University of the Potomac Student Health Insurance

Key Takeaways

• University of the Potomac encourages students to obtain health insurance to help protect themselves from unexpected medical expenses while studying in the U.S. It also lists ISO among the providers students may consider.
• Potomac doesn't automatically enroll students in a school-sponsored plan or require them to complete an insurance waiver. Students who want coverage choose and purchase a plan directly from an insurance provider.
• F-1 students aren't subject to a federal health insurance mandate, giving them flexibility to compare plans based on cost, provider access, deductibles, prescriptions, and other benefits.
• J-1 students and J-2 dependents must maintain insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State's minimum requirements, including $100,000 in medical benefits, $50,000 for medical evacuation, and $25,000 for repatriation of remains.
• ISO plans for University of the Potomac currently start at $33 per month and include Silver, Gold, and Platinum options with different deductibles, benefit limits, and coverage levels.

Even when a university doesn't require health insurance, having coverage can still protect you from high medical costs while studying in the U.S. University of the Potomac (UOTP) encourages students to consider health insurance and lists ISO Student Health Insurance among the providers they may review when choosing a plan.

For international students at Potomac's Washington, D.C., and Falls Church, Virginia campuses, this means you can compare different coverage levels and select a plan that fits your health needs and budget. ISO's University of the Potomac insurance page currently offers Silver, Gold, and Platinum options, with plans currently starting at $33 per month.

The sections below explain what F-1 and J-1 students should consider when choosing insurance, how coverage may apply during CPT or OPT, and how ISO's plans differ in cost and benefits.

Choosing Coverage Based on Your Visa and Study Situation

Your visa status and location affect the type of coverage you should consider while studying at University of the Potomac.

F-1 Students

F-1 students aren't subject to a federal health insurance mandate, and Potomac doesn't publish minimum coverage requirements for them. However, UOTP encourages students to obtain insurance to help manage unexpected medical expenses in the U.S.

When comparing plans, look for:

• A provider network with doctors, urgent care centers, and hospitals near Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia
• A sufficient annual or per-injury and sickness maximum
• Emergency, prescription drug, and mental health benefits
• A deductible and out-of-pocket limit you could reasonably afford
• Medical evacuation and repatriation benefits if you want coverage for returning home during a serious emergency

Coverage from your home country may still be useful, but check how it works in the U.S. Some policies require you to pay medical bills upfront and request reimbursement, while others provide limited benefits outside your home country. Short-term travel insurance may also offer narrower coverage than a plan intended for an entire academic program.

F-1 Students on CPT

Participating in Curricular Practical Training doesn't create a separate health insurance requirement. You remain in F-1 status while completing authorized CPT and can choose coverage based on the same factors as other F-1 students.

Potomac generally requires students to complete one full academic year before becoming eligible for CPT. An exception may apply to graduate programs that require immediate practical training as part of the curriculum. All CPT must be authorized by Potomac before employment begins.

Students Approaching OPT

Moving from CPT or active enrollment to OPT doesn't automatically determine when your current insurance ends. Check your policy's expiration date and consider OPT coverage if the plan will end before employer-sponsored insurance begins.

Online Students

Your physical location matters more than the format of your classes. If you're studying online while living in the U.S., consider a plan with providers near your residence. If you remain outside the U.S., a U.S.-based student plan may not be the most practical option, so review coverage available in the country where you live.

J-1 Students and J-2 Dependents

J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents must maintain insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State's requirements. The policy must provide at least $100,000 per accident or illness, $50,000 for medical evacuation, and $25,000 for repatriation of remains. The deductible cannot exceed $500 per accident or illness, and the policy must meet federal financial-backing standards.

ISO's J-1 Exchange plans are designed to meet or exceed these federal minimums and include the required medical evacuation and repatriation benefits. Review the specific plan details and confirm eligibility with your J-1 program sponsor before enrolling.

Does University of the Potomac Have a Plan You Can Waive?

University of the Potomac doesn't automatically enroll students in a school-sponsored health insurance plan. Its published billing information lists tuition and standard university fees, but not a student health insurance charge. As a result, there is no Potomac insurance fee or waiver form to remove from your account.

Instead, Potomac encourages students to consider purchasing health insurance independently. Its Student Support Services page lists ISO Student Health Insurance as one of the providers students may review, while leaving each student responsible for comparing eligibility, benefits, and pricing.

