Health Insurance Choices for International Students at UT Southern
ISO Customer Care | Apr 23, 2026 Schools
If you're an international student at the University of Tennessee Southern, health insurance is an important part of preparing for your time in the U.S. Students are generally expected to maintain active coverage, either through a university-sponsored plan or an approved alternative.
For many students, choosing the right plan early can help avoid unnecessary costs and ensure a smooth enrollment process.
Health Insurance at UT Southern
The University of Tennessee system provides guidance on student health insurance through its centralized program. While specific requirements may vary slightly by campus, international students are typically expected to maintain continuous health insurance coverage throughout their studies.
You can review more details on the University of Tennessee Student Health Insurance page.
Students may have the option to:
- Remain enrolled in a university-supported insurance plan
- Provide proof of alternative coverage that meets the required standards
How the Waiver Process Works
Students who choose not to enroll in a university plan must complete a waiver process and submit documentation showing their insurance meets the school’s expectations.
This typically involves uploading proof of coverage through the university’s system for review.
ISO helps streamline this process. After enrolling in a plan, students receive instant documentation, including a waiver-ready form that can be submitted right away.
UT Southern SHIP vs. ISO Plans
| Feature | UT SHIP (Est.) | ISO Care (UT Southern) | ISO Care Elite (UT Southern) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost (Student) | ~$3,200 | $1,185 | $1,629 |
| Deductible | Varies | $500 | $40 |
| Coinsurance (In-Network) | Varies | 80% | 90% |
| Annual Maximum | Varies | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Preventive Care | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| UT Waiver Eligible | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Savings | $0 | ~$2,015 | ~$1,571 |
Health Insurance Options for UT Southern Students
ISO offers plans designed specifically for international students, including options that align with university requirements like those at UT Southern.
The ISO Care plan is available at $97 per month, while the ISO Care Elite plan is $134 per month.
Both options provide access to healthcare providers across the United States, along with coverage for common medical needs such as doctor visits, hospital care, and emergency services.
You can explore plan details on the ISO website.
Access to Care in Tennessee
ISO plans provide access to a nationwide provider network, giving students flexibility to receive care both locally and while traveling within the U.S.
Students attending UT Southern can access healthcare providers throughout Tennessee, including regional hospitals and clinics.
Why International Students at UT Southern Choose ISO
For international students, balancing tuition, housing, and daily expenses is already a challenge. Health insurance is one area where choosing the right plan can make a meaningful financial difference.
ISO plans are designed specifically for international students and offer competitive pricing compared to many university plans, along with fast online enrollment and immediate access to insurance documents.
The ability to receive waiver-ready documentation immediately after enrollment also makes ISO a convenient option for students navigating the waiver process.
How to Save on Health Insurance at UT Southern
Health insurance is a necessary part of studying in the U.S., but students often have flexibility in how they meet this requirement.
By selecting a compliant alternative plan, many students are able to reduce their overall costs while maintaining strong coverage.
The key is enrolling early, confirming requirements, and submitting your documentation on time.
Ready to Get Covered?
Compare plans and enroll on the ISO website. Enrollment takes just a few minutes, and your documents are available immediately after signup.
About ISO Student Health Insurance
Founded in 1958, ISO prides itself on being the leader in providing international students with affordable insurance plans. Administered by former and current international students, we are able to assist our member with multilingual customer service in Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, and more. ISO serves over 3,200 schools/colleges and more than 150,000 insured students every year.
For more information, please visit www.isoa.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.


