Antares Metrowest strongly recommends that all international students maintain health insurance or a medical plan while in the U.S.
The school does not receive any commission for health plan referrals but provides this information as a service to students.
How Health Insurance Works for F-1 Students
The U.S. has no public healthcare system for international students. F-1 visa holders are NOT eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. While SEVP regulations (8 CFR 214.2(f)) do not legally mandate health insurance for F-1 students, Antares Metrowest strongly recommends maintaining active coverage at all times.
Without insurance, the costs can be severe:
- Single emergency room visit: $1,500–$10,000+
- 3-day hospital stay: up to $30,000–$60,000
- Doctor visit (GP): $150–$300
- Urgent care visit: $150–$500
F-1 students have two recommended options:
- Independent ACA-comparable plan from specialized providers — starting from ~$43–$85/month. These plans are accepted by most schools and cover pre-existing conditions, preventive care, and mental health.
- Local membership plan at a clinic near MetroWest — ideal for primary and preventive care (see options below).
🌐 Online F-1 Insurance Plans (ACA-Comparable)
These plans are valid for F-1 visa holders, accepted by most language schools, and can be purchased entirely online. All cover pre-existing conditions and include emergency coverage in the Orlando area:
💡 These plans can be purchased online and provide coverage throughout the U.S., including all providers in the MetroWest/Orlando area.
🏥 Local Membership Plans – MetroWest Area (Portuguese/Spanish)
Accessible local medical assistance with multilingual staff. Ideal for primary and preventive care — combine with an online F-1 plan for full coverage.
🏥 VIP Health Clinic MetroWest (NEW – closest to school!)
- 📍 882 S. Kirkman Rd, Suite 108, Orlando, FL 32811
- 🕐 Mon–Fri 8am–6pm
- 👨⚕️ Dr. Thiago Noviello (endocrinologist) | Atendimento em português
- Services: medical consultations, lab exams, check-up, weight-loss program, Walk-In Care (no appointment needed)
- Membership available — contact for pricing | 📸 @viphealthclinic
🏥 VIP Walk-In Clinic (Vineland)
- 📍 12139 S. Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836 | 📞 (407) 730-9911
- 🌐 www.vipwalkinclinic.com | 💵 Membership: $59/month
- Unlimited doctor visits, lab tests, no co-pay or deductible
- Multilingual staff (Portuguese, Spanish, English)
- ⭐ Only Brazilian clinic in Orlando authorized by USCIS for immigration medical exams
💡 Membership plans do NOT replace emergency/travel insurance. We recommend combining both options.
🧑💼 Local Insurance Agent – Orlando/MetroWest
A local agent can help you choose the best plan for your budget and visa situation, in your language.
Bacci Insurance — Central Florida specialist in international student insurance
- ACA-compliant plans starting from $29/month
- Serves Orlando, MetroWest, and surrounding areas
- Understands F-1 visa compliance requirements
- 🌐 baccinsure.com
Agent Katia — Specialized in health plans for international students
- 📞 (786) 899-9636
- Assists in Portuguese and Spanish
- Helps compare and enroll in the best F-1-compatible plan
🏥 Nearby Health Providers – MetroWest Area
- CareSpot Urgent Care – MetroWest (closest to school) | 2555 S. Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811 | 📞 (407) 362-2030 | Mon–Sun 8am–8pm | Walk-ins welcome. Affiliated with Orlando Health. Services: urgent care, X-rays, lab tests, vaccinations, physicals. Located in Metro Crossings Plaza (next to Starbucks, across from Walmart).
- MD Now Urgent Care – West Orlando | 2438 S. Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811 | 📞 (321) 335-4336 | Walk-in clinic, 7 days a week. Offers in-clinic pharmacy for prescriptions. Web check-in available.
- AdventHealth Centra Care – Dr. Phillips | 8014 Conroy-Windermere Rd, Suite 104, Orlando, FL 32835 | 📞 (407) 291-8975 | Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat–Sun 8am–5pm. On-site lab (Mon–Fri 8am–4pm). Accepts most major insurance plans.
- VIP Health Clinic MetroWest | 882 S. Kirkman Rd, Suite 108 | 📞 Contact via @viphealthclinic | Mon–Fri 8am–6pm | Portuguese-speaking staff. Walk-In Care available.
- CVS MinuteClinic | www.minuteclinic.com | Multiple locations near MetroWest.
🚨 Emergency (ER):
- Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital – 9400 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 | ~8–10 min from MetroWest
- AdventHealth Orlando – 601 E. Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803 | ~12–15 min via SR-408
- For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911
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Health Insurance Information