Who Must Have Health Insurance?
All F-1 and J-1 students must maintain adequate health insurance and are required to purchase the HSC’s International Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) designed specifically for HSC international students and their dependents. Review the SHIP Frequently Asked Questions for further details on the health insurance program.
Review the insurance waiver eligibility requirements to see if you qualify for an insurance waiver. Once you have registered, submit an insurance waiver if you are not physically in the U.S.
Timeline
SHIP coverage generally begins one week before classes start. Students who plan to arrive in the U.S. before the SHIP coverage begins should purchase a separate short-term insurance plan to cover medical needs that might occur before the SHIP coverage begins. Short-term options are available through private insurance companies.
J-1 Student Only
Review the Health Insurance Information for J-1 Exchange Visitors
Review the ISO health insurance information, including the U.S. government’s specific J-1 health insurance requirements. It might seem early to start reviewing and completing this form, but we want you to have plenty of time to understand the insurance requirements and coverage options.
When you complete the ISO Immigration Check-In for J-1 students, you will be asked to confirm your health insurance meets the U.S. government’s legal requirements (review instructions in the pre-arrival checklist).
Review the J-1 webpage
The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries through education and cultural exchange. Review the Department of State’s Welcome Brochure.
- New Students
- Transfer Complete I-20
- Pre-Arrival Checklist
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Citizens from Canada and Bermuda do not need to apply for a visa. You will simply present the I-20 or DS-2019, I-901 SEVIS fee receipt, and financial documentation to the immigration officer at the U.S. port of entry. A passport will be required. For more information, visit U.S. Department of State’s travel pages.
Social media