Waiver Guide for Emory International Students

Starting a new chapter at Emory University in Atlanta is exciting, but between tuition, housing, and getting settled in a new city, the last thing you want is an unexpected $5,000+ charge on your student bill. That's exactly what can happen if you don't pay attention to Emory's health insurance requirement.

Here's the short version: every student at Emory must have health insurance. If you don't already have qualifying coverage, you're automatically enrolled in EUSHIP, Emory's student health plan, and charged accordingly. But if you do have a qualifying plan, you can waive EUSHIP and save thousands.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

What Is EUSHIP, and Why Does It Matter?

EUSHIP (Emory University Student Health Insurance Plan) is administered through Aetna and provides solid coverage for students on campus.

For the 2025–26 academic year, it costs $5,374 for the full year (student only), making it one of the larger non-tuition expenses.

The good news: Emory allows students to waive out of EUSHIP if they have alternative coverage that meets the university's standards.

Emory's Waiver Deadlines

Emory's waiver window opens and closes on a strict schedule. There are no exceptions for missed deadlines.

• Summer 2026: Waiver deadline - May 22
• Fall 2026: Waiver deadline - August 14
• Spring 2027: Waiver deadline - January 1

Waivers are submitted through OPUS (Emory's student portal). Once approved, the EUSHIP charge is removed from your account.

If you're a late admit, your waiver access is triggered after registration, so check your email and act quickly.

What Does Emory Require from a Waiver Plan?

To successfully waive EUSHIP, your alternative plan must meet these requirements:

• Coverage through a U.S.-licensed insurer
• Active coverage for the full academic period
• No unreasonable benefit caps or exclusions for pre-existing conditions
• Coverage for routine, urgent, and emergency care
• Mental health coverage included

This is why many students choose plans specifically designed to meet university waiver requirements.

EUSHIP vs. ISO Plans: Side-by-Side

Feature	EUSHIP	ISO Share	ISO