Overview

All international students and their accompanying dependents must enroll in the ISU Student and Scholar Health Insurance Program (ISU SSHIP). ISU requires nonimmigrant international students and their dependents to purchase and maintain coverage through the ISU health insurance plan for the duration of their tenure at the university. Insurance plans purchased outside the university may be used for supplemental coverage, but cannot be substituted for the ISU plan. More information on ISU Health Insurance can be found on the ISU SSHIP website. 

Health Insurance Waiver

The following International Students may be eligible to waive the ISU Student Health Insurance:

  • Students sponsored by their home government (i.e. Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE).
  • Approved exchange students with insurance through their home university (i.e. University of Birmingham, Delft University Netherlands).
  • Students who are being sponsored by an approved U.S or International organization (i.e. Fulbright).
  • Students with a visa other than J-1, F-1, J-2, or F-2 (i.e. H-1B, H-4, L-2).
  • Students who have been approved for OPT AND have insurance through their employer

Review the ISU SSHIP "Waive" webpage for more information.

Health Insurance End Date

If you will be graduating in the Fall, plan to transfer in the spring, or will not be returning for spring semester:

  • Health Insurance will end December 31st
  • Dental Insurance will continue until July 31st

If you will be graduating in the Spring or Summer, plan to transfer before the fall, or will not be returning for fall semester:

  • Health Insurance will end July 31st
  • Dental Insurance will continue until July 31st 

Review the ISU SSHIP "Eligibility Cost" webpage for more information.

Health Insurance During CPT

F-1 students on Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, are automatically enrolled in ISU's health insurance. The primary purpose of being in F-1 status is working toward degree requirements. Since students on CPT are actively enrolled and working toward degree requirements, ISU requires students on CPT to maintain their ISU health insurance.

Health Insurance During Pre-Completion AT

J-1 students on pre-completion Academic Training (AT) are automatically enrolled in ISU's health insurance. Federal Code of Regulations require J-1 students enroll in quality health insurance. ISU's health insurance meets this requirement.

Health Insurance for Dependents

All dependents travelling to the U.S. are required to be on your insurance. Review the Registrar's "Glossary of Fees" webpage for more information. 

Questions

For questions regarding ISU health insurance coverage, please reach out to ISU's Student and Scholar Health Insurance Program (ISU SSHIP) at hrshelp@iastate.edu.