Waive

Health Insurance Waiver Instructions

All required documents must be submitted at the same time or they will NOT be accepted.

2022-2023 Timeline for Waivers:

Spring 2023 Semester - DEADLINE PASSED (February 17, 2023)

Summer 2023 Semester - April 1, 2023 - June 15, 2023

Fall 2023 Semester Waivers - July 1, 2023 - September 15, 2023

Waivers for OPT, Graduate Assistants or Newly Arrived in US will be honored for 31 days after the day of hire or arrival.

All international students and their accompanying dependents must enroll in the ISU Student and Scholar Health Insurance. 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.

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.
- Students on CPT are not allowed to waive the ISU Insurance.

Domestic Graduate Assistants can waive the ISU Student Health Insurance if you are:

An eligible dependent covered by your parents' health insurance (under the age of 26).
Covered by your own employer-sponsored health insurance.
Covered by a spouse or partner's health insurance.
Eligible for Medicaid or individual coverage through the federal marketplace.

Printable Waiver Instructions (.pdf)

Printable Waiver Form (.pdf)

Completing the Waiver Form:

Personal Information

Name
University ID Number
ISU Email Address
Visa Information (used only for International Waivers)

Selecting Your Current Student Status

Select each box that applies to your situation
For example: if you are here on an H-4 visa and taking undergraduate courses, then you will select the “Undergraduate”, “International”, and “H-4 Visa” boxes.
If you are a domestic graduate assistant with a teaching appointment, then you will select the “Graduate Student w/ Research/Teaching/Admin Assistantship” and “Domestic” boxes.

Documentation

The following documents must be submitted with the waiver form:

International Sponsored Student – Valid Financial Guarantee
International Exchange Students – A health insurance certificate/letter from your home university or insurance company with your name and dates of coverage in English; all coverages and amounts required listed below under ***Special note for all J-1 and F-1 Visa holders***
OPT - Valid and current I-20, EAD card, and proof of insurance through approved employer
Fulbright Students/Scholars – Valid Terms of Appointment
All other students - A dated health insurance certificate/letter from your insurance company with your name and dates of coverage

***Special note for all J-1 exchange students and F-1 Visa holders***

The U.S. Department of State requires all J-1 visitors to meet specific health insurance guidelines throughout the duration of your stay in the U.S. ISU requires these coverages for F-1 visa holders as well. If you are requesting a health insurance waiver, and here with a J-1 or F-1 visa, then your insurance must have the following coverage options:

Medical Benefits: $100,000 USD per accident or illness
Medical Evacuation: $50,000 USD minimum
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 USD minimum
Maximum Deductible: $500 USD per accident or illness
Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of A- or above

Please visit the U.S. Department of State website for additional details (under Insurance section): https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/how-to-administer-a-program/

The above should be outlined in an easy to understand document with limits listed in USD: Insurance Coverage Document Example

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I submit the waiver form and documents?

Completed waiver form AND all supporting documentation can be submitted:

By E-mail: isusship@iastate.edu
By Fax: 515.294.8226
In-Person: University Human Resource Service Center, 3810 Beardshear Hall

What is the Deadline for submitting a waiver?

Within 31 days of the new semester or your arrival at ISU.

Do I need to submit a waiver every August or January?

No, you must only submit a new waiver if your previous waiver expires or your status changes. Financial Guarantees are generally issued for one year, so this is an example of an expiring waiver.

How will I know if the waiver has been approved or denied?

Allow one to two weeks for UHR to review the documents. The approval or denial decision will be communicated to the student through their official Iowa State University e-mail account.

I have a premium on my U-Bill, but I have been approved for a waiver. When will this be removed?