Best Health Insurance for OPT Students
A single day in a U.S. hospital can cost thousands of dollars, making health insurance essential for international students on OPT. Compare A rated health insurance for international students on OPT from just less than $2/day, with coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical care, prescription medications, and access to nationwide PPO networks. Get instant quotes and enroll online in minutes.
What is OPT insurance?
OPT insurance is health insurance coverage for international students in the U.S. on Optional Practical Training (OPT) under the F1 student visa. OPT is temporary authorization of employment for F1 visa holders to work in their area of study after the academic program.
STEM students (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are usually qualified for a maximum of 36 months (3 years) of OPT, with a 24-month extension following the first 12 months. Non-STEM students are usually qualified for 12 months of OPT upon completion of coursework.
As university-funded health insurance tends to expire after graduation, OPT insurance assists in maintaining medical coverage during this period of transition. It safeguards against unforeseen medical expenses as students gain real-world experience in the U.S.
American Visitor Insurance offers a range of OPT insurance plans tailored to meet the unique needs of international students, providing reliable and affordable coverage options to ensure peace of mind while gaining valuable experience in the United States.
F1 OPT health insurance specifically refers to coverage for F1 visa holders during their Optional Practical Training period. It differs from the student health insurance you may have had while enrolled at a university, which often ends upon graduation or when your student status changes.
What Is the Best Health Insurance for STEM OPT Students?
STEM OPT students may remain in the United States for up to 36 months, making reliable and renewable health insurance an important consideration. When comparing health insurance for STEM OPT students, look for plans that offer renewable coverage, flexible policy durations, nationwide PPO networks, and comprehensive medical benefits.
Best insurance for students such as Student Journey, Student Secure, Patriot Exchange and Student Health Advantage offer renewable coverage options for eligible students and can help maintain continuous health insurance protection throughout the OPT and STEM OPT period. These plans typically include coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical care, prescription medications, mental health services, and other eligible healthcare expenses, subject to policy terms and conditions.
Why Do OPT Students Need Health Insurance?
OPT coverage is important to international students in the United States because, following graduation, they are usually no longer covered under their university-provided health plans. Many employers also do not provide OPT participants with immediate health benefits. With the high price tag of medical care in America, even uncomplicated services like routine visits to the doctor or minor emergencies can turn into a heavy financial burden. OPT insurance delivers vital protection by covering medical requirements such as visits to doctors, hospitalization, emergency treatment, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, medical evacuation, and return of remains. By obtaining proper health coverage, international students can prevent financial burden and fulfill suggested health and visa requirements while concentrating on attaining practical work experience throughout their OPT time.
How To Choose The Best OPT Insurance Plan?
When comparing OPT insurance plans, consider:
- Coverage limits and exclusions: Make sure the plan includes medical emergencies, hospital stays, and outpatient treatment.
- Deductibles and co-insurance: Balance monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs.
- Network of providers: Prefer plans with broad access to doctors and hospitals, especially in your location.
- Additional benefits: Look for coverage for mental health coverage, maternity, pre-existing conditions, and emergency evacuation as needed.
- Flexibility and Renewability: See if the plan offers flexible coverage periods (e.g., monthly payment) and if it can be extended if needed. Some plans offer coverage from a few days up to a few years.
- University and employer requirements: make sure that your selected plan meets the requirements set by your school or employer.
How Much Does OPT Student Health Insurance Cost 2026?
The OPT student health insurance cost per month ranges from around $47 to $374. The price depends on different factors like the age of the student, the duration, the medical coverage, the deductible and the co-insurance for the plan. Additionally the student health insurance cost in the US also depends on coverage for mental illness, dental expenses, hazardous sports, maternity and coverage for pre-existing ailments.
The average cost of OPT student health insurance for a 25 years opt student for one month.| Plan name | Medical Maximum | Deductible | Direct billing | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot America Plus | $50,000 | $250 | United healthcare or First healthcare | $47 |
| Atlas America | $50,000 | $250 | United health Care | $50 |
| Student Secure Smart | $200,000 | $0 | United health Care | $67 |
| Diplomat America | $50,000 | $250 | No PPO | $63 |
| Patriot Exchange | $250,000 | $250 | United health Care | $91 |
| StudentSecure Budget | $500,000 | $0 | United health Care | $100 |
| StudentSecure Elite | $5,000,000 | $0 | United health Care | $374 |
What Are The Key Features Of OPT Health Insurance Plans?
When comparing OPT insurance plans, consider:
- Medical Benefits: Covers doctor appointments, hospital stays, surgery, and prescription drugs.
