Health Insurance in the US

Health care in the US is provided by private hospitals and clinics. Most US citizens have medical insurance, which is generally provided by the individual’s employer and extends to his or her immediate family. Some insurance plans are provided by the federal or state governments, labor unions, or individuals. As health care costs have mounted in recent years, employers have increasingly asked employees to contribute. About half of all Americans with private health insurance are covered by self-insured plans, and each of these plans has its own plan design.
After retirement, US citizens can get aid through the Medicare program. Families and individuals with low income can receive aid through Medicaid.
Coverage provided by different health insurance plans varies dramatically. They may or may not include large or small deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance; beneficiaries may pay a large, small, or no part of their health insurance premiums; some plans cover dependents, others do not.

Health Insurance for Foreigners

Just as US citizens are not required by law to have health insurance, neither are F1 and F2 visa holders staying in the US (although your school can require you to have it to enroll in classes). Because health care costs in the US are so expensive, though, some visas like the J1 and J2 do require a minimum level of health insurance. Either way, while you as an international student may not think you need health insurance to study in the US, it is highly recommended that you purchase it and in some cases your school or government may require it.
If you become ill or injured while you are staying in the US and you do not have the appropriate insurance, you run the risk of paying colossal medical bills, or even of receiving no health care at all. US hospitals only treat emergency cases without prior payment, and may refuse treatment without evidence of insurance or a deposit. Researchers have found that the average charge for an emergency room visit in the US is approximately $1,233 - 40% higher than the average American pays for rent each month. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you purchase health insurance before leaving for the United States, or soon after your arrival.
International students studying in the US for more than a few months should consider a fully comprehensive international medical insurance plan from a provider with direct experience and understanding of the US health care system.
You should also be aware that not all providers can offer you cover beyond your first year in the US if you are permanently a resident of the United States; after that first year you may have to switch to a US-based insurance company.