Which New York City university has the most international students?

NYU is #1 in the nation for international student enrollment with approximately 22,000 international students. Columbia University has around 12,000. The New School and Fordham also have significant international populations. NYC overall hosts the largest concentration of international students in any US city.

How much does NYU's student health plan cost?

NYU's student health insurance plan costs approximately $3,840/year — one of the highest university plan costs in the country. NYU allows waivers for students with equivalent private coverage. A Tower Hill private plan costs $35–$50/month ($420–$600/year) — saving you $3,200–$3,400/year.

How do I navigate the NYC healthcare system as an international student?

New York has excellent healthcare but a fragmented system. NYC Health + Hospitals operates public hospitals (Bellevue, Jacobi). Private systems (NYU Langone, NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai) offer faster access with insurance. Always carry your insurance card, and call your insurer's provider line before non-emergency visits to confirm the provider is in-network.

Is urgent care available near NYU and Columbia?

Yes. Urgent care centers in NYC include CityMD (many locations citywide), GoHealth Urgent Care, and Northwell GoHealth. CityMD has locations near NYU's Greenwich Village campus and near Columbia in Morningside Heights. Urgent care is in-network with most PPO plans and costs $30–$75 copay vs. $500+ for the ER.

What's the cost of healthcare in New York City without insurance?

NYC has the highest healthcare costs of any US city. Average ER visit: $4,800. Average hospital day: $4,200. A specialist visit without insurance: $400–$1,200. Ambulance ride within the city: $1,200–$3,000. These numbers make health insurance non-negotiable for any international student in NYC.

🗽New York City, New York·110,000+ intl students

International Student Health Insurance in New York City

NYC has 110,000+ international students and the highest healthcare costs in the country. University plans cost $3,500–$3,840/year. Get equivalent coverage for $35–$50/month.

Get My Quote →📞 (832) 856-1704

University Plans vs. Tower Hill — New York CitySave 75–85%

University	Intl Students	Univ Plan/yr	Tower Hill/yr
New York University	22,000	$3,840/year	$35–$52/month
Columbia University	12,000	$3,516/year	$35–$52/month
Fordham University	2,800	$2,640/year	$35–$52/month
The New School	3,600	$2,820/year	$35–$52/month
Pratt Institute	1,400	$2,750/year	$35–$52/month
Typical Savings vs. University Plan			Up to 85% less

Why New York City International Students Need Private Insurance

New York City has the largest absolute number of international students of any US city — over 110,000 across all institutions. NYU alone enrolls 22,000 international students, the most of any US university. University plan costs in NYC are among the highest nationally.

110,000+

Total intl students

$4,800

Avg ER visit cost

$35–$52/month

Tower Hill plan/mo

New York City's Top Hospitals — In Your Network

International students cluster in Greenwich Village (NYU), Morningside Heights (Columbia), the Upper East Side, Long Island City (Queens), and Astoria. All major neighborhoods are served by the NYC subway system and are within 20–30 minutes of top-tier hospitals.

🏥NYU Langone

🏥NewYork-Presbyterian (Weill Cornell)

🏥Mount Sinai Hospital

🏥Bellevue Hospital

🏥Lenox Hill Hospital

Average hospital stay in New York City: $4,200/day. With a US PPO plan, you pay only your deductible/copay — not the full billed rate.

How to Waive Your New York City University Health Plan

Get a quote & purchase

Choose a plan through Tower Hill. Takes 5 minutes online.

Request your waiver letter

Email us at support@towerhillcorp.com with your university name and waiver form. We respond within 1 business day.

Submit before the deadline

Upload your insurance certificate and waiver letter through your university's health portal. Deadlines are typically 2–4 weeks after enrollment.

Save $1,000–$3,000/year

Your university fee is reversed. You keep comprehensive coverage at a fraction of the cost.

Plans for International Students in New York City

All plans include US PPO network access and are accepted as health insurance waivers at New York City-area universities.

⭐ Top Pick for New York City International Students

Most University-Accepted

IMG Global

Student Health Advantage

~$35/month

Accepted as a health insurance waiver at 500+ US universities. US PPO network, mental health, preventive care, and prescription drugs.

✓F-1 & J-1 visa compliant

✓US PPO network

✓Mental health & counseling

✓Preventive care & vaccines

✓Prescription drug coverage

✓University waiver-ready

Get a Quote →

Best Price-to-Coverage

WorldTrips

Atlas America Student

~$30/month

Strong US network, competitive pricing. Popular among students who want comprehensive coverage without paying top dollar.

✓US PPO network access

✓Emergency medical

✓Mental health benefits

✓Telemedicine included

✓Sports & activities covered

✓Semester or annual

Get a Quote →

Most Affordable

Trawick International

Safe Travels USA Student

~$25/month

Lowest-cost plan that meets most university waiver minimums. Ideal for budget-focused students needing compliance.

✓F-1 compliant

✓Emergency medical

✓Emergency evacuation

✓Repatriation of remains

✓Acute onset pre-existing

✓No deductible option

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

🗽

Studying in New York City?

Get instant health insurance quotes for international students in New York City, New York. University waiver letter provided.

Compare Plans → Get a Quote

📞 (832) 856-1704·Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM CST·TX Lic #2608479TX

Get a Quote 📞 Call