Yes, F1 student visa holders can get health insurance in the United States in 2026. However, access to ACA Marketplace plans with premium tax credit subsidies is restricted for most F1 students due to immigration and tax residency rules. The good news is that several solid options exist, including university-sponsored student health plans, private international student insurance, and in some cases ACA Marketplace coverage without subsidies. This guide breaks down exactly what you qualify for, what each option costs, and how to apply.
Why the ACA Is Mostly Off-Limits for F1 Students
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created subsidized health insurance through the federal and state Marketplaces, but eligibility requires you to be a U.S. citizen or a "lawfully present" immigrant in a qualifying immigration category. F1 students are lawfully present, but there is a critical tax residency wrinkle that blocks most from receiving premium tax credits.
F1 visa holders are classified as nonresident aliens for U.S. tax purposes during their first five calendar years in the country. The IRS exempts F1 students from the Substantial Presence Test for up to five years, which means most F1 students do not count as "residents" under tax law. The ACA premium tax credit requires applicants to file taxes as a resident, so nonresident alien status makes F1 students ineligible for financial help on Marketplace plans.
Additionally, the ACA's individual mandate no longer carries a federal tax penalty (Congress eliminated the penalty in 2019), so F1 students are not penalized for going without ACA-compliant coverage.
Bottom line for most F1 students:
- You can purchase an unsubsidized ACA Marketplace plan if you want
- You are not eligible for premium tax credits (subsidies) during your first five years
- You are not penalized for skipping ACA coverage
Exception after five years: Once you have been in the U.S. for more than five calendar years and pass the Substantial Presence Test, you may be reclassified as a resident alien for tax purposes. At that point, you could become eligible for ACA subsidies on the Marketplace, and you would be subject to ACA requirements like any other resident.
Medicaid: Not an Option for F1 Students
F1 visa holders are generally not eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is a federal-state program designed for U.S. citizens and certain qualified immigrants (such as lawful permanent residents who have held that status for at least five years in most states). F1 visas are nonimmigrant visas and do not meet the immigration status criteria for Medicaid.
There is also an immigration law concern worth knowing: accepting public benefits like Medicaid while on a nonimmigrant visa can potentially affect future visa applications or re-entry into the United States. If you are unsure about your specific situation, consult an immigration attorney before applying for any public benefit.
Your Real Options: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Insurance Option | ACA Compliant | Subsidies Available | Typical Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|
| University SHIP Plan | Usually yes | No | $100 to $300/month | Students whose school auto-enrolls them |
| Private International Student Plan | Sometimes | No | $30 to $150/month | Students wanting cheaper coverage |
| Unsubsidized ACA Marketplace Plan | Yes | No | $200 to $500+/month | Students who want full domestic coverage |
| Parent's U.S. Health Plan | Yes | N/A | Depends on parent's plan | F1 students under age 26 with U.S. parents |
| Employer-Sponsored Plan (OPT/CPT) | Yes | N/A | Varies | Students working through OPT or CPT |
Option 1: University-Sponsored Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIP)
Most U.S. universities require international students to carry health insurance, and the simplest path is enrolling in your school's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). These plans are:
- Administered through the university and tailored to student needs
- Often ACA-compliant, covering essential health benefits including hospitalization, prescriptions, mental health, and preventive care
- Automatically billed with tuition unless you opt out by showing comparable coverage
How to enroll: New students are typically auto-enrolled. Check your university's bursar or health services office. If you already have private coverage that meets your school's waiver requirements, you can submit a waiver to avoid being billed for the SHIP plan.
Cost: SHIP plans typically run $1,200 to $3,600 per year, or roughly $100 to $300 per month. Costs vary widely by school and location.
Pros:
- Convenient, coverage starts at enrollment
- On-campus health centers usually accept the plan directly
- No separate application required
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than private alternatives
- Coverage ends when you leave the university
Option 2: Private International Student Insurance
Private insurance companies offer plans designed specifically for international students studying in the U.S. These are not ACA Marketplace plans, but many are designed to meet university waiver requirements.
Key features of international student plans include:
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage (not available on most domestic plans)
- Repatriation of remains coverage
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by plan
- Some plans follow the academic calendar so you are only covered when enrolled
Cost: Plans start as low as $30 per month for basic coverage, with more comprehensive plans running $80 to $150 per month. Annual cost is roughly $360 to $1,800.
Providers to research: IMG Global, Seven Corners, ISO (International Student Insurance), GeoBlue, and others offer student-specific plans.
Important: Before purchasing a private plan, confirm your university will accept it as a waiver. Each school sets its own minimum requirements. Common requirements include:
- Minimum $100,000 per accident or illness in coverage
- Deductible under $500
- Coverage for prescription drugs and mental health
- U.S.-based claims processing
Option 3: Unsubsidized ACA Marketplace Plan
F1 students can purchase a plan through healthcare.gov or a state Marketplace even without subsidy eligibility. You would pay the full premium out of pocket.
This option makes the most sense if:
- You want broad network access to U.S. doctors and hospitals
- Your university accepts Marketplace plans for waiver purposes
- You are in your fifth or later year and may soon become subsidy-eligible
Unsubsidized Marketplace premiums for a healthy young adult (age 20 to 30) typically range from $200 to $400 per month for a Silver plan. A Bronze plan may run $150 to $250 per month with a higher deductible.
How to enroll: Visit healthcare.gov during Open Enrollment (November 1 through January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a qualifying life event.
