It might not be mandatory, depending on your visa class (more on that below), but your academic institution may require you to buy an insurance plan before you can enroll in classes. Either way, health insurance is a smart purchase.

In 2026, health insurance typically costs from US$1,200 to US$4,000 per year, depending on whether you purchase through your academic institution or a private provider. Private plans can be less expensive, but may only work at a smaller group of health care facilities.

Though this may sound expensive, medical costs in the US can add up fast. For example, depending on the level of care, a trip to the emergency department of a mid-sized hospital in 2025 cost between US$450 and US$5,200—and that doesn’t include fees for Emergency Department physicians. Even a flu shot can cost up to US$125 for folks without insurance, although you can find no- and low-cost options for common vaccines at doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and through schools or community organizations.

To have enough time to research different plans and set one up, we recommend starting to look at different health insurance options four to five months before you arrive in the US.

Exploring multiple study abroad destinations? Learn how international students can get health and travel insurance in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Health Insurance for International Students with F and M Visas

International students holding F and M student visas must cover all medical costs incurred during their time in the US. Wondering which visa you’ll need? Here’s how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security outlines eligibility for each visa class:

• F-1 visa: For students taking an academic program, including English language programs, at an academic institution (including universities, colleges, high schools, private elementary schools, conservatories, and seminaries).
• M-1 visa: For students completing a technical program at a vocational or other recognized non-academic institution. NOT for language training programs.

Many Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified colleges and universities have their own health insurance plans, and will enroll new international students into these plans automatically. Though this means less paperwork for you, speak with your designated school official to understand how your insurance works. (For example, verify coverage for dental care if you plan to play contact sports.) If your campus health plan doesn’t include something you think is important, you can purchase additional private health insurance.

To make accessing health care easier, many colleges and universities have an on-campus health centre. They offer general medical care to students, including first aid treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. 

Health Insurance for International Students with J Visas

A J-1 (Exchange Visitor) visa is for students participating in an academic exchange program at the high school or university level. J-1 exchange visitors and any J-2 dependents must have adequate health insurance coverage for the full duration of their visa. 

To protect international students and their families, minimum levels of health insurance coverage have been established by the federal government. 

As of 2026, at minimum, health insurance coverage must provide:

• Medical benefits of at least US$100,000 per illness or accident (higher is better)
• A maximum deductible of US$500 per condition per plan year
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to their home country up to US$50,000
• Minimum 75% coverage for each accident or illness (which means the student pays up to 25% of expenses but no more)
• Repatriation of remains up to US$25,000

Additionally, the insurance company underwriting the policy must have specific credentials to ensure students are adequately protected. 

Your health insurance as a J visa holder must be current and adequate for your entire time in the US. In fact, US government regulations require that J visas are terminated if a J-1 exchange visitor or their J-2 dependent willfully fails to remain in compliance with insurance requirements.

Now that you have a basic understanding of US health and travel insurance, search for study opportunities in the US on the ApplyBoard platform!