Health insurance is one of the most important but often overlooked costs for international students in the United States. On average, international students pay between $1,500 and $3,500 annually for health coverage. However, some U.S. universities include health insurance as part of their tuition and fee packages — meaning students do not need to pay additional premiums. In this guide, we’ll explore which U.S. universities include free health insurance in tuition packages, what the coverage entails, and how students can benefit in 2025.
Why Universities Provide Free Health Insurance
- Compliance: U.S. universities must ensure students meet F-1 and J-1 visa health requirements.
- Equity: Offering free insurance creates a level playing field for international students.
- Recruitment: Free or subsidized health insurance makes universities more attractive to global applicants.
- Wellbeing: Students with reliable healthcare access perform better academically.
Top U.S. Universities That Provide Free Health Insurance in Tuition Packages (2025)
While most U.S. universities require students to pay separately for health coverage, some institutions cover health insurance costs within tuition or fellowship packages, especially for graduate students.
| University | Coverage Type | Eligible Students | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton University | University Health Services Plan (included) | All full-time students | Health insurance costs automatically included in tuition and fees |
| Yale University | Yale Health Basic Coverage (free) | All enrolled students | Includes primary care, mental health, hospitalization, prescriptions |
| Harvard University (Graduate School) | Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) | Graduate students with fellowships | Health insurance premium covered by university funding packages |
| Columbia University (PhD Students) | Columbia Student Health Insurance | Fully funded PhD students | Premiums included in tuition/assistantship packages |
| Stanford University | Cardinal Care Health Plan | Graduate students with assistantships | Insurance cost subsidized/covered under funding packages |
| MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) | MIT Student Extended Insurance | Graduate students on stipends or assistantships | Premiums covered in many fellowship/assistantship packages |
| University of California System (UC Berkeley, UCLA, etc.) | UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) | Graduate students with teaching/research assistantships | Costs covered as part of union-negotiated contracts |
| University of Michigan | GradCare Health Plan | Graduate students with GSRA/GSI appointments | 100% coverage under appointment benefits |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Student Health Insurance Plan | Graduate students with assistantships | Premiums waived for assistantship holders |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | State Group Health Insurance | Graduate assistants and fellows | Subsidized premiums under state employee benefits |
Graduate Fellowships and Health Insurance
In addition to universities that automatically include health insurance in tuition, many U.S. graduate fellowships and assistantships cover premiums:
- Teaching Assistantships (TAs): Many universities cover insurance for graduate teaching assistants.
- Research Assistantships (RAs): Funded by research grants, often include free health coverage.
- External Fellowships: Some fellowships (e.g., Fulbright, NSF) include health coverage for students.
What’s Covered?
Most free or subsidized health insurance packages cover:
- Doctor visits and primary care
- Hospitalization and emergency services
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and counseling
- Preventive care and vaccinations
Note: Dental and vision care are often excluded and may require separate plans.
How to Check If Your University Includes Health Insurance
- Review the university tuition and fee breakdown online.
- Check if the school’s student health services mention coverage.
- Ask your department if assistantships include health benefits.
- Contact the international student office for confirmation.
Alternatives for Students Without Free Coverage
If your university does not include free health insurance, you can explore:
- Private Student Insurance: Providers like ISO Student Health, Compass, and ISI offer plans from $350/year.
- State Medicaid Programs: In states like New York and California, some students qualify for low-cost Medicaid.
- University Health Centers: Offer affordable or free primary care services.
Conclusion
Free health insurance for international students in the U.S. is rare, but several top universities — especially those with graduate assistantships and fellowships — include coverage in tuition or stipend packages. Schools like Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, MIT, and the University of California system are leaders in providing health benefits. Before applying, students should check each university’s health policies to ensure they understand coverage and costs in 2025.