Avoid Overpaying: How to Waive University Health Insurance in the U.S.

Studying in the U.S. is expensive - and every dollar matters. Many international students don’t realize they can save thousands per year by waiving their university’s health insurance plan and enrolling in a more affordable alternative.

If you’ve started exploring this option, you’ve probably also realized this process can be confusing and overwhelming as you navigate tight deadlines. The good news: while every school has slightly different requirements, the overall waiver process is very similar across universities.

This guide will walk you through exactly how waivers work and how to complete yours smoothly.

What Is An Insurance Waiver?

A waiver is a request you submit to your university to remove the school-sponsored insurance charge from your tuition bill.

Most U.S. universities automatically enroll students in their health plan to ensure coverage. This cost is added directly to your tuition. However, many schools allow you to opt out—as long as you provide proof of alternative insurance that meets their requirements. Submitting a waiver is how you provide proof to your school.

How the Waiver Process Works

The exact process for submitting your waiver is going to differ based on the school you attend - but this is generally how you can approach submitting your claim:

Step 1: Review your school’s requirements

Start the process by checking your university’s website to see if you can find the waiver requirements. These are typically listed or can be found at:

• Your school’s health services page
• Your school’s international student resource page
• Your school’s insurance plan page

You’ll want to clarify the specific plan benefits needed - but also the dates you need to show coverage for and the deadline to submit your waiver for the semester or school year.

Step 2: Purchase an approved insurance plan

To get your waiver approved, you must show proof you purchased an insurance plan elsewhere. Shop for insurance plans while keeping the requirement information handy to make an informed decision.

Step 3: Gather your insurance documents

After purchasing, you’ll receive the insurance ID card, confirmation of coverage, and benefits summary or brochure from your insurance. These will be needed to show proof of coverage when you submit your waiver, so download these documents or scan them to your computer.

Step 4: Find the waiver portal

Go back to your school website to find where you can initiate the waiver process. Most of the time there will be a separate portal hosted by your school or the insurance provider.

Step 5: Submit your waiver

Answer all relevant questions asked during the waiver process and submit all requested insurance documentation.

Step 6: Wait for waiver decision

Once submitted, processing can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Monitor your email and student portal for updates - don’t let your guard down until you confirm the waiver has been approved.

Pro tip: Though some insurance providers (like ISO) allow you to enroll and get your insurance documents same day, the waiver process can still take time. It’s always best to start your waiver process well before the deadline to account for any administrative or unforeseen hiccups.

How do I know if an insurance plan is approved by my school?

Each university sets its own criteria, often based on the benefits included in their school plan. While details vary, most schools look at the same key factors:

• Deductible: Must be below a certain threshold
• Copays: Fixed costs for doctor visits and services, must be below a certain threshold
• Coinsurance: The percentage your insurance pays after the deductible, must be above a threshold
• Coverage benefits: Your plan may need to include coverage for preventive care, pre-existing conditions, and/or mental health services
• Policy dates: Your school will typically need you to show coverage for the full semester or school year, so you’ll want to ensure the alternative insurance provider will allow you to purchase coverage for these dates

Keeping these requirements in mind while shopping for insurance is critical. Even small gaps can lead to a denial.

Are there deadlines I need to submit my waiver request by?

Nearly all schools require you to submit proof of coverage before or early in the semester.

If you miss the deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in the school plan. In these cases, the charge will remain on your tuition bill without an option to submit an appeal. School plans generally can cost upwards of $2,000 - $4,000 on average.

Because of this, timing is just as important as choosing the right plan.

Are ISO plans accepted at my school?

ISO provides plans for students at over 3,200 universities across the U.S. - including schools such as the University of Pennsylvania, New York University, University of California Berkeley, etc.

If you search for plans specifically for your school and see plan options listed on the ISO website, these plans are designed to meet your school-specific requirements and guaranteed to be approved for the waiver.

Why are ISO plans so affordable compared to my school plan?

University health plans often include broad coverage designed for all students (both domestic and international). Though this provides comprehensive coverage, these often contain inessential benefits that drive up the cost.

ISO designs our plans with savings as the primary focus - offering plans with the essential benefits to meet your school requirements while excluding the unnecessary benefits that inflate the price.

What to do if my waiver is denied?

A denial isn’t the end of the process. Most schools allow you to submit an appeal, especially if your initial submission was on time.

When you receive a denial, make sure to review the email or message to review the reason provided. The denial could be due to a simple reason - such as incorrect coverage dates or missing insurance documents, which can be resolved relatively easily.

If your plan is denied due to insufficient benefits, reach out to your insurance immediately. If you’re enrolled with ISO, our support team can help identify the issue and assist with documentation or next steps.

Other Waiver FAQs

Do I need to purchase annually to submit my waiver?

Not necessarily - a majority of schools will require full-year students to show coverage for the full school year, but you may be allowed to waive semester-by-semester. It’s always recommended to purchase for as long as you know you’ll need coverage.

Do I need to purchase insurance coverage through summer?

This is also dependent on school - some schools will not require summer coverage, though it is always highly recommended to stay insured for the full time you are in the U.S.

Can I submit my waiver prior to purchasing an insurance plan?

No - the goal of submitting a waiver is to show proof of coverage, so you need to prove you purchased an alternative plan.

Can I waive if I already paid for the school plan?

For most schools, yes. Your school will reimburse you for the insurance cost if you waive after paying the health insurance fee in your tuition.

Does ISO provide assistance submitting your waiver?

Yes - we have a multilingual customer service team that can help answer any question related to your waiver. If you need specific documentation filled out or signed by your insurance, you can reach out to us to get this completed. For a majority of cases like this, ISO will already have this prepared in our system and get it emailed to you as soon as you complete your purchase.

Why should I enroll with ISO?

ISO is one of the leading providers of health insurance for international students in the U.S., helping tens of thousands of students each year with:

• Plans tailored to meet school waiver requirements
• Affordable plans starting at $31/month
• Fast access to insurance documents
• Dedicated waiver support

Looking for a plan that meets your university’s needs? Find a plan option for you today!