Penn's student health plan costs $3,468/year — is there a better option?

Yes. University of Pennsylvania's SHIP costs approximately $3,468/year — one of the highest in the Ivy League outside Harvard. Penn allows waivers for plans with $300,000+ in annual benefits, mental health parity, US PPO network, and deductible under $500. Tower Hill plans meeting these criteria cost $30–$46/month ($360–$552/year) — about 84% less.

What makes Philadelphia's hospital system special?

Philadelphia's University City is home to an extraordinary concentration of world-class hospitals: HUP (consistently ranked top 10 nationally), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP, ranked #1 children's hospital multiple years), and Penn Presbyterian. This world-class care is available in-network with a US PPO plan.

How do Drexel's co-op students handle insurance?

Drexel's co-op program places students in full-time jobs for 6-month cycles. During co-op, students may have employer-provided insurance or continue their student plan. If you maintain an F-1 visa during co-op, you may continue your international student plan. Confirm with Drexel's international student office before each co-op cycle.

Is Philadelphia safe for international students?

Philadelphia, like all major US cities, has neighborhoods with higher crime rates. University City (where most international students live) is a relatively safe, well-lit, campus-adjacent neighborhood with a large student population and active security presence. Temple's north Philadelphia campus is in a higher-crime area — Temple provides extensive security services and safe transportation for students.

How does the Philadelphia transit system (SEPTA) serve university campuses?

SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line (MFL) and Regional Rail connect University City, Temple, and Jefferson Health directly. The 30th Street Station is the hub for Regional Rail and is 10 minutes from HUP, Jefferson, and CHOP. Uber and Lyft are widely available for late-night hospital needs.

🔔Philadelphia, Pennsylvania·42,000+ intl students

International Student Health Insurance in Philadelphia

42,000+ international students study in Philadelphia. Penn's plan costs $3,468/year. Get equivalent private coverage for $30–$46/month.

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University Plans vs. Tower Hill — PhiladelphiaSave 75–85%

University	Intl Students	Univ Plan/yr	Tower Hill/yr
University of Pennsylvania	9,500	$3,468/year	$30–$46/month
Temple University	5,600	$1,776/year	$30–$46/month
Drexel University	7,200	$2,496/year	$30–$46/month
Thomas Jefferson University	1,200	$2,400/year	$30–$46/month
La Salle University	600	$1,920/year	$30–$46/month
Typical Savings vs. University Plan			Up to 85% less

Why Philadelphia International Students Need Private Insurance

Philadelphia's University City district (near UPenn and Drexel) is one of the densest concentrations of universities and hospitals in the US — the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), CHOP, and Penn Presbyterian are all within blocks. This proximity makes Philadelphia ideal for students who want world-class hospital access nearby.

42,000+

Total intl students

$3,500

Avg ER visit cost

$30–$46/month

Tower Hill plan/mo

Philadelphia's Top Hospitals — In Your Network

Most international students cluster in University City (near 30th Street Station). Temple students are in North Philadelphia near Temple's main campus. SEPTA's 34th Street station connects University City directly to Center City, Jefferson, and Temple hospitals.

🏥Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)

🏥Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

🏥Temple University Hospital

🏥Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

🏥Jefferson Health

Average hospital stay in Philadelphia: $3,200/day. With a US PPO plan, you pay only your deductible/copay — not the full billed rate.

How to Waive Your Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia

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

⭐ Top Pick for Philadelphia 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

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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

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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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Studying in Philadelphia?

Get instant health insurance quotes for international students in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. University waiver letter provided.

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