Medical costs in the U.S.A are exorbitantly high. A serious illness or accident can be a financial disaster. A weeks stay in hospitals in U.S.A can cost around $7,000 or more.  Some Universities require foreign students to buy health or medical insurance. It is always better to have medical insurance. Some Universities offer a comprehensive medical insurance policy which will cost around $500 or more. You have options of taking medical insurance from India itself before you leave. Other Insurances are Life Insurance, Personal belonging Insurance against loss, theft or damage of your belonging and Automobile Insurance.