Navigating Health Insurance as an F-1 Student: What’s Required and What’s Optional
As an international student in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, staying healthy is important, but so is understanding how health insurance works. Unlike some countries with universal health care, the U.S. health care system is largely private, and medical care can be very expensive without coverage.
This guide explains what kind of health insurance F-1 students need, what’s required by schools and what’s optional but helpful during your time in the U.S.
Are F-1 students required to have health insurance?
The U.S. government does not require those on an F-1 visa to have health insurance as part of the visa process. However, most universities do.
In many cases, your school will automatically enroll you in a student health insurance plan. This plan usually meets school standards and includes:
- Doctor visits
- Emergency services
- Prescription medications
- Mental health support
If your school does not require its plan, it may allow you to choose your health insurance for international students, but you will still need to prove that your coverage meets minimum requirements.
What does a typical student insurance plan cover?
Most student health insurance plans cover basic services, but details vary by health insurance provider. In general, you can expect coverage for:
- Doctor’s visits
- Emergency room and hospital visits
- Specialist referrals if needed
- Lab tests and imaging
- Mental health counseling
- Prescription medications
You’ll usually pay a monthly premium plus out-of-pocket costs like copays, deductibles or coinsurance. These costs are much lower than paying full price without insurance.
Some schools also offer access to campus health centers, which may provide basic care at little or no additional cost.
Can you use a private health insurance plan instead?
Some universities allow F-1 students to waive their school-sponsored insurance if they have a comparable private plan. Each school sets its own waiver requirements, but most expect your private insurance to:
- Offer similar or better coverage
- Be valid in the U.S.
- Be active for the full academic year
- Include a claims process that works in English
If your plan doesn’t meet your school’s criteria, your waiver request may be denied, and you’ll need to use the school’s plan instead. Always review your university’s specific policy and waiver deadline before purchasing outside insurance.
What happens if you do not have insurance?
If your university requires insurance and you do not have it, you may not be able to register for classes or access campus resources. In the event of a medical emergency, you could also face high bills without coverage.
Health insurance protects you financially and ensures you can get care when you need it. Even if your school does not require insurance, having a plan is still strongly recommended.
Required health coverage and optional add-ons for international students
Health insurance is often a requirement set by your university, not by the federal immigration system (for F-1 students). For J-1 visa holders, however, U.S. Department of State regulations do mandate minimum insurance levels including medical evacuation and repatriation.
Many universities allow students to waive their school’s insurance if their private plan meets those specific criteria, but those standards vary by school. Common expectations often include:
- Comparable or better coverage than the school plan
- Valid coverage within the U.S.
- Active coverage for the full academic year
- A claims process available in English
If your plan doesn’t satisfy your university’s requirements, your waiver might be denied and you’ll be required to enroll in the school’s plan. Always check your school’s policy, the waiver deadline, and your visa type before purchasing outside insurance.
Some extras like vision, dental, travel coverage between home and the U.S., or even medical evacuation/repatriation may be required, optional or supplemental, depending on your visa type and your university’s rules. For J-1 exchange visitors, evacuation and repatriation are typically required components per federal rules.
How MPOWER Financing helps international students protect their well-being
Health insurance is just one part of your overall financial planning as an international student. MPOWER Financing helps F-1 students cover tuition, housing and living costs – including health insurance premiums.
MPOWER private student loans can help you:
- Avoid delaying or skipping coverage due to cost
- Stay enrolled in your school’s required plan
- Reduce the need for on-campus jobs that may limit your schedule
- Focus on your academics without worrying about medical bills
With no cosigner, no collateral and transparent repayment terms, MPOWER loans are designed to support your success, inside and outside the classroom.
Stay covered, stay focused
Health care in the U.S. can be complex, but your school and insurance provider can help you understand your options. Take time to review your coverage, know what’s included and make sure you meet any school or visa requirements.
Having the right insurance is not just a rule, it’s a key part of staying healthy, safe and successful during your time in the U.S.
