Health Insurance for Special Program Students

Health insurance is an investment in your well-being and peace of mind.

Requirement

Students in many special programs at USF are required to purchase health insurance prior to registration.

Enroll

For more information on the USF-sponsored health insurance plan, including benefits, cost, and claims, visit Student Plan.

At the time of enrollment, students must purchase health insurance coverage for their intended stay at USF. Coverage dates vary based on specific programs and semesters.

Payment

The following payment methods are accepted:

• Credit card (Visa or Mastercard only).  

To purchase the health insurance, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Aetna Member Navigator Website.
2. In the left navigation menu, click on "Medical Plan: Enroll."
3. Click  on the submenu "Special Program Students."
4. Click on the link "Enroll: Special Program Students."
5. Follow the prompts to enter all the necessary information to enroll.
6. After entering all the necessary information, pay using a Visa or Mastercard.

Waive

Students who already have a health insurance plan comparable to or better than the USF-sponsored health insurance may petition to waive the health insurance requirement.

Deadline

Students who wish to waive the insurance requirement must do so prior to registration.

Criteria

In order to be eligible for a waiver, a student's health insurance plan must meet the following criteria:

• • Policy must be in English.
  • Policy must be underwritten by a U.S.-domiciled (U.S.-based) insurance company Or the company has an office/branch in the United States.
  • Policy must include accident and medical coverage (include illness/preventive care, prescription, no limit on hospital stay/emergency room except for the co-insurance and deductible).
  • Health plan must offer a maximum benefit of at least $100,000 in coverage per benefit year.
  • Deductible no greater than $200 dollars.
  • Medical evacuation minimum of $10,000 in coverage.
  • Repatriation minimum of $7,500 in coverage.
  • Pre-existing conditions must be covered. 
  • Includes provision for co-insurance that does not exceed 20%.
  • Coverage cannot exclude benefits for perils inherent to the activities of the program in which the visitor participates.

Note: Students should not purchase insurance from their home countries as it will not meet the University's requirements.

Instructions on how to submit the waiver:

1. Download the Health Insurance Waiver Form for International Students (PDF).
2. Fill out the form completely, including full name, student ID, email address, and insurance information.  And sign it. 
3. Attach proof of your insurance coverage. Proof must be in the form of a statement of coverage (benefits and exclusions) in English.
   
4. A copy of your insurance card.
5. Attach a proof of Repatriation and Medical evacuation coverage if your health insurance does not provide it.

Submit waiver form application and supporting documentation to Health Promotion Services in University Center, Fifth floor. Forms must be submitted in person or by email to harb@usfca.edu.  Please note: Waiver applications that do not include sufficient documentation will not be approved.