You can therefore choose a plan based on your visa rules, healthcare needs, and budget without completing a university waiver. For questions about a specific program or student situation, contact Potomac at +1 (202) 274-2300 or reach its International Student Office at dso@potomac.edu.

How to Get Health Insurance as a University of the Potomac Student

Purchasing health insurance is a short online process. Potomac doesn't require F-1 students to submit proof of coverage, but keeping your insurance documents accessible makes it easier to receive care and confirm your benefits.

Step 1: Compare Your Plan Options

Review the benefits, exclusions, provider network, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs before choosing a plan. Look for coverage you can use near Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, as well as throughout the U.S. if you plan to travel.

ISO offers Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans for University of the Potomac students. The options have different premiums, benefit maximums, deductibles, and cost-sharing levels, allowing you to select coverage based on your budget and expected healthcare use.

Students attending through a J-1 exchange-program sponsor should select a plan that the sponsor confirms meets the federal insurance requirements.

Step 2: Choose Your Coverage Dates

Select a start date that prevents a gap in coverage while you're living and studying in the U.S. You can choose an end date based on the length of your academic program or purchase coverage for a shorter period and renew it later.

J-1 students and accompanying J-2 dependents must maintain qualifying insurance throughout the exchange program. Their sponsor is responsible for verifying compliance with the federal requirements.

Step 3: Enroll Online and Access Your Documents

ISO enrollment is completed online and generally takes less than five minutes. After successful payment, your confirmation letter, insurance ID card, and plan brochure are available electronically.

Keep these documents where you can access them easily, as you may need your ID card when receiving care or confirming benefits. J-1 students should provide insurance information to their exchange-program sponsor when requested.

Step 4: Keep Your Coverage Active

Monitor your plan's expiration date and renew before coverage ends if you want continuous protection. Review any renewal carefully because premiums, benefits, and eligibility rules may change between coverage periods.

Students approaching graduation can also compare ISO's OPT health insurance options before their student plan expires, particularly if an employer-sponsored plan won't begin immediately.

How Much Does University of the Potomac Health Insurance Cost?

Because Potomac doesn't list a student health insurance charge, students purchase coverage separately. ISO offers Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans with rates and benefits that vary by age and coverage level.

Feature	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Monthly rate, ages 12–24	$33	$56	$87
12-month premium, ages 12–24	$396	$672	$1,044
Monthly rate, ages 25–29	$59	$104	$139
Annual maximum	$400,000	Unlimited	Unlimited
Per-injury or sickness maximum	$150,000	$300,000	$500,000
Deductible	$100 per injury or sickness outside a Student Health Center	$500 per policy year in-network	$300 per policy year in-network
In-network coinsurance	100%, subject to per-service and daily benefit limits	80%	80%
Medical evacuation	$60,000	$120,000	Unlimited
Repatriation of remains	$50,000	$60,000	Unlimited
Pre-existing conditions	Covered after six months of continuous coverage	Excluded	Excluded
Provider network	Aetna PPO	Aetna PPO	Aetna PPO

Rates are monthly equivalents for students ages 12–24. Most ISO student plans require a minimum three-month enrollment, and a mandatory annual service fee applies. Your total depends on your age and selected coverage period.

J-1 participants should confirm the selected plan with their exchange-program sponsor before enrolling.

Common Health Insurance Mistakes University of the Potomac Students Should Avoid

University of the Potomac gives students flexibility to select their own health insurance. However, these common mistakes can leave you with coverage that costs more or provides less protection than expected.

• Assuming tuition includes health insurance: Potomac's published tuition and fee schedule doesn't include a student health insurance charge. If you decide to purchase coverage, you'll enroll and pay the insurance provider directly.
• Choosing a plan based only on the monthly price: A low premium doesn't always mean a low total cost. Compare the deductible, coinsurance, copays, benefit maximums, provider network, and exclusions to understand how much you could pay when receiving care.
• Relying on home-country or travel insurance without checking the details: Before using an existing policy, confirm that it provides suitable medical coverage in the U.S. Check whether it has a local provider network, how claims are submitted, and whether you must pay medical bills upfront. Travel insurance may be intended for short trips rather than an entire academic program.
• Overlooking the J-1 insurance requirements: J-1 students and J-2 dependents must maintain coverage that meets the U.S. Department of State's minimum benefit and insurer-rating rules. Your exchange-program sponsor verifies compliance, so confirm the selected plan with the Responsible Officer listed on your Form DS-2019. A willful failure to maintain qualifying coverage can result in termination from the exchange program.
• Leaving a gap in coverage: Choose your start and end dates carefully, and renew before your policy expires. A gap may leave an F-1 student responsible for all medical costs and can violate federal insurance rules for J-1 participants.