- Emergency Care: Covers visits to the emergency room, ambulance services, and urgent care.
- Mental Health Services: Access to mental health benefits and counselling services.
- Maternity and Pre-existing Illnesses: Some plans provide maternity coverage and may include pre-existing conditions after a waiting period.
- Medical Evacuation & Repatriation: Necessary for international students, covering travel back to the home country in the event of serious illness or death.
- COVID-19 Coverage: Most policies now cover treatment for illnesses related to COVID-19
Which Health Insurance Is Best for OPT Students in 2026?
Student Journey Lite Insurance ($30/month*)
- Age: Up to 64 years
- Underwriter & Rating: SiriusPoint (A Excellent)
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing through the United Healthcare network
- Pre-existing condition: Covers pre-existing conditions after a 6-month waiting period
- Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
- Maternity: $5,000 normal delivery / $7,500 for C-section delivery.
- Renewal: Can be renewed for a minimum of 30 days
- Dental Treatment: $500 max (unexpected pain or non-emergent accidents only)
- Policy Maximum: $150,000 - $400,000
- Deductible: $100
- Period of Coverage: 30 - 364 days
Note*: The above price is for 18–24-year-olds for one month
StudentSecure Smart ($36/month*)
- Age: Up to 50 years
- Underwriter & Rating: TMHCC Insurance SPC (A++ Superior)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $100,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network
- Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
- Renewal: Can be renewed for up to 4 years.
- Mental health: Physician Office Visit: $500 max, Inpatient: Up to $5,000 (excludes drug and alcohol abuse)
- Student health Centre: $25 per visit
- Policy Maximum: $200,000
- Deductible: $0
- Period of Coverage: 30 days to 364 days
- Maximum Per Injury or Illness: $100,000
Student Journey Plus Insurance ($48/month*)
- Age: Up to 40 years
- Underwriter & Rating: SiriusPoint (A Excellent)
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing through the United Healthcare network
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
- Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
- Dental Treatment: $500 max (unexpected pain or non-emergent accidents only).
- Renewal: Can be renewed 30 days
- Mental health: Outpatient: 80% up to 40 visits or $5,000 max per policy period, Inpatient: 80% up to 30 days max
- Maternity: In network: 80%, Out network: 60%
- Policy Maximum: $300,000
- Deductible: In-Network: $500 / Out-of-Network: $750
- Period of Coverage: 30 days to 12 months
Note*: The above price is for 18–24-year-olds for one month
Student Secure Budget ($62/month*)
- Age: Up to 40 years
- Underwriter & Rating: Lloyd’s (A - Excellent)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $45,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network
- Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
- Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 30 visits, Inpatient: Max 30 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
- Student health Centre: $25 per visit
- Policy Maximum: $500,000
- Deductible: $0
- Period of Coverage: 30 days to 364 days
- Maximum Per Injury or Illness: $250,000
Patriot Exchange Program ($56/month*)
- Age: Up to 40 years
- Underwriter & Rating: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance (A - Excellent)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 90% of first $1,000, 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 80% up to policy maximum.
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
- Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
- Payment option: Annual Payment options available.
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months.
- Mental health: Out Patient: Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
- Student health Centre: $5 per visit
- Policy Maximum: $50,000 – $5,000,000
- Deductible: $0 - $500
- Period of Coverage: 1 month up to 12 months
Student Journey Platinum Insurance ($74/month*)
- Age: Up to 40 years
- Underwriter & Rating: SiriusPoint (A Excellent)
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing through the United Healthcare network
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
- Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
- Renewal: Can be renewed 31 days
- Policy Maximum: $500,000
- Deductible: $250
- Period of Coverage: 30 days to 12 months
Note*: The above price is for 18–24-year-olds for one month
StudentSecure Select ($116/month*)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $25,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network
- Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
- Maternity: Covers up to $10,000 up to maximum limit
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
- Student health Centre: $10 per visit
- Policy Maximum: $1,000,000
- Deductible: $0
- Period of Coverage: 30 days to 364 days
- Maximum Per Injury or Illness: $500,000
Student Health Advantage Standard ($133/month*)
- Age: Up to 40 years
- Underwriter & Rating: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance (A - Excellent)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 90% of first $1,000, 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 80% up to policy maximum.
