Health Insurance Requirements
The United States does not have a national health insurance program. International students attending the University are not eligible for government assistance with medical bills, nor may they freely earn money to pay medical bills.

Health insurance is required
Since it is imperative to have resources to pay for expenses related to accidents or unexpected illnesses that require hospitalization, international students at The University of Iowa are required to have health insurance.

U.S. law requires health insurance for J-2 dependents. It's wise to purchase health insurance for any dependents who accompany you to the United States. However, do not purchase a health insurance policy that does not meet the University's Exemption Guidelines.

University health insurance policies
Many UI students choose to be automatically enrolled in the basic University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) when they register for classes. The monthly premium is charged to their U-bill. You will need to make arrangements for anything other than single-student coverage under the plan.

Graduate students also have a second health insurance option known as UI GRADCare. Teaching and research assistants are eligible for a University contribution toward either medical or dental insurance.

The SHIP plan is based on the assumption that you will use the University's Student Health Service for your routine health care needs. However, you may use any provider you choose.

Under UI GRADCare, students use Student Health Service for routine care and family members use physicians at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Both policies:

• Cover medically necessary procedures and prescriptions
• Cover preexisting conditions (medical conditions that existed before you bought the coverage)
• Go into effect the first day of the month of the semester you begin classes at the University
• Are valid anywhere in the world

The most economical health insurance policy offered by the University costs about $1,020 (U.S. dollars) per year. Costs increase each year. You will get details about both policies during the International Student Orientation program.

If you already have coverage
Your current coverage may already satisfy the University’s health insurance requirement. For example, perhaps you have private insurance, or are insured by your government or a sponsoring agency (e.g., Institute of International Education, Academy for Educational Development, etc.), or you have a scholarship from (or are sponsored by) an agency that provides health insurance or assumes payment of your medical costs.

For an exemption, submit a Proof of Coverage Form (see the link under "Plan Enrollment and Exemption") or confer with officials in the University Benefits Office for more information.