Understanding Your Health Insurance Requirements
Do You Have Options When It Comes to Student Health Insurance?
Starting a new academic year comes with a long list of things to think about – classes, housing, books, transportation, and everything else that comes with college life. Health insurance may not be at the top of that list, but it is something worth taking a few minutes to understand.
Many colleges and universities offer a student health insurance plan, and eligible students may be automatically enrolled and charged for that coverage. Depending on your school’s requirements, you may have the option to waive the school-sponsored plan if you have other qualifying health insurance coverage.
What Does It Mean to Waive Your School’s Health Insurance?
A health insurance waiver lets you opt out of your school’s health insurance plan if you have other insurance that meets the school’s requirements.
Every school is different. Some institutions have very specific requirements, while others may allow more flexibility. That is why your first step should always be to review your school’s current health insurance and waiver requirements.
Pay special attention to:
- The deadline to submit a waiver
- The minimum coverage requirements
- Any geographic or provider-network requirements
- Whether certain benefits must be included
- What documentation you need to provide
- How and where the waiver must be submitted
Before purchasing any alternative plan, compare its coverage carefully against your school’s waiver criteria. Purchasing another health insurance plan does not automatically remove you from your school’s plan. You still need to complete your school’s waiver process, and your school ultimately determines whether your alternative coverage satisfies its requirements.
If you miss the waiver deadline, you may have to keep and pay for your school’s insurance plan, even if you buy other insurance.
Exploring Alternative Coverage
If you’ve reviewed your school’s requirements and decided you’d like to explore alternative health insurance coverage, there are options available to international students.
International Student Protection (ISP) is one option available to eligible international students who would like to explore alternative coverage. You can review plan information, eligibility, benefits, and pricing and compare that coverage with your school’s requirements before making a decision.
Before You Make a Decision
Health insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Take time to understand your school’s requirements, review the coverage available to you, and consider the potential costs you’ll be responsible for when receiving care.
Whether you remain enrolled in your school’s student health insurance plan or explore an alternative, the goal is the same: make an informed decision and have appropriate coverage in place when you need it.
International Student Protection is an alternative insurance option and is not your school’s sponsored student health insurance plan. Availability and eligibility vary by plan. Purchasing an ISP plan does not automatically waive your school’s insurance. Students are responsible for reviewing and completing their institution’s waiver requirements.
