Individual Mandate

I’m an American college student and I plan to study abroad next semester. Am I required to have U.S. health insurance while I’m living in another country?

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Beginning in 2019 there is no federal tax penalty for not having health insurance.  Even so, it is important to have coverage in case you get sick or injured, so it would be worthwhile to explore what coverage options you may have while studying abroad.

While we have made every effort to provide accurate information in these FAQs, people should contact the health insurance Marketplace or Medicaid agency in their state for guidance on their specific circumstances.

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The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news, KFF is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.