Depending on the type of visa you are on you may be required to be covered by health insurance. If you are a J-1 visa holder, the U.S. government requires that you have health insurance coverage. You are not required if you have an F-1 visa. There are a few options you have when enrolling for a health plan.

Shopping the Marketplace

One choice is to purchase your own individual health plan through the Marketplace. As a student visa holder, you are eligible to enroll in a Marketplace plan. All plans cover the essential health benefits and protect you from paying more if you have a pre-existing health condition. Note: Dental and vision is normally not covered in a regular health insurance plan in the United States. 

Student Health Plans

You may be eligible for a student health insurance plan offered by your college or university. Some schools may require you to purchase their school-administered plan. Other schools may require you to enroll in some kind of health insurance plan. There are other schools that will allow students to opt out of having health insurance coverage through a waiver. Be sure to check with your institution’s rules and regulations to make sure you are adhering to the correct protocol. 

Private Insurance

Some companies offer individual health insurance plans created for international students. It is important to know the difference in coverage between these plans and regular ACA plans. The majority of private insurance plans will not include anywhere near as much as an ACA plan. So make sure to check the differences between all your options before you enroll.

For more information on insurance plans look here.

Source: Healthsherpa.com