Michigan Tech Health Insurance Guide for International Students Waiver

If you're heading to Michigan Technological University, one of the key requirements to handle before classes begin is health insurance. MTU requires all international students to carry qualifying coverage, either through the university plan or an approved alternative.

For many students, selecting an alternative plan is a practical way to lower costs while still meeting all university requirements.

MTU Health Insurance Requirement

Michigan Technological University requires international students to maintain active health insurance coverage throughout their enrollment. Students are typically enrolled in the university-sponsored plan unless they submit an approved waiver.

You can review full details on the MTU Student Insurance page.

Students have two options:

• Stay enrolled in the MTU SHIP and pay the annual premium
• Submit proof of alternative coverage that meets MTU requirements

MTU Insurance Requirements (What Your Plan Must Include)

Michigan Tech outlines specific criteria that alternative plans must meet to be approved.

Based on the official insurance page, qualifying plans must include:

• Comprehensive medical coverage for illness and injury
• Access to care within the United States
• Coverage for hospitalization, outpatient services, and emergency care
• Medical evacuation and repatriation benefits
• Continuous coverage for the full academic period

Unlike some schools, MTU evaluates whether your plan provides comparable protection rather than listing strict numeric thresholds publicly.

How to Waive MTU SHIP Using an ISO Plan

ISO offers plans specifically designed to meet Michigan Technological University’s insurance requirements, helping streamline the waiver process.

You can explore plan options on the ISO website.

1. Visit the ISO enrollment page and select your MTU plan. Choose your coverage start date based on your term.
2. Enroll online in minutes. Your ID card and supporting documents are available instantly.
3. Log into your MTU student portal and access the insurance waiver section.
4. Upload your ISO documents and submit your waiver for approval.

Once approved, the university insurance charge is removed from your account.

MTU SHIP vs. ISO Plans: Side-by-Side

Feature	MTU SHIP	ISO Plans
Annual Cost (Student)	~$2,400	$645 - $957
Deductible	Varies	Meets req.
Coinsurance	Varies	Meets req.
Annual Maximum	Varies	Meets req.
Medical Evacuation	Included	Included
Repatriation	Included	Included
MTU Waiver Eligible	N/A	Yes
Savings	$0	~$1,443 - $1,755

Access to Care in Houghton, Michigan

ISO plans provide access to a nationwide provider network, including healthcare facilities in the Houghton area such as UP Health System – Portage.

Students may also use services at the MTU Student Health Services center, depending on their coverage.

Why MTU Students Choose ISO

ISO plans are built specifically for international students and tailored to meet school-specific requirements like those at Michigan Tech.

Key advantages include:

• Plans designed to align with MTU waiver standards
• Fast, fully online enrollment
• Instant documentation for waiver submission
• Multilingual customer support
• U.S.-based claims processing

For students planning to drive in Michigan, ISO can also help provide documentation to support waiving Personal Injury Protection (PIP) requirements when purchasing auto insurance.

This can be an important cost-saving benefit, as Michigan auto insurance requirements are unique compared to other states.

How to Save on Health Insurance at MTU

Health insurance is a required cost at Michigan Technological University, but students have flexibility in how they meet that requirement.

By selecting a plan that aligns with MTU’s criteria, many students are able to significantly reduce their annual expenses while maintaining compliant coverage.

Once your waiver is approved, you can focus on settling into life in Houghton and starting your academic experience.

Ready to Waive the MTU SHIP?

Compare plans and enroll on the ISO website. Enrollment takes just a few minutes, and your waiver documents are available immediately after signup.