WorldTrips StudentSecurevs.Compass

For most full-time U.S. graduate students staying 12 months, Select ($106/month) is the sweet spot — $1M coverage, 6-month pre-existing waiting period, $300K evacuation. Budget ($53) works for healthier students on a tight budget. Smart ($32) is for short stays only — its $200K max may not meet strict universities. Elite ($181) is for those needing maximum protection or with university requirements above $1M.

WorldTrips designed StudentSecure with zero deductible to compete on simplicity — you don't pay anything upfront before insurance kicks in (other than copays). This is unusual for U.S. plans and helps students predict costs more easily.

Universities require minimum coverage that varies by school. Smart ($200K max) often does NOT meet waiver requirements. Budget ($500K), Select ($1M) and Elite ($5M) typically do. Always check your school's specific waiver criteria — and remember WorldTrips will provide a waiver form on request.

No. StudentSecure does not allow dependents. If you need spouse or family coverage, look at IMG Patriot Exchange or ISO instead — both let dependents apply independently.

ACA-compliant plans meet all Affordable Care Act mandates (preventive care, maternity, mental health, no annual limits). Most international student plans are not fully ACA-compliant because international students are exempt from the individual mandate. Compass's Benchmark tier is 'ACA-comparable' — it covers the major ACA benefits and is accepted by universities that require ACA-style coverage.

If you submit your Compass plan to your university for waiver and it is rejected, Compass refunds your premium — provided you have not yet filed any insurance claims. This is helpful if you're unsure whether your school will accept the plan. Always run the waiver check first.

Most U.S. student plans force you to buy in monthly blocks. Compass charges by the exact number of days you select. So if you arrive on August 22 and your university plan starts on September 1, you only pay for those 10 transitional days — useful for the gap between arrival and your school's coverage start.

Yes, Compass offers dedicated OPT plans for F-1 students entering Optional Practical Training. Coverage during OPT is critical because traditional student plans typically end at graduation. Compass also covers the gap between graduation and the start of employer-sponsored insurance.