Student health insurance is one of the expenses that catches most international art school students off guard. In Korea, national health insurance covers most medical costs at a relatively low rate. In the US, the system works completely differently — and without the right coverage, a single emergency room visit can cost several thousand dollars out of pocket. This guide explains how student health insurance in the US works for international students, what your options are, and what to watch out for before you enroll.
1. Why Health Insurance Works Differently in the US
There is no single national health insurance system in the United States. Coverage, costs, and what is actually paid for vary significantly depending on which insurance plan you have, which hospital or clinic you visit, and whether that provider is considered in-network or out-of-network by your insurer. For international students, the most important thing to know upfront is that most US universities and art schools require international students to have health insurance as a condition of enrollment. At some schools, you cannot register for classes without proof of coverage.
2. School-Provided Insurance — Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIP)
Most US universities and art schools offer their own Student Health Insurance Plan, commonly referred to as SHIP. The school negotiates a group rate with an insurance provider, and students are automatically enrolled — and billed — unless they apply for a waiver. For many international students, the school SHIP is the simplest and most straightforward option, since the enrollment process happens alongside registration and does not require navigating the US insurance market independently.
The downside is cost. SHIP premiums at major art schools typically run between $2,500 and $4,000 per year, and this amount needs to be factored into your total budget alongside tuition and living expenses. Coverage varies by school and plan — not everything is covered, and plans often have deductibles, copays, and limits on specific types of care.
Annual SHIP Costs by School (2025–2026)
| School | Estimated Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Pratt Institute | approx. $3,200 |
| Parsons School of Design | approx. $3,500 |
| School of Visual Arts (SVA) | approx. $3,000 |
| RISD | approx. $3,800 |
| SAIC | approx. $2,800 |
| NYU | approx. $4,200 |
These figures are estimates based on publicly available information for the 2025–2026 academic year and are subject to change. Always verify the current premium directly with each school’s student health services office before applying. For a full breakdown of tuition and other costs at these schools, see our guide to how much art school costs in the US.
3. Waivers — How to Opt Out of the School Plan
Even when student health insurance is mandatory, most institutions allow students to waive out of the SHIP if they can demonstrate that they already have comparable coverage. This is called a waiver, and if approved, it means you do not pay the SHIP premium. To qualify, your existing insurance typically needs to meet minimum standards set by the school — usually including a minimum annual coverage limit, an out-of-pocket maximum cap, coverage within the US, and access to in-network providers near the school’s location.
One important note for international students: travel insurance or short-term international health policies purchased in Korea are almost never sufficient to qualify for a waiver. The school will require a US-compliant plan with specific coverage thresholds. Waiver deadlines are also strict — if you miss the window, you are enrolled in the SHIP for the full academic year regardless of your circumstances.
4. Private Insurance Options for International Students
If you want to explore alternatives to the school SHIP — whether to qualify for a waiver or simply to understand your options — there are several plans designed specifically for international students studying in the US.
ISO Student Health Insurance is one of the most widely used options among international students. Plans are designed to meet the waiver requirements at many US universities, premiums are often lower than school SHIPs, and the application process is straightforward. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and mental health services.
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources partners with many US universities and offers student-specific plans at rates lower than standard individual market plans. If your school partners with UnitedHealthcare, this is often the default SHIP provider — which means the plan is already set up to meet your school’s waiver standards if you need comparable coverage.
Cigna Global offers international health insurance with coverage that extends beyond the US — which is useful if you plan to travel or return to Korea during breaks. The global network and the ability to maintain continuous coverage across countries makes Cigna particularly relevant for students who split time between the US and home.
5. Key Insurance Terms Every International Student Needs to Know
The language of US health insurance is unfamiliar to most international students, and misunderstanding these terms can lead to unexpected costs. Here are the ones that matter most.
A premium is the amount you pay each month to maintain your insurance coverage — regardless of whether you use any medical services that month. Your deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance begins covering costs. If your deductible is $500, you pay the first $500 of medical expenses yourself before the insurer contributes anything. A copay is a fixed fee you pay each time you visit a doctor or use a specific service — for example, $30 per visit regardless of what the total bill is. Your out-of-pocket maximum is the most you will ever pay in a single year — once you hit this limit, your insurance covers 100% of additional costs.
