Health Insurance for International Students

Government regulations and University policy require that every International student with an F1 or J1 status visa maintain continuous health insurance with minimum provisions of coverage.  International students are required to participate in the University sponsored insurance program during the entire time they are in the United States. The anticipated cost of coverage will be approximately $1200 annually. This amount will be divided and paid over the Fall and Spring semesters.

The cost for Fall 2008 coverage is $447.00. Spring and Summer 2009 coverage is $683.00.

Special Requirements for Students with J-1 visa ONLY

In addition to the mandatory insurance requirement for all TWU International students as described above, medical insurance coverage is also mandatory for the accompanying spouse and children of J-1 visa holders, under regulations of the United States Information Agency. Willful failure to meet this requirement will result in the termination of the particular student (J-1) program.

Continuous Coverage Requirements

All F1 and J1 status students at Texas Woman’s University must maintain adequate health insurance coverage continuously during TWU residence. TWU residence is defined as that continuous period from initial orientation and enrollment through graduation or final separation from the University. This time period also includes all holidays, breaks, and summer sessions when the student may not be enrolled in classes but still remains on a University I-20.

Enrollment in the University sponsored insurance Plan ensures that continuous coverage requirements are met.

Request for Exception from Foreign Student Insurance Charges

The following students may be eligible to receive an exception to the mandated FSI policy:

  • Students who maintain insurance coverage through a US employer or
  • Students who have coverage with and are sponsored by their governments.

If you qualify for one of these exceptions, please complete the Request for Exception form, attach a copy of your insurance coverage, and submit to Student Health Services by the specified deadline. Complete instructions for the Request for Exception process can be found on the Request for Exception Form.

Student Responsibility for Exception Request

Requests for Exceptions will not be accepted after the 12th class day for Fall or Spring semesters, and the 4th class day for summer. Refunds will not be available after this date. It is your responsibility to turn in a request form EACH semester. Otherwise the charges for the University sponsored insurance Plan will remain on your student account.