If I only have international health insurance will I be fined by not having Minimum Essential Coverage?

Question

I am an international student holding an F-1 visa, and I am working part time where I cannot apply for the employer health insurance. I only have international health insurance (bought in the US) and I was informed by the insurance provider that my insurance plan does not meet the Affordable Care Act's Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) requirements.

Do I need to pay a fine on my next tax return (2016)? Thank you very much.

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Update: It is better to buy health insurance from the Marketplace for avoiding penalties if you have stayed in the US for more than 5 years.

Answer 1

If you're not a US tax resident (and on F-1, you're probably not) then the ACA tax provision doesn't apply to you. You need to have the health insurance that is required by the visa conditions.