OPT stands for Optional Practical Training.

Post-completion OPT is a work permit (or employment authorization) given to F-1 students who have finished their studies and are no longer taking full time classes. OPT is given for a duration up to 12 months (extendable up to 29 months for STEM students) and provides recent graduates to put the knowledge gained in the classroom into a practical work experience.

Most schools do not provide health insurance to persons on OPT. And some schools that offer insurance to persons on OPT are very expensive, typically around $200 per month. Such persons are not eligible for international student health insurance products either as they require students to be enrolled full-time in school and taking classes on full-time basis.

Many domestic companies may not offer insurance to such persons because they require that the person be a either US citizen, permanent resident (green card holder), and/or be resident of US for a certain duration.

However, as the health insurance expenses are very high in the USA, it would definitely be worthwhile to purchase a short term health insurance plan until a person on OPT gets a job and is eligible to enroll in an employer-sponsored health insurance plan.

Fortunately, we offer several products that are low cost, that would suit your needs and you would be eligible to purchase such products.

As OPT insurance products can be purchased for any duration from 5 days up to 2 or 3 years, you can buy the insurance for the exact duration you need and continue to renew it until you can enroll in an employer-sponsored health insurance plan. (Exception: Patriot America must be purchased for minimum 3 months in order to be able to renew in the future.)

OPT insurance plans will cover any new medical conditions, injuries or accidents that may occur after the effective date of the insurance. OPT health insurance plans will not cover any pre-existing conditions, preventive check ups, maternity, birth control, immunizations, dental or vision.