The F-1 visa is for international students at US colleges, universities and language programs. One thing surprises a lot of students: there is no federal law that forces you to carry health insurance on an F-1 visa — but your school almost certainly requires it, and that requirement is the one that matters.
No federal mandate — but your school decides
Unlike the J-1 exchange visitor visa, which has four fixed insurance minimums set by the US government, F-1 has no nationwide rule. Instead, each school sets its own health insurance requirement, and meeting it is a condition of enrollment. Almost every school has one, so plan on needing coverage.
What schools usually ask for
Requirements vary from school to school, so always get your own school's rules in writing. That said, many schools ask for:
- A high medical maximum for accident and illness.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
- A deductible at or below a set cap.
Several schools set these at the same levels the J-1 visa uses — $100,000 medical, $50,000 evacuation, $25,000 repatriation, a low deductible — but yours may differ. The number that counts is your school's, not a general rule.
Your school's plan vs. an outside plan
Many schools offer their own student health plan and bill it with tuition. Some let you waive it if you show comparable coverage that meets their requirements; others require their plan with no waiver. Before you buy anything, check your school's waiver rules and deadlines — a waiver filed late can leave you enrolled in the school plan for the term.
What to look for in a plan
- Every number your school lists, matched or beaten — medical maximum, evacuation, repatriation and the deductible cap.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation — see our medical evacuation guide.
- Coverage for your whole program term, with a document you can give the school's insurance office.
- F-2 dependents added if your spouse or children are with you and need coverage.
How a plan treats pre-existing conditions varies; our pre-existing conditions guide explains what to check.
Get a quote
Choose "Traveling to the US", enter each person's age, your program dates and home country, and compare plans. Because the target is your school's requirement, it's worth a call: Protect Travel at 877-720-6696 (Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–1pm ET) can help you compare plans against your school's rules and get the document the school's insurance office needs.
Get a quote from Protect Travel →
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See the plan details on our website before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Does the US government require F-1 students to have health insurance?
No. Unlike the J-1 visa, there is no federal insurance mandate for F-1 students. But almost every US school requires its own health insurance, and meeting the school's requirement is a condition of enrollment.
What does a school usually require?
It varies by school, so always check your own school's rules. Many set a high medical maximum and require emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains — several mirror the J-1 levels ($100,000 medical, $50,000 evacuation, $25,000 repatriation, a low deductible).
Can I waive my school's own plan?
Some schools let you waive their plan if you show comparable coverage that meets their requirements; others require their plan with no waiver. Check your school's waiver rules and deadlines before you buy anything outside it.
Are F-2 dependents covered?
Your F-2 spouse and children are not covered by your plan automatically. If your school's requirement or your own needs include them, make sure the plan you choose covers each person.
How do I make sure a plan meets my school's rules?
Get your school's exact requirements in writing, then match a plan's medical maximum, evacuation, repatriation and deductible to them. Call us and we'll help you compare plans against your school's requirements.
This guide is general information, not legal, medical or immigration advice. School requirements differ and change; confirm the current rules with your school's insurance office.
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See the plan details on our website before you buy.