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
- Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
- Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months
- Mental health: Out Patient: Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
- Student health Centre: $5 per visit
- Policy Maximum: For student: $500,000; Dependent: $100,000
- Deductible: $250
- Period of Coverage: 1 month up to 12 months
Student Secure Elite ($181/month*)
- Age: Up to 40 years
- Underwriter & Rating: TMHCC Insurance SPC (A++ Superior)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $10,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network
- Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
- Maternity: Covers up to $15,000 up to maximum limit
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
- Student health Centre: $10 per visit
- Policy Maximum: $5,000,000
- Deductible: $0
- Period of Coverage: 30 days to 364 days
- Maximum Per Injury or Illness: $500,000
Student Health Advantage Platinum ($282/month*)
- Age: Up to 40 years
- Underwriter & Rating: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance (A++ Superior)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 90% of first $1,000, 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 80% up to policy maximum
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
- Maternity: Covers up to $5,000
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
- Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
- Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months
- Mental health: Out Patient: Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
- Student health Centre: $5 per visit
- Policy Maximum: For student: $1,000,000; Dependent: $100,000
- Deductible: $250
- Period of Coverage: 1 month up to 12 months
Patriot America Plus Insurance ($50/month*)
- Age: Up to 99 years
- Underwriter & Rating: SiriusPoint Specialty (A A.M. Best)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 90% up to policy maximum
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions: Up to the maximum limit. (Insured person must be under 70 years of age)
- Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
- Personal liability: $25,000 combined maximum limit.
- Pre-Existing condition medical evacuation: $25,000 up to the policy maximum limit
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months
- Policy Maximum: $50,000 to $1,000,000
- Deductible: $0 to $2,500
- Period of Coverage: 5 days to 12 months
Atlas America Insurance ($50/month*)
- Age: Up to 99 years
- Underwriter & Rating: Lloyds, London (A++ Superior)
- Coinsurance: Up to 100% of eligible expenses after the deductible up to the overall maximum limit
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
- Maternity: Covers first 26 weeks
- Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition: Up to the overall maximum limit
- Personal liability: Up to $25,000 lifetime maximum
- Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
- Policy Maximum: $10,000 to $2,000,000
- Deductible: $0 to $5000
- Period of Coverage: 364 days
Patriot America Lite Insurance ($44/month*)
- Age: Up to 79 years
- Underwriter & Rating: SiriusPoint Specialty (A Excellent)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 80% up to $1,000 - then 100%
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
- Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
- Personal liability: $25,000 combined maximum limit.
- Renewal: Can be renewed within each 12 month period of coverage.
- Policy Maximum: $50,000 to $1,000,000
- Deductible: $0 to $2500
- Period of Coverage: 5 days to 12 months
Atlas Essential Insurance ($35/month*)
- Age: Up to 99 years
- Underwriter & Rating: TMHCC Insurance SPC Ltd (A++ Superior)
- Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 75% then up to the max limit
- Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
- Repatriation of remains: $25,000 combined maximum limit.
- Renewal: Can be renewed within each 12 month period of coverage.
- Policy Maximum: $50,000 to $2,000,000
- Deductible: $0 to $5000
- Period of Coverage: 5 days to 12 months
Where Can I Buy The Best Health Insurance For OPT Students?
You can buy the best health insurance for OPT students easily through American Visitor Insurance, a trusted platform specializing in international student and travel medical insurance plans for students in the USA.
Why buy OPT student insurance through American Visitor Insurance?- Easy Plan Comparison and Online Purchase - American Visitor Insurance allows OPT students to compare top health insurance plans side by side. You can review coverage benefits, deductibles, provider networks, and pricing to choose the best plan for your OPT requirements and budget.
- Plans Designed for OPT Students - The website offers health insurance plans specifically suitable for F1 students on OPT status, including coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical expenses, mental health care, prescription drugs, and preventive care.
- Helpful Resources and Student Guides - American Visitor Insurance provides detailed FAQs, blogs, and educational resources to help OPT students understand insurance requirements, coverage options, and how to select the right health plan while working in the United States.
- Experienced Customer Support - With over 20 years of experience in the U.S. visitors and student insurance industry, their licensed support team can help answer questions about OPT insurance coverage, benefits, claims, and enrollment.
- Support During Your Coverage Period - Their customer support team is available across U.S. time zones to assist students during enrollment and throughout the policy period, including help with claims and provider network questions.
- Licensed and Trusted Insurance Platform - American Visitor Insurance is a licensed U.S.-based insurance provider (NJ License #1181604), offering a secure and reliable platform to purchase OPT student health insurance online.
Overall, American Visitor Insurance provides a convenient, trusted, and student-friendly way to find the best health insurance coverage for OPT students in the USA.
OPT Students Insurance - FAQs
Related US Visitor Insurance Resources
Explore the best travel insurance for USA visitors and compare coverage options for tourists, seniors, parents, visa holders, and travelers with pre-existing conditions.