Insurance options in NY for M1 International student (insurance not required, but I want it)

Hi everyone, if anyone can spare me some advice or experience I would really appreciate it. I’ll be studying for 9 months in NY soon, and I’m trying to wrap my head around buying insurance. My school doesn’t provide and it’s not required for my visa, but I want a solid insurance plan I can rely on if I want to go to see a PCP, and rest assured things like ER and Urgent care are covered. I am 23 and generally healthy, but thyroid/GI issues mean that I need access to blood tests every few months or so.

I’ve tried researching but I’m getting so confused. I’ve looked into ones like IMG and ISI but apparently they’re scammy and not up to regulations. Their websites look a bit sketch anyway lol. I’ve also checked out Cigna global, Aetna, Allianz global and a few others, but I’m still confused as to whether they actually cover things efficiently. Their policies are hard to understand.

Someone mentioned that I might be able to access marketplace insurance on a student visa. I’m not sure what this means and how it differs from me just buying insurance online. Would this insurance just be what’s normally available to US citizens, but I’m allowed to access it? There’s a link I tried accessing to look at plans, https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov but since I’m in Europe I can’t open the page (it blocks me) so I might need to try using a VPN or something.

I’m just worried about actually getting insurance and all my claims being denied or taking months to process, if that’s the case I might just go with an reputable insurer where I live (where I’ll be claiming back expenses anyway).

If anyone has any advice I would be so grateful. It’s still a while until I go to the US but I want to have things prepared and it’s making me worry not knowing what I should do. Thanks in advance!