International Student Requirements
International students must have health insurance to attend the University of Iowa (Dental Insurance is NOT required).
- Must have insurance beginning the first day of classes and, therefore, be billed for Aug. and Jan.
- If you do not provide proof of coverage, you will be billed for a student-only policy under SHIP for each semester you are registered. Coverage and premium charges will begin the first of the month when the student is registered, and class begins.
- Coverage will extend over the summer unless the student graduates, submits an exemption, or is not enrolled for the fall semester.
- If a student plans to be out of the U.S. over the summer, this student must submit a temporary cancellation form online in MyUI.
Exemption Guidelines
Policy Guidelines for Non-University Plans
Please read the following guidelines regarding an exemption to being added to our student insurance plans. If your documents are not in English, you must have them translated.
Your policy:
- Must include hospitalization coverage with no maximum on the amount of hospitalization coverage.
- Be non-cancelable and fully paid for a minimum period of one semester.
- Be renewable for continuous coverage. Conditions covered under the initial policy must not constitute a pre-existing condition under the renewal policy.
- It cannot have a lifetime coverage maximum.
Additional requirements for students with a J-1 Visa
Your policy must:
- Include medical benefits of $100,000 minimum coverage per accident or illness.
- Include repatriation of remains in the amount of a minimum of $25,000.
- Include expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country for $50,000.
- And include a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
If you have a scholarship or are sponsored by an agency that provides insurance or assumes payment of medical costs, you must provide documentation to University Benefits by the deadlines below.
For more information, please visit the ISSS website
Deadlines to Submit Your Proof of Coverage
You must submit a Proof of Coverage form in MyUI every year (or semester if you obtained a new policy) by the following deadlines:
- Fall Semester: September 9
- Spring Semester: February 9
- Summer Semester: June 9
How to submit Proof of Coverage in MyUI
- Sign in to MyUI with your HawkID and password
- Under STUDENT INFORMATION, select "+More."
- Under STUDENT LIFE MANAGEMENT, select "Student Insurance."
- Choose the second green button labeled "Submit Proof."
- Continue to fill out the online form, attach any necessary documents, and submit it to University Benefits Office for Processing.
Once your form has been reviewed by University Benefits, you will receive an email from UI Workflow that states your transaction has completed routing. During peak processing times, your form may take up to 3 weeks to be completely processed.
After your transaction is processed and insurance is canceled, if you are due a credit, it will take 7-10 business days to reflect the credit on your Ubill.
Please Note:
- Monthly payment plans will not be accepted.
- Exemptions will not be made for students or family members leaving the U.S. for less than one month.
Please contact your advisor or the University Benefits Office before the deadline if you have problems or questions regarding the insurance requirement.
Undergraduate International Students
SHIP
The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, which provides coverage for preventive care, hospitalization, surgery, maternity, well-baby/well-child care, emergency care for accidents or illness, medically necessary physician care, prescription drugs, and mental health.
Providers: You may see any provider you wish.
Student Dental Plan
All students may receive coverage through the Student Dental Plan, a 3 tier provider network within Delta Dental of Iowa. Covered services include checkups, teeth cleaning, cavity repair and tooth extractions, endodontic services, periodontal services, and more.
Providers: Care can be obtained from any provider.
Grad & Health Science International Students
Health & Dental Insurance Options
SHIP
The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, which provides coverage for preventive care, hospitalization, surgery, maternity, well-baby/well-child care, emergency care for accidents or illness, medically necessary physician care, prescription drugs, and mental health.
Providers: You may see any provider you wish.
UIGRADCare
The UIGRADCare plan is a comprehensive health care program that covers hospital, medical, surgical, outpatient, and other health care services such as physical therapy. Coverage is also provided for routine physicals, newborn care, well-child checkups, and prescription drugs.
Student Dental Plan
All students may receive coverage through the Student Dental Plan, a 3 tier provider network within Delta Dental of Iowa. Covered services include checkups, teeth cleaning, cavity repair and tooth extractions, endodontic services, periodontal services, and more.
Providers: Care can be obtained from any provider.
How to Enroll
Eligible students will complete their insurance enrollment through MyUI.
ABOUT OUR SITE:
The information presented on our website describes only the highlights of the plans and does not constitute official plan documents. Additional terms and conditions may apply. If there are any discrepancies between the information contained herein and the official plan documents, the plan documents will govern. For more detailed information you may contact Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield at toll-free number 800-524-9242 (TTY: 888-781-4262), Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time). For more efficient service, please have your member ID number handy - it can be found on the front of your card.