Health Insurance for International Students

All international students at Kutztown University are encouraged to carry adequate health insurance during all periods of time the student is authorized to be in the U.S. by an immigration document issued by KU. J-visa students are required by immigration to have health insurance. Healthcare is expensive in the U.S., and international students are responsible for any costs associated with their physical or mental health. Note, that most health insurance plans in the U.S. do not cover all medical benefits like prescriptions, dental, and vision. 

Requirements: 

  • Health insurance policies must be purchased through a company that sells insurance in the U.S. 
  • Medical Benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of Remains in the amount of at least $25,000
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of at least $50,000
  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Important Insurance Terminology:

  • Annual/Per Event Maximum: Refers to the maximum amount insurance will pay towards your medical bills that are eligible for coverage. After this limit is reached, you will be responsible for 100% of the remainder of your bills in the specified timeframe.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. Example: $1000 bill with a $200 deductible = Means you pay $200 before the insurance plans pays $800.
  • Copay: A copayment or copay is a fixed amount for a covered service, paid by a patient to the provider of service before receiving the service.
  • Premium: A specified amount of money that the insurer receives in exchange for its promise to provide health insurance to an individual. Basically, the price you pay per month for your health insurance plan.
  • In-Network vs Out-of-Network: A provider network is a list of the doctors, health care providers, and hospitals that an insurance plan contracts with to provide medical care to its members. These providers are called “network providers” or “in-network providers.” A provider that isn't contracted with the plan is called an “out-of-network provider.” Out-of-Network providers may not be covered by your insurance plan. 

Tips for Selecting an Insurance Plan:

  • Compare the plans carefully the terminology explained above. A cheaper premium may mean a more expensive deductible. ​
  • J visa holders are required to have insurance by immigration regulations.​
  • F visa holders who live on campus students are required to have insurance.

For all other students, you have the option of purchasing insurance. ​However, by not having an insurance plan you are risking your physical, mental and financial well-being. ​

International Student Health Insurance Plans

ISO Insurance 
International Student Insurance
International Student Insurance for Athletes

Athletic Coverage

International student athletes and students participating in intramural, elite, or club sports must have an insurance policy that covers athletics. Athletic coverage is not included in all insurance plans and not all sports are covered under all plans, so be sure to choose a plan with the appropriate level of coverage for your particular sport.  NCAA athletes should check with the athletics department to be sure they have sufficient coverage.