The distinction between in-network and out-of-network is one of the most important things to understand before you see any doctor in the US. In-network providers have a contract with your insurance company, which means significantly lower costs for you. Out-of-network providers do not have that contract — and seeing one can result in bills that are two or three times higher than you would pay in-network, even with active insurance coverage. Always confirm that a doctor, clinic, or hospital is in-network before your appointment.
6. Situations Art Students Commonly Encounter
Mental Health Care
Adjusting to life in a new country while managing the demands of a graduate art program is genuinely difficult, and mental health support is something many students eventually need. Most school SHIPs include mental health coverage, but there are often limits on the number of sessions per year. Before you need it, it is worth knowing that most art schools also offer free counseling through their student health or wellness center — this is separate from your insurance and does not count against any session limits in your plan.
Emergency Room vs Urgent Care
Emergency rooms in the US are expensive — even with insurance, an ER visit will almost always result in a significant bill. For situations that are not life-threatening but still require same-day attention — a bad infection, a sprained ankle, a minor cut that needs stitches — an Urgent Care clinic is the right choice. Copays are much lower, wait times are shorter, and you will not be billed the facility fees that come with every ER visit.
Dental and Vision Coverage
Standard health insurance in the US does not typically include dental or vision coverage. Some school SHIPs offer optional add-ons for these, while others require separate enrollment in a dental or vision plan. Check what your school’s SHIP includes before assuming these are covered — and if they are not, factor the cost of a basic dental plan into your annual budget. A routine cleaning without insurance can cost $150 to $300 at a standard dental office.
7. How to Use Your Insurance Once You Arrive
Once you have your student health insurance card in hand, there are a few practical steps that will save you money and confusion during your program. First, find out where your school’s student health center is and what it covers — many schools provide basic care on campus at no additional cost beyond your SHIP premium. For anything beyond basic care, use your insurer’s website or app to find in-network providers near your school before you need them. Searching for doctors after you are already sick or injured is stressful and more likely to result in an out-of-network mistake.
Keep a copy of your insurance card on your phone and in your wallet. When you check in at any clinic or hospital, confirm that they accept your insurance before receiving any treatment. If you receive a bill that looks unexpectedly high, call your insurance company before paying — billing errors are common, and many charges can be corrected or reduced through the appeals process. For more on the full financial picture of studying art in the US, see our guide to how international students pay for US graduate school.
Frequently Asked Questions — Student Health Insurance in the US
Is health insurance mandatory for international students at US art schools?
Yes. Student health insurance is mandatory at most US universities and art schools. International students are typically required to show proof of health insurance as a condition of enrollment. Schools that offer their own SHIP will automatically enroll and bill you unless you apply for a waiver with proof of comparable coverage. Check your specific school’s health insurance requirements as early as possible — ideally before you accept your offer of admission.
Can I use Korean health insurance in the US?
No. Korean national health insurance does not provide coverage in the United States. Some Korean travel insurance products offer limited emergency coverage abroad, but these are almost never sufficient to meet US university waiver standards. You will need a US-compliant health insurance plan for the duration of your studies.
How much should I budget for health insurance as an international art student?
Plan for between $2,500 and $4,500 per year depending on your school and the plan you choose. This is in addition to tuition, housing, food, and other living expenses. At schools in expensive cities like New York, health insurance is one of several costs that makes the total annual budget significantly higher than tuition alone suggests.
What happens if I get sick without insurance in the US?
Medical costs without insurance in the US can be extremely high. A basic doctor’s visit can cost $200 to $400 without coverage. An emergency room visit can easily exceed $3,000 to $5,000 for relatively minor issues, and anything involving hospitalization or surgery can result in bills of tens of thousands of dollars. This is not a hypothetical — it is the reality of the US healthcare system, and it is why insurance coverage is both mandatory and genuinely important for every international student.
Student health insurance in the US is not optional, and it is not something to figure out after you arrive. Understanding your options, knowing what your plan covers, and finding in-network providers near your school before you need them will save you significant money and stress during your program. Build the premium into your total budget from the beginning — it is a fixed cost of studying in the United States.