really need help, f1 visa health insurance

I've been through a lot of historical posts regarding health insurance on an F1 visa and it is doing my brain in. I'm moving to Indianapolis for senior year for 10 months, and last night I found I couldn't use the health insurance plan I had as it isn't accepted at my school. I have the two options of spending thousands of dollars on the school plan which is pretty good, but I really don't have that money in the next two days, or trying to find a cheaper private alternative that also fits the schools requirements.

My current issue is that the school is not outlining what their requirements are, and I hear opposing information about private insurance all the time. I don't know whether to go for IPO, PSI etc, I do absoloutely not understand what deductibles or copays really are because they're all used in different contexts'. I don't understand what insurance companies are trustworthy because it all feels like a scam, and I really don't understand if I can go to certain hospitals with plans, or if I need to secure one that fits the chain of hospitals/pharmacies in the area.

I desperately need a break down in what I need to consider. I'm doing a lot of this on my own and cannot afford a straight up $2000 fee in the next 48 hours. I can afford up to $1000 so I don't mind paying what are perceived as higher private health plans costs, I'm just so lost and the more I look the more lost I become. Help!

submitted by /u/lalaoo27
[comments]