International Student Health Insurance Waiver Guide

Complete step-by-step guide to successfully apply for and obtain your health insurance waiver.

15-20 min read

6 Steps Process

Understand Requirements

Select Plan

Gather Documents

Submit application

Await approval

Appeal Process

1Understand University Requirements

Action Required

Visit your university's health services, international student office, or student health insurance website. Look for the 'health insurance waiver' or 'insurance requirements' section.

What to Look For is Minimum Coverage Criteria?

Medical Coverage: Per illness/injury, per year, and lifetime maximums
Deductible: Maximum allowed (commonly $500 or less)
Coinsurance: Percentage you pay after deductible (e.g., 20%)
Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Maximum you pay in a year (e.g., $6,000)
Mental Health Coverage: Must include inpatient and outpatient
Prescription Drugs: Must be covered
Preventive Care: Must be covered (e.g., annual check-ups, immunizations)
Medical Evacuation: Minimum coverage (commonly $50,000)
Repatriation of Remains: Minimum coverage (commonly $25,000)
U.S. Claims Processing: Claims must be processed in the U.S.
In-Network Providers Near Campus: Must have local providers

Minimum Coverage Criteria

Medical Coverage Per illness/injury, per year, lifetime maximums

Deductible ≤ $500

Medical Evacuation ≥ $50,000

Repatriation ≥ $25K

Documentation Requirements

All documents must be in English
Must show your name, policy number, and coverage dates
Policy must clearly state coverage for all required areas

Important Deadlines

Waiver application deadlines are strict and usually before the semester starts. Late submissions are rarely accepted.

2Select a Compliant Insurance Plan

Research and purchase a health insurance plan that meets all university requirements.

Use reputable U.S. providers such as ISO, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, or plans marked as 'waiver-ready' for international students.
Avoid
1. International-only plans
2. Plans with major exclusions for pre-existing conditions, mental health, or maternity
3. Travel insurance
Verify ACA Compliance: Most universities require ACA-compliant plans unless otherwise stated.
Check Provider Network: Ensure there are in-network providers near your campus.

Recommended Providers

WellAway
Aetna
UnitedHealthcare, or plans marked as 'waiver-ready' for international students

Avoid These Plans

Travel Insurance
International-only Plans
Plans with major exclusions for pre-existing conditions, mental health, or maternity

3Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documentation before starting your waiver application.

Insurance Card: Front and back, showing your name, policy number, and coverage dates.
Certificate of Coverage: Official document from your insurer, in English, detailing:
1. Benefits
2. Exclusions
3. Coverage limits
4. Deductible and coinsurance
5. Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
Proof of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: If not included in your main policy, obtain a separate document.
Student ID Number: Provided by your university.
Policy Summary or Summary of Benefits: Optional, but helpful for quick reference.
Contact Information for Insurer: U.S.-based claims office phone and email.

Insurance Card

Front and back, showing your name, policy number, and coverage dates.

Certificate of Coverage

Official document detailing benefits, exclusions, limits

Medical Evacuation Proof

Separate document if not in main policy

Student ID Number

Provided by your university

Policy Summary

Optional, but helpful for quick reference

Insurer Contact Info

U.S.-based claims office phone and email

4Complete and Submit Application

Personal Information

Full Name (as on passport)
Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
Phone Number (with country code)

Student ID Number
Email Address
Mailing Address

Academic Information

Program of Study
Visa Type (F-1, J-1, etc.)
Department/College

Expected Enrollment Term e.g., Fall 2025
Campus Location

Insurance Information

Insurance Provider Name
Coverage Start and End Dates(Must cover the entire semester)
Deductible & Coinsurance
Coverage Details Confirmation:
1. Medical evacuation (minimum $50,000)
2. Repatriation of remains (minimum $25,000)
3. Mental health, maternity, prescription drugs, emergency services
4. U.S.-based claims processing
5. In-network providers near campus
6. Deductible and Coinsurance Amounts: If requested
7. Out-of-Pocket Maximum: If requested
8. Contact Information for Insurer: U.S.-based claims office phone & email
Certification and Agreement:
1. Certify that your information is accurate and your insurance meets university requirements
2. Agree to university policies and understand the consequences of false information
3. Electronic Signature: Type your full name or check a box to certify.

Policy Number
Type of Insurance [Private, employer-sponsored, government, etc.]
Out-of-Pocket Maximum

5Await Approval

Wait for the university to process your application.

Processing: 5-10 business days
You will receive email notification with decision
If approved: Fee removed from account

6Appeal Process

If your application is denied Review the reason & prepare to appeal & Re-apply

Review denial reason carefully
Gather additional documentation
Submit appeal via email/form

7Appeal Mail Template

Subject: Appeal of Denied Health Insurance Waiver

Dear [University Health Insurance Office/Appeals Committee],

I am writing to appeal the denial of my health insurance waiver request for the [Fall/Spring] [Year] semester. My student ID is [Your Student ID].

I believe my insurance meets all university requirements, including coverage for [list key requirements, e.g., medical evacuation, repatriation, ACA compliance, U.S. claims processing]. I have attached my insurance card, policy documents, and any additional information to support my appeal.

If further documentation is needed, please let me know. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Student ID]