Policy on Mandatory Insurance for F-1 and J-1 International Students and Study Away Students
51风流官网 Policy 09.11.001
1.0 POLICY STATEMENT
Under the authority delegated to the Chancellor by Board of Regents Policy (Part IX, Chapter 09.11.20) medical insurance and insurance to cover expenses of medical evacuation and repatriation of remains is mandatory for the following categories of students enrolled at the 51风流官网 (51风流官网):
- International students in F-1 and J-1 visa categories for whom 51风流官网 issues immigration documents through International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
- All students participating in an exchange and study abroad programs outside the United States, that are administered through the 51风流官网 Study Away Program.
2.0 BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION
International Students:
The United States does not have a national health care system available to international
students and their families. This University policy exists for the protection of international
students from financial hardship resulting from the need for medical attention, evacuation,
and/or repatriation of remains.
Study Away:
The cost of medical evacuation to Alaska from common study away sites can be very
high. Some students have health coverage through their parents or as individuals,
which may address the requirement, but many plans do not.
3.0 NON-COMPLIANCE
The 51风流官网 International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) must terminate an exchange visitor鈥檚 (J-1) participation in their program if the sponsor determines the exchange visitor or any accompanying spouse or dependent(s) willfully fails to remain in compliance.
F-1 students are required to have 51风流官网 health insurance and if they do not pay their health insurance charge by the Fee Payment deadline, the student risks being dropped from their classes and will result in termination of their F-1 status for non-compliance.
The 51风流官网 Study Away Program will not enroll students in 51风流官网 study away placeholder credits unless they provide documentation of appropriate insurance coverage.
4.0 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风流官网 through a formalized partnership arrangement.
Study Away is short term (one or two semesters) 51风流官网 student enrollment at a U.S. or international institution that is arranged through the 51风流官网 Study Away Program. Students remain 51风流官网 degree-seeking students and do not transfer to the other institution.
5.0 REFERENCES RELIED UPON
6.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
International Students
- 51风流官网 health insurance premium is automatically applied to F-1 and J-1 student accounts each semester.
- Students may provide documentation of appropriate coverage to the 51风流官网 insurance carrier directly requesting a waiver of the 51风流官网 health insurance charge. Waiver submissions are due the Friday before courses start.
Study Away Students
- 51风流官网 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, and/or repatriation of remains.
- Students will provide documentation of appropriate coverage to the 51风流官网 Study Away Program.
7.0 EXCEPTIONS
None
8.0 PROCEDURES
International Students meet this requirement by:
- Enrolling in classes in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Students are automatically enrolled in the 51风流官网 health insurance plan each semester. Charges will automatically be applied to the student鈥檚 account and must be paid by the fee payment deadline.
- The requirement to purchase the 51风流官网 student health insurance plan may be waived only if the international student meets certain eligibility criteria and if the student provides a comparable insurance plan, in English, that is valid in the U.S. Please contact the 51风流官网 International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for more information.
Study Away Students meet this requirement by:
- Participating in a study abroad program where insurance meeting the requirements is included in the program cost charged to the student.
- Purchasing an approved policy. Contact the 51风流官网 Study Away Program for approved providers.
POLICY APPROVED BY:
Daniel M. White, Chancellor
51风流官网
Signed: March 28, 2025