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Policy on Mandatory Insurance for F-1 and J-1 International Students and Study-Away Students

51�������� Policy 09.11.001

Original Adoption: December 19, 2017

Responsible Chancellor’s Cabinet Member: Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Responsible Department/Office: Office of International Programs and Initiatives

Download signed policy (PDF)

POLICY STATEMENT

Under the authority delegated to the Chancellor by Regents’ Policy Part IX, Chapter 09.11, health insurance is mandatory for the following categories of students enrolled at the 51��������:

• International students in F-1 and J-1 visa categories for whom 51�������� issues immigration documents.
• All students participating in national and international exchange and study abroad programs outside the United States, that are administered through 51�������� International Programs and Initiatives.

Under the authority delegated to the Chancellor by Regents’ Policy Part IX, Chapter 09.11, insurance to cover expenses of medical evacuation and repatriation of remains is mandatory for the following categories of students enrolled at the University of Alaska Fairbanks:

• International students in F-1 and J-1 visa categories for whom 51�������� issues immigration documents.
• All students participating in national and international exchange and study abroad programs outside the United States, that are administered through 51�������� International Programs and Initiatives.

Under the authority delegated to the Chancellor by Regents’ Policy Part IX, Chapter 09.11, insurance against trip cancellation is mandatory for the following categories of students enrolled at the 51��������:

• All students participating in national and international exchange and study abroad programs outside the United States, that are administered through 51�������� International Programs and Initiatives.

BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION

The cost of health care, medical evacuation, and/or repatriation of remains to Alaska from common study away sites (United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Spain are some of the more common destinations), and to international students’ home countries can be very high. Some students have health coverage through their parents or as individuals, which may address the requirement, but many do not.

DEFINITIONS

International students in F-1 status are primarily degree-seeking students and in some cases non-degree-seeking.

International Students in J-1 status are primarily non-degree-seeking students attending 51�������� through a formalized partnership arrangement.

Study away is short term (one or two semesters) 51�������� student enrollment at a U.S. or international institution that is arranged through 51�������� International Programs and Initiatives. Students remain 51�������� degree-seeking students and do not transfer to the other institution. All of the following categories are included in “Study away”.

• 51�������� Study Abroad students pay tuition and/or fees directly to the other institution or program.
• 51�������� International Exchange students pay tuition for 15 51�������� credits (7 lower division and 8 upper division), the UA network fee, and the 51�������� technology fee.
• 51�������� National Student Exchange Plan A students pay resident tuition and fees to the host campus.
• 51�������� National Student Exchange Plan B students pay tuition for 15 51�������� credits (7 lower division and 8 upper division), the UA network fee, and the 51�������� technology fee.

REFERENCES RELIED UPON

UA Board of Regents’ Policy Part IX, Chapter 09.11.

RESPONSIBILITIES

International Students

• 51�������� makes health insurance available to incoming international students. The 51�������� premium is automatically assessed to students’ accounts.
• Students will provide documentation of appropriate coverage to 51�������� International Programs and Initiatives to request a waiver of the 51�������� health insurance charge.

Study Away Students

• 51�������� requires students on study away programs outside of the United States to purchase an approved policy for the duration of their program, that includes coverage of medical evacuation, political and security evacuation, repatriation of remains and trip cancellation.
• Students will provide documentation of appropriate coverage to 51�������� International Programs and Initiatives.

NON-COMPLIANCE

International Programs and Initiatives will not enroll students in 51�������� study away placeholder credits unless they provide documentation of appropriate insurance coverage.

EXCEPTIONS

None

PROCEDURES

International Students can meet this requirement by:

• Purchasing the 51�������� health insurance plan.
• Submitting documents to 51�������� International Programs and Initiatives to demonstrate existing coverage and request a waiver. Contact 51�������� International Programs and Initiatives for information on acceptable documentation.

Study Away Students can meet this requirement by:

• Participating in a Study Abroad program that includes insurance in the program cost charged to the student.
• Purchasing an approved study away policy. Contact 51�������� International Programs and Initiatives for approved providers.

POLICY APPROVED BY:

Daniel M. White, Chancellor
51��������
Signed: December 19, 2017