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International Student Services

Health Insurance

Why is Health Insurance Required?

U.S. federal and state laws require all F and J international students to maintain adequate health insurance while studying at the University of Washington (UW). Unlike in many other countries, individuals in the U.S. must pay for their own health care. A good insurance plan gives you access to quality medical care and protects you from the high cost of treatment.

UW Health Insurance Programs

International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP)

At UW, F and J international students who are enrolled in classes are automatically registered in the UW International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP). ISS recommends you check out the ISHIP website to become familiar with the program. Keep in mind the following:

  • Review the plan details, including start and end dates of coverage.
  • Consider purchasing coverage for the full academic year to ensure protection year-round, even during breaks or quarters when you are not enrolled.
  • If you arrive in the U.S. before your ISHIP coverage starts, buy supplemental insurance to cover the gap.
  • Maintain health insurance throughout your stay in the U.S., including vacation quarters and post-graduation if participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT).

ISHIP Waiver

Students who meet certain eligibility criteria and have comparable insurance that is valid in the U.S. may be eligible for a waiver of enrollment in ISHIP. Read through the ISHIP website to determine eligibility and apply for a waiver.

Questions about ISHIP? Contact the ISHIP Counselor

Questions about the International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP) may be directed to:

Catherine Rock
stdins@uw.edu
206-543-6202
Husky Health Center: Room 304B

Graduate Appointee Insurance Plan (GAIP)

GAIP is insurance provided to students with eligible appointments as teaching assistants, research assistants, tutors, predoctoral researchers, and other academic student employees. International students who have GAIP-eligible appointments do not need to enroll in ISHIP coverage.

Husky Health Center

The University of Washington maintains a professionally staffed Husky Health Center, conveniently located on the UW campus, to provide treatment for basic medical conditions for current UW students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community. It does not, however, provide major surgery, major illness or overnight care. The Husky Health Center accepts ISHIP, and you receive benefits by going to the Husky Health Center that are not available in other medical care facilities. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Twenty-four hour care is available at several nearby hospitals, including the University of Washington Medical Center. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911 on any telephone.

J-1 Insurance Requirements

As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you and your J-2 dependents are required to have sickness and accident insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, for the duration of your J-1 program. This is a U.S. federal law. (U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Title 22 Section 62.14). Willful failure to have insurance is a violation of this law and could result in the termination of your J-1 status.

Minimum coverage must provide:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Medical evacuation to your home country in the amount of $50,000

The insurance policy:

  • May include a reasonable waiting period for pre-existing conditions
  • Up to 25% co-insurance allowed
  • Must not exclude typical risks of your program activities

Any policy, plan, or contract secured to fulfill the stated requirements must, at minimum, be:

  • Underwritten by an insurance corporation having:
    • an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above;
    • a McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor’s Claims- paying Ability rating of “A-” or above;
    • a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of “B+” or above;
    • a Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of “A-” or above;
    • a Moody’s Investor Services rating of “A3” or above; or
  • Be backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country; or
  • Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor;
  • Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Be aware that you and any accompanying J-2 spouse and dependent(s) also may be subject to these requirements.

Health Insurance after Graduation

Coverage during Optional Practical Training (OPT) year: When researching plans for insurance coverage during your OPT year, be sure to consult the insurance company to determine if they provide coverage during OPT. Some companies only provide coverage while you are a registered student.

You are responsible for procuring and maintaining suitable health insurance and for any required correspondence. The following companies offer policies for your consideration. The UW maintains no association with the listed companies listed.

To review a policy that provides medical evacuation and repatriation benefits only, visit International SOS

Related Resources

ISHIP

Enrolled F and J international students are registered in the ISHIP program.

Read more

GAIP

Students with ASE academic appointments may be eligible for GAIP and waive ISHIP requirements.

Read more

Husky Health Center

Husky Health Center is an outpatient clinic providing  healthcare to University of Washington Seattle students.

Read more