Can international students use public healthcare in the US

International students in the US generally cannot use free public healthcare. The US does not have universal healthcare, and government programs like Medicaid and Medicare almost never cover students on F‑1 or J‑1 visas. Students are expected to carry private health insurance, usually through their university.

How Healthcare Works for International Students in the US

The US healthcare system is mostly private. This means medical care is extremely expensive if paid out of pocket, and only people with qualifying immigration or income status get access to public programs. International students do not meet those criteria, so they rely on insurance purchased through their school or an approved private plan.

• No free public clinics for visa holders: Medicaid and Medicare are federal programs for low-income citizens, permanent residents, or specific long-term visa categories. F‑1 and J‑1 students are not eligible.
• Emergency care is never denied, but always billed: Hospitals must treat emergencies, but they will send a bill later, and those bills can be very high.
• University insurance is usually mandatory: Most universities require students to enroll in their health plan unless a student proves they already have coverage that meets all requirements.
• J‑1 students have minimum insurance rules: The US Department of State requires specific coverage amounts, such as emergency evacuation and repatriation.

What International Students Should Expect

• Costs: University plans usually cost a few thousand dollars per academic year. Private plans vary but must meet campus rules.
• Using the system: Care is accessed through clinics covered by the insurance network. Without using an in-network provider, costs rise dramatically.
• Campus health centers: Many universities offer basic care on campus at low or included cost, but these centers do not replace full insurance.
• Mental health support: Most student plans and campus centers include counseling, which is important because private therapy outside school is expensive.

When Public Healthcare Might Apply

There are only rare exceptions. For example, some states allow pregnancy-related emergency Medicaid for anyone living in the state, but this does not provide general medical coverage and is tightly limited.

Outside of these narrow cases, international students should plan on private insurance as their only reliable way to access affordable healthcare in the US.