BGSU Health Insurance Policy for International Students: What You Need to Know

If you're an international student at Bowling Green State University, health insurance isn’t just recommended—it’s typically required through the university plan unless you qualify for a limited exemption.

Unlike many schools, BGSU has a more restrictive waiver process, so understanding your options early can help you avoid unnecessary charges and delays.

BGSU Health Insurance Requirement

Bowling Green State University requires all international students to maintain active health insurance coverage while enrolled. In most cases, students are automatically enrolled in the university-sponsored plan.

You can review the official policy on the BGSU International Student Insurance page.

Students have two paths:

• Enroll in the university-sponsored health insurance plan (default option)
• Request an exemption if they meet very specific criteria

Important: BGSU operates closer to a “hard waiver” model, meaning most international students are expected to remain on the school plan unless they qualify under limited exemption categories.

Who Can Waive BGSU Health Insurance?

BGSU does not offer a standard open waiver process like many other universities.

According to the official BGSU insurance page, exemptions are generally limited to students who have:

• Government-sponsored or embassy-provided insurance
• Coverage through a U.S.-based employer
• Another pre-approved insurance policy

Students who believe they qualify must contact the university directly and submit documentation for review.

What BGSU Looks for in Alternative Coverage

For students who may qualify for an exemption, BGSU does outline baseline expectations for acceptable coverage.

Plans should generally include:

• A deductible of $500 or less
• Unlimited annual benefits per illness or injury
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions
• A policy issued by a U.S.-licensed insurer with U.S. claims support
• Coverage that remains active for the full academic year

Additionally, students must have coverage that provides access to care in the Northwest Ohio region, including inpatient, outpatient, and mental health services.

Using an ISO Plan at BGSU

ISO offers plans that align with the types of coverage requirements BGSU expects for exemption consideration.

You can explore options on the ISO website.

For Bowling Green students:

• ISO Care is structured to meet common university coverage standards
• Documentation is provided instantly after enrollment
• Plans include U.S.-based coverage and nationwide provider access

However, because BGSU has a restricted waiver process, approval is not automatic. Students must confirm eligibility with the university before relying on any alternative plan.

BGSU SHIP vs. ISO Care

Feature	BGSU SHIP	ISO Care
Annual Cost (Student)	~$2,500–$3,000	$1,089
Deductible	$500 or less	$500
Annual Maximum	Unlimited	Unlimited
Pre-existing Conditions	Covered	Covered
U.S.-Based Coverage	Yes	Yes
Waiver Eligible	Limited	Case-by-case
Potential Savings	$0	~$1,400–$1,900

Access to Care Near BGSU

Students at Bowling Green State University have access to care through the Falcon Health Center, which serves both students and the surrounding community.

The center offers services including:

• Primary care and urgent visits
• Lab and radiology services
• Immunizations and travel medicine
• Physical therapy and specialty services

ISO plans also provide access to a nationwide provider network, giving students additional flexibility for care outside campus.

Important Consideration for International Students at BGSU

• Most international students are expected to stay on the university plan
• Waivers are not broadly available
• Approval depends on specific eligibility categories and review by the school

Because of this, students should always confirm waiver eligibility with the university before enrolling in an alternative plan.

How to Save on Health Insurance at BGSU

While BGSU limits waiver flexibility, students who qualify for exemptions may still be able to reduce their insurance costs.

ISO Care offers:

• Lower annual pricing compared to university plans
• Coverage designed for international students
• Immediate documentation for submission
• U.S.-based claims and provider access

Next Steps for BGSU Students

1. Review the official BGSU insurance page
2. Confirm whether you qualify for an exemption
3. If eligible, compare alternative plans and prepare documentation
4. Contact the Student Insurance Office to complete the process

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you qualify for a waiver, you can review plans and enroll on the ISO website. Enrollment takes just a few minutes, and your documentation is available immediately after signup.