Health Insurance Requirements
for F-1 and J-1 Students
SDSU requires all its international students to maintain adequate health insurance throughout the duration of their visa status. SDSU automatically places an F-Hold on your class registration each semester. To clear your F-Hold so that you can register for classes, you must show proof of adequate health insurance each semester to the ISC.
The easiest way to show proof of adequate insurance is to purchase a policy sanctioned by the ISC . The ISC encourages you to purchase the pre-approved policy below which offers the most economical group rate in cooperation with SDSU Student Health Services , and provides full coverage. You may purchase this insurance policy online at:
http://www.renaissance-inc.com/isdsu/OnlineEnrollment
Exchange students are REQUIRED to purchase the above policy from Renaissance.
The only other policies accepted will be those offered through Fulbright, ISEP, CSN, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), or the Norwegian Government.
Matriculated, degree seeking students may choose to purchase a different health insurance policy. However, the ISC must approve your policy before you will be eligible to register for classes . To be approved, your insurance policy must meet the following criteria:
- The policy is valid until at least the beginning of the next semester;
- The medical benefit is at least $250,000 per illness or injury with a maximum 25% copayment and a maximum $150 deductible;
- The repatriation benefit is at least $7,500;
- The medical evacuation benefit is at least $10,000;
- The policy provides equal benefits for each gender (i.e. provides pre-natal and maternity benefits at no extra cost and is Title IX compliant).
- The policy pays for pre-existing conditions after 6 months of continuous coverage.
To have an alternative policy approved, you must complete an Insurance Approval Petition available from the ISC and the petition must be accompanied by documentation clearly describing (in English) the policy benefits and restrictions.
Keep in mind that over 90% of the alternate insurance policies, especially those purchased in another country as travel insurance, are not accepted. If the petition is not approved, you will have to purchase another policy that meets ISC approval which could cost you several hundred dollars.
We believe the Renaissance policy is the most competitively priced policy on the market.
If you are on a J-1 visa, you are required to purchase insurance for your dependents in the U.S. If you are on a F-1 visa, you are strongly encouraged to purchase insurance for your dependents in the U.S.