So Confused as an International (F1) Student

I need someone to explain how health insurance works in the states.

I am an F1 student and we need health insurance to meet the policy requirements.

However, this whole thing seems so stupid and confusing.

Our school now requires us to get plans that are similar to what americans get, and also ACA compliant. But how are we supposed to get insurance?

We usually get new policies during summer so we miss open enrollment (whatever that is). Directly going to companies like unitedhealthcare, florida blue, etc. also doesnt work because they wouldnt insure international students. On the other hand, the school wouldnt recognize policies from companies such as internationalstudentinsurance.com or ISO because they are not "aca compliant" .

So my questions is, how are we suppose to get insurance that is fairly priced. Is our only option to pay 5k or more a year for school sponsored plans? what a rip off!

Someone please explain how this works. How do americans usually get their insurance ? if they have to buy on their own. How can international students do the same?

submitted by /u/GreatPretenderr
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