Option 4: Coverage Through a U.S.-Based Parent
If one or both of your parents have a U.S. employer-sponsored health plan, you may be eligible to stay on their plan as a dependent until age 26. This is one of the ACA's most popular provisions, and it applies regardless of your student visa status, whether you are married, whether you live at home, or whether you are enrolled in school.
Check with your parent's HR department to confirm that their plan covers dependents living abroad or away from home.
Option 5: Employer Coverage Through OPT or CPT
If you are working under Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), your employer may offer group health insurance as an employee benefit. Employer-sponsored plans are often the most cost-effective option because employers typically pay a portion of the premium.
- During CPT: you are still enrolled as a student, so your university SHIP may also apply
- During post-completion OPT: you are no longer enrolled, so employer coverage or private insurance becomes essential
What Happens After 5 Years: Transitioning to ACA Eligibility
After five calendar years in F1 status, you lose the exemption from the Substantial Presence Test. At that point, you need to count your days in the U.S. using the IRS formula:
All days in the current year + (1/3 of days in the prior year) + (1/6 of days two years ago) = if 183 or more, you pass the test and are a resident alien for tax purposes.
Once you are classified as a resident alien:
- You may be eligible for ACA premium tax credits based on your income
- You should check eligibility for Marketplace subsidies at healthcare.gov
- Your income and household size will determine the subsidy amount
You can check your potential ACA eligibility using our free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Covered as an F1 Student
Step 1: Check your university's requirements. Log into your student portal or contact the International Student Office. Find out what minimum coverage standards apply and whether the school auto-enrolls you in SHIP.
Step 2: Decide whether to use the SHIP plan or apply for a waiver. Compare the SHIP plan cost and benefits against private international student insurance plans that meet your school's waiver criteria.
Step 3: If choosing private insurance, compare plans. Look for plans with at least $100,000 in coverage, a deductible under $500, and benefits that cover mental health and prescriptions. Confirm the plan qualifies for your school's waiver.
Step 4: Apply for a waiver (if applicable). Most schools have a waiver submission deadline in the first few weeks of each semester. Submit proof of your alternative coverage before the deadline.
Step 5: Confirm your coverage dates. Make sure coverage starts before your arrival in the U.S. and extends through the end of your enrollment period.
Step 6: Know how to use your coverage. Save your insurance card and member ID. Understand how to find in-network providers, whether you need referrals, and how to submit claims.
Cost Summary for F1 Students in 2026
| Coverage Type | Annual Cost (Estimate) | Notes |
|---|
| University SHIP plan | $1,200 to $3,600 | Billed with tuition; varies by school |
| Private international plan (basic) | $360 to $900 | Budget options start around $30/month |
| Private international plan (comprehensive) | $900 to $1,800 | Better network, lower deductibles |
| Unsubsidized ACA Marketplace (Bronze) | $1,800 to $3,000 | No subsidies available for nonresident aliens |
| Employer-sponsored (OPT) | $0 to $2,400 | Employee share only; employer covers rest |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can F1 students use Obamacare?
F1 students can purchase an unsubsidized plan through the ACA Marketplace, but most cannot receive Obamacare premium tax credits (subsidies). This is because F1 students are classified as nonresident aliens for tax purposes during their first five years in the U.S., and the ACA subsidy requires resident tax status. After five years, once you meet the Substantial Presence Test, you may become eligible for subsidized Marketplace coverage.
Is health insurance required for F1 visa holders?
Federal immigration law does not require F1 students to carry health insurance, but most U.S. universities and colleges do require it as a condition of enrollment. Failing to maintain required coverage can affect your enrollment status.
Can F1 students get Medicaid?
No. F1 visa holders are not eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is limited to U.S. citizens and certain qualified immigrants, such as lawful permanent residents. Accepting public benefits on a nonimmigrant visa can also raise immigration complications.
What happens to my health insurance during OPT?
Once you complete your degree and enter the OPT period, you are no longer enrolled at your university, so SHIP coverage typically ends. You will need to find alternative coverage, either through your OPT employer, a private international student plan, or an unsubsidized ACA Marketplace plan.
Can I stay on my parents' U.S. health insurance on an F1 visa?
Yes, if your parents have a U.S. employer-sponsored plan, you can remain as a dependent until age 26 under the ACA's dependent coverage rule. This applies regardless of your immigration status, where you live, or whether you are in school.
What does a typical university SHIP plan cover?
Most university SHIP plans cover hospitalization, emergency care, primary care visits, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use treatment, preventive care, and specialist visits. They are generally ACA-compliant, meaning they cover all ten essential health benefits with no annual dollar limits on covered benefits.
What is the best health insurance for F1 students on a budget?
Private international student insurance plans are usually the most affordable option, with basic plans starting around $30 per month. If your university accepts these plans for waiver purposes, they can be significantly cheaper than a university SHIP plan. Compare options from providers like Seven Corners, IMG Global, and ISO to find a plan that meets your school's waiver requirements.
Will getting health insurance affect my visa status?
Getting health insurance does not affect your F1 visa status. However, applying for public benefits like Medicaid or CHIP as a nonimmigrant could potentially raise issues with future immigration applications. Stick to private insurance options (university SHIP, private international plans, or employer coverage) to avoid any immigration complications.
Not sure which benefits programs you qualify for? Use the free screening tool at benefitsusa.org/screener to check your eligibility across 11+ programs in under five minutes.
