Do I need health insurance as an international student?
FAQ.
Answered by Jennifer Glass, Immigration Coordinator of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
Do I need health insurance as an international student?
Yes. J-1 students are required by federal regulation (22 CFR 62.14) to maintain health insurance for their entire J-1 program. F-1 students are strongly encouraged to, and most U.S. schools require all international students to have coverage.
How it usually works
You’re automatically enrolled in your school’s health insurance plan, or
You submit proof of a comparable private plan (if your school allows it).
Check with your international office or student health center for your school’s specific requirements and deadlines.
Why it matters
U.S. healthcare is very expensive — even a short hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars. Health insurance is a way to ensure that if unexpected medical issues arise, you don’t have to worry about getting completely derailed financially. Always keep an active policy. For J-1 students, lacking adequate coverage can put your status at risk.
Comparing plans
If you are looking for an insurance policy, keep in mind that similar to most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. You can find some policies with low premiums (meaning the cost you pay up front is low), but the coverage if/when you need the insurance is low. Similarly, you can find policies with higher premiums, but usually that means if/when you need the insurance, what it covers will be high. Ultimately, the decision of which insurance policy to purchase is a very personal one that depends on your medical history, your comfort level with risk, etc.
Reference: 22 CFR 62.14
