Medical treatment in the U.S. is very expensive. There is no nationalized or universal healthcare that many international students are accustomed o back home. Instead, the U.S. relies on individuals to purchase their own private health insurance. Individuals who do not have health insurance are responsible for paying their medical expenses. The cost of health insurance is high, but the cost of medical treatment is more so. The average emergency room visit can cost of $1,000 without insurance.
This is the reason that Temple University requires all international students with F-1 or J-1 visa status maintain health insurance that meets certain minimum standards as determined by the U.S. Department of State. Please also note that while Temple requires insurance for all students in F-1 or J-1 status, the Department of States actually includes the maintenance of health insurance as a mandatory requirement in terms of maintaining your visa status.
You may sign up for health insurance through Temple University or from an outside insurance provider. Information on Temple University sponsored is available here.