Health Insurance Requirements for International Students

Total Cost: $1,672. 32 

Cost breakdown by coverage period/semester:

• FALL:  August 15-December 31, 2026 - $636.85
• WINTER and Summer:  January 1-August 14, 2027 - $1,035.47
  Note: Costs are subject to change. Ask OIP about your individual enrollment, coverage dates, and charge if you arrive late, graduate, transfer, leave SVSU, or change your student status. Do not assume that the dates listed above guarantee coverage after you are no longer eligible for the plan.

Most international students

Plan to enroll in the SVSU international student health insurance plan unless you are covered by the Canadian student exemption or OIP has approved a limited waiver. Contact OIP if you have questions about enrollment or an insurance charge on your student account.

• Canadian students are exempt from SVSU's requirement to enroll in the university-sponsored international student
  health insurance plan.
• Before studying or traveling in the United States, check how your existing coverage pays for care received in the
  United States. Ask your insurer about covered services, provider access, reimbursement, and emergency
  transportation. Contact OIP if you would like information about coverage options.
• This university exemption does not remove any separate insurance requirements that apply to J-1 exchange
  visitors or J-2 dependents. Canadian student-athletes should also review their athletic insurance requirements.

A waiver may be considered when you are covered through the employer-sponsored health insurance of a spouse who is employed in the United States. OIP must review your situation and coverage; approval is not automatic.
To ask for review:
1. Contact Collin Glenn and explain that you have coverage through your spouse's U.S. employer.
2. Have your insurance policy and proof of current coverage available. OIP will explain what documentation is
needed and how to provide it.
3. Wait for OIP's decision before assuming the SVSU plan requirement or charge has been waived.
4. Contact OIP promptly if approved alternative coverage ends or changes. Other individual, travel, visitor, or outside policies do not automatically satisfy SVSU's enrollment requirement.

• SVSU varsity athletes are required to carry their own primary athletic health insurance coverage from a source of their choosing. For more information, please call the Head Athletic Trainer at 989-964-7328 or email athletics@svsu.edu.

• The basic student health insurance policy available through SVSU's insurance vendor (see above) does NOT include athletic coverage. However, a student who opts to purchase the basic student coverage from SVSU's third-party vendor can also opt to add an athletic rider to his/her policy at an additional cost.

• For more detailed information, including for current cost information, please contact SVSU's Office of International Programs at 989-964-4473.

Federal exchange visitor insurance requirements are separate from SVSU's enrollment policy. J-1 participants and accompanying J-2 dependents must maintain qualifying coverage for the required program period, including medical, medical evacuation, and repatriation benefits.
Your sponsor must review whether your insurance meets all federal requirements. An employer health plan or Canadian coverage may need additional coverage to meet them. Contact the responsible officer of the sponsor listed on your DS-2019 before relying on an exemption or waiver.

Review the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Insurance guidance.