Most U.S. colleges and universities automatically enroll international students in the school's own health insurance plan and add the cost to the tuition bill. At many schools that charge runs into the thousands of dollars a year. If your school allows it, you can "waive" the school plan and use another plan that meets the school's standards. This guide covers how waivers work for F-1 and J-1 students, how to compare plans, and the deadlines to watch.
First: can you waive at all?
Not every school allows it. Some require all international students to stay on the school plan, with no waiver option. Others allow waivers only for certain kinds of coverage, such as a U.S. employer plan. Check your school's international student office or student health insurance website before you buy anything. You can also look up your school on our site to see its insurance requirements and which plans meet them.
F-1 and J-1 students follow different rules
- F-1 students: No federal law requires F-1 students to have health insurance. The requirement, and the standard your plan must meet, comes from your school.
- J-1 students: You must meet your school's waiver standard and the federal J-1 minimums: $100,000 per accident or illness, $50,000 medical evacuation, $25,000 repatriation of remains, a deductible of no more than $500 per accident or illness, and coinsurance of no more than 25%. Your J-2 family members must be covered too. Read J-1 insurance requirements for 2026–27 for details.
Some schools set different limits for F and J students. For example, a school may allow a higher deductible for F-1 students than the $500 limit that applies to J-1 students.
What schools usually look for
Waiver standards vary a lot, but these are the items that most often decide whether a waiver is approved:
- A minimum medical benefit, either per illness or per year
- A maximum deductible and a maximum coinsurance percentage
- Coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
- Coverage that lasts the full term, including any summer or break periods the school requires
- Coverage for mental health care, prescription drugs and, at some schools, maternity care
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions, sometimes with no waiting period
- A U.S.-based claims office or a U.S. provider network
- An insurer with a minimum financial-strength rating
- Some schools require plans that are compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Many international travel medical plans are not ACA plans, and those schools won't accept them.
How to compare the school plan with a waiver-eligible plan
Price matters, but it isn't the only thing to compare. Look at these side by side:
| Compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total yearly cost | Include dependents if they will join you. |
| Deductible and coinsurance | These decide what you pay out of pocket when you get care. |
| Doctor network near campus | Check whether local doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network. |
| Campus health center access | At some schools, students who waive the school plan pay extra to use the campus clinic. |
| Pre-existing conditions | Check for waiting periods if you have an ongoing condition. |
| Maternity and mental health | These are often where plans differ the most. |
| Coverage dates | The plan must cover every day your school requires, with no gaps. |
Deadlines to watch
- Waiver deadlines are usually strict. Most schools close waivers shortly before or in the first weeks of each term. If you miss the deadline, you are usually billed for the school plan for that term or year, even if you have other insurance.
- Waivers usually have to be renewed. Many schools require a new waiver every academic year and some require one every term.
- Spring arrivals have their own deadline. If you start in January, look for the spring waiver window. It's often in December or January.
- Your plan must be active when you apply. Buy your plan before the waiver deadline and make sure its start date matches the school's coverage period.
How to apply for a waiver
- Find your school's waiver criteria and the online waiver form.
- Buy a plan that meets every criterion for the full coverage period.
- Gather your documents: your insurance ID card, a plan summary or certificate, and a visa letter if you are on a J visa.
- Submit the waiver before the deadline and save the confirmation.
- Check your student account afterward to make sure the school plan charge was removed.
Need help?
TaiAn has helped international students compare school plans and waivers for 15 years. Look up your school to see its requirements and the plans that meet them, or contact TaiAn. Our live agents speak English and Chinese and are available Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time.