How to Waive Cardinal Care as a Stanford International Student

Getting into Stanford is a big deal. Figuring out your health insurance once you arrive shouldn't be. But for many international students, the words "Cardinal Care," "waiver," and "AHP portal" can feel just as daunting.

This guide breaks it all down simply - what Cardinal Care is, what Stanford actually requires, and how you can waive out of it using an ISO plan that's already been pre-approved by the university.

First, the Basics: What Is Stanford's Health Insurance Requirement?

Stanford University requires every registered student to carry adequate health insurance. This isn't optional, it's a condition of enrollment.

The university's default plan, Cardinal Care, is automatically added to every student's account at the start of their first registered quarter each academic year.

Cardinal Care costs $8,232 for the full year - billed as $2,744 per quarter. Mid-year starters pay less depending on entry term.

For international students already managing Bay Area living costs, that's a significant expense. Stanford does allow you to waive Cardinal Care if you have a qualifying alternative plan.

Your Two Options as a Stanford Student

You have two options:

• Stay on Cardinal Care - pay the annual premium and use Stanford’s university-sponsored insurance
• Waive Cardinal Care - submit proof of an alternative plan that meets Stanford’s requirements

Can You Actually Waive? Here's What Stanford Requires

Your alternative plan must meet all of the following:

• Active coverage for the entire plan year (September 1 through August 31)
• Inpatient and outpatient care in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Mental health coverage in the Bay Area
• Annual deductible of $2,500 or less
• Out-of-pocket maximum of $9,200 or less
• ACA-compliant essential benefits with no maximums
• 100% preventive care coverage
• No exclusions for pre-existing conditions
• Prescription drug coverage
• Emergency and non-emergency care coverage

If your plan does not meet all requirements, your waiver will be denied.

How ISO Plans Are Built for This

ISO offers two plans that are pre-approved for Stanford's waiver - ISO Care and ISO Care Elite.

Feature	Cardinal Care	ISO Plans
Annual Cost	$8,232	$1,197 - $1,797
Deductible	$150	$40 - $500
Coinsurance	Varies	80% - 90%
Annual Maximum	Unlimited	Unlimited
Pre-existing Conditions	Covered	Covered
Preventive Care	100%	100%
Medical Evacuation	Included	$100,000
Stanford Waiver Eligible	N/A	Yes
Savings	—	$6,400 - $7,000+

ISO plans use the Aetna PPO network, providing access to providers across the Bay Area.

Both plans include a $0 copay at the Vaden Health Center for on-campus care.

Step-by-Step: How to Waive Cardinal Care with an ISO Plan

Here’s exactly how the process works:

1. Choose your ISO plan and align your start date
2. Enroll online and receive documents instantly
3. Go to the AHP portal and request a waiver
4. Upload your insurance documents
5. Wait for approval (up to 10 business days)
6. Confirm removal of charges in your Axess account

Waiver Deadlines by Quarter

• Autumn: September 15
• Winter: December 15
• Spring: March 15
• Summer: June 15

Missing the deadline means you will be enrolled in Cardinal Care for the full plan year.

Final Thoughts

Stanford's health insurance requirement exists for good reason - healthcare in the U.S. is expensive.

However, Cardinal Care is not your only option. ISO plans offer a more affordable alternative that still meets all waiver requirements and provides access to care across the Bay Area.

Ready to Waive Cardinal Care?

Compare your options and enroll at isoa.org/schools/stanford-university.

Your insurance ID card and waiver documents are available instantly after enrollment.