Why University of the Potomac Students Enroll With ISO

ISO offers University of the Potomac students several coverage levels, online enrollment, and support designed for international students.

• Listed by University of the Potomac: Potomac encourages students to consider health insurance and lists ISO Student Health Insurance among the providers they may review. The university doesn't endorse or administer the listed plans, so students remain free to compare coverage, eligibility, and pricing.
• Affordable plan options: ISO offers Silver, Gold, and Platinum options with different benefit maximums, deductibles, and cost-sharing levels. Review the current school page and plan documents to compare rates and benefits.
• Immediate access to documents: After enrolling online, you can access your digital insurance ID card and plan documents without waiting for them to arrive by mail. Potomac doesn't currently require F-1 students to submit proof of insurance, but you'll need your ID card when receiving care or confirming your benefits.
• Nationwide Aetna PPO network: The Potomac-specific Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans use the Aetna PPO network. You can use ISO's provider search tool to look for participating doctors, clinics, and hospitals near Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, or elsewhere in the U.S. Always confirm that a provider participates in your specific plan before receiving non-emergency care.
• Options for different visa stages: ISO offers student plans for eligible F-1 students, dedicated plans for J-1 exchange visitors, OPT coverage for graduates, and options for eligible F-2 and J-2 dependents. Dependents may join the primary visa holder's plan, while those age 7 or older may be eligible to purchase the Voyager plan separately.
• Multilingual customer support: ISO provides support by phone, email, WhatsApp, WeChat, and other online channels. Its team includes current and former international students and assists members in several languages.
• Direct claims billing in many cases: When you show your ISO ID card, a participating provider can typically submit the claim directly to the plan administrator. Some providers may still ask you to pay upfront, so confirm the billing process before your appointment and keep copies of all medical bills and receipts.

Ready to Enroll?

University of the Potomac encourages international students to consider health insurance while studying in the U.S. You can compare plans online, choose coverage based on your visa status and healthcare needs, and access your insurance documents immediately after enrollment.

Explore ISO plans for University of the Potomac to see your rate and choose the right coverage level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I Have to Buy a U.S. Insurance Plan, or Can I Use My Home-Country Plan?

F-1 students may use a home-country plan, but should confirm that it covers care in the U.S., provides access to nearby providers, and explains whether bills must be paid upfront. J-1 students and J-2 dependents must use coverage that meets federal insurance requirements.

Does University of the Potomac Have a Student Health Center?

Potomac's current Student Support Services information doesn't list an on-campus medical clinic. Students with private insurance can search their plan's provider network for nearby doctors, urgent care centers, and hospitals. ISO's Potomac-specific plans use the Aetna PPO network.

When Does My Coverage Need to Start?

Potomac doesn't set an insurance start date for F-1 students. However, starting coverage when you arrive in the U.S. or before existing coverage expires can prevent a period in which you would be responsible for all medical costs. J-1 students and J-2 dependents must maintain qualifying insurance throughout their exchange program.

Do Dependents Get Covered Under My Plan?

Dependents aren't enrolled automatically. Eligible F-2 and J-2 spouses and children may enroll under the primary student's ISO plan for an additional premium. Dependents age 7 or older may instead purchase the Voyager plan separately. J-2 dependents must meet the federal J-visa insurance requirements.

What Happens to My Insurance When I Move From CPT to OPT?

Moving from CPT to OPT doesn't automatically determine the end date of your current coverage. Review your insurance documents and eligibility terms. If your student plan ends before employer-sponsored coverage begins, ISO offers OPT plans for eligible students who have filed an OPT application, even if their Employment Authorization Document has not yet arrived.

This article was prepared by ISO Customer Care. University of the Potomac policy information reflects publicly available university materials as of July 2026. ISO rates and benefits may change, so review the current plan documents before enrolling. J-1 participants should confirm compliance with their exchange-program sponsor. This content does not constitute legal, immigration, or medical advice.