While health and wellness are important components to academic success, health insurance can be complicated to understand. This is not a complete guide to obtaining student health insurance in New York State, but a starting point to finding a plan that works best for you!
For more information please read our Health Insurance Resource Guide.
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US Student Resources
What Are the Health Insurance Options for New York Students?
1. Health Insurance Marketplace plans:
You can apply for a plan that meets Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements through your state’s Marketplace.
2. Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP):
Based on your age and income, you may be eligible for no- or low-cost health coverage through Medicaid, Child Health Plus (CHIP) or the Essential Plan.
3. Catastrophic health plans:
Available through the Marketplace to those under 30 who can’t afford other coverage and need a cheaper monthly premium plan. This protects you against major medical expenses, but you may have to pay large amounts out-of-pocket before your coverage begins because of their high deductibles.
NY State of Health | Health Plan Marketplace
The Marketplace gives you an easy way to compare health insurance plans so you can choose the one that’s right for you and your budget.
Plan Options:
1. Qualified Health Plans
These are private health insurance plans that are available on the NY State of Health Marketplace for individuals with middle or low income who are not eligible for Medicaid.
Enrolment for these plans is only available during the annual open enrolment period (November 1 to January 31) or during a special enrolment period (February 1 to October 31).
Medicaid is a state-managed program that provides health coverage based on income and various personal circumstances. It offers a wide range of services accessed via a Medicaid card, with some services requiring small co-payments that can be waived for those in financial need. Federal law mandates coverage for certain groups, including low-income families, qualified pregnant women and children, and individuals on Supplemental Security Income.
Medicare is managed by the federal government and is mainly based on age. You can qualify for Medicare if you are age 65 or older and/or if you have certain disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease (ERSD).
A health plan for New Yorkers which offers essential benefits. For lower-income people who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plus. The monthly premium is $0 for those who qualify. It has no deductible, so the plan starts paying for your health care right away. Dental and vision benefits are included without cost-sharing. You get free preventative care, like routine doctor exams and screenings to keep you healthy.
Health Insurance Companies offering private and US Health Care Marketplace plans:
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International Student Resources
The Compass Benefits Group offers several reliable options for international students’ healthcare insurance plans. Their insurance plans have multiple coverage options and low deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket expenses, thus, you are able to choose how much you want to pay and what coverage you need.
Established in 1958 by international students, ISO is the world’s largest insurance manager solely for international students. Their plans are affordable and comprehensive, and always fit the insurance requirements of your particular school.
International Student Insurance
ISI offers a range of international student insurance options to meet school and country requirements, including for those on F (includes OPT), M, or J visas as well as for students studying abroad.
Complete, affordable worldwide coverage which has been designed for students, offering low priced insurance plans to best fit you and your health and lifestyle needs.
International Student Protection
ISP offers a variety of medical insurance plans for international students and scholars. It prides itself on supplying comprehensive plans at the lowest possible price. Students will receive coverage confirmation and can download a copy of their electronic insurance ID card, as soon as they have enrolled in this scheme.
After enrollment in the Student Health Advantage insurance plan, you will receive an explanation of benefits (EOB), explaining the possible benefits of your plan. The Student Health advantage plan assures students that they have numerous comprehensive plans to choose from to secure a healthy education, wherever it may be.
The Patriot Group Exchange program is designed to meet the U.S. visa insurance requirements for individuals studying abroad, including J1 and J2 visa holders.
HTH supplies flexible plan-length options for international student insurance, complete with mental health services, contraceptive services and supplies, full prescription coverage, and plan options that meet F1 and J1 Visa requirements.
Gateway Student Health Advantage is an international student health insurance plan, provided to international and study abroad students, which meets the visa requirements, and includes benefits for maternity, mental health, international emergency care, and organized sports.
This is a health care access program which guarantees low-cost and no-cost services, such as mental health support, preventative care, prescriptions, and routine screenings, for New York Residents who do not qualify for, or cannot afford health insurance, based on government guidelines. Care is accessible in 11 hospitals and dozens of community-based health centres with the possession of a Membership Card, which you will receive in the mail post enrolment. Your card is unique to you and shows fees for health care services.
Your card must be carried with you when visiting your primary care provider and getting health care services at any NYC Health + Hospitals patient care location.
Are Student visa holders eligible for health insurance coverage through NY State of Health?
- Yes. Under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), Student visa holders who intend to reside in New York are eligible to enroll in Qualified Health Plans. Depending on income level, they may also be eligible for federal tax credits to reduce the monthly premium and cost-sharing reductions to help lower the cost of healthcare services.
- International students can also use the New York State of HealthMarketplace to compare health plans and find the fit that works best for their needs and preferences
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Additional Resources
Membership is free and open to freelancers of all kinds, from graphic designers and contractors to entrepreneurs and moonlighters. Freelancers’ union offers are also available in areas such as Insurance benefits, Advocacy for policy change, community meetups in nearly 25 major cities, and resources through legal and financial tools.
Access NYC allows New Yorkers to find potential eligibility for over 30 City, State, and Federal benefit programs, such as SNAP benefits, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
Helps individual artists and arts organizations at every level of the cultural ecosystem, in every creative medium by providing fundraising tools, educational resources, and personalized support.
Medical crowdfunding platform
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI aids people who are blind or disabled and meet federal income and disability guidelines. It is not a health insurance program, but if you qualify for SSI, you will also qualify for Medicaid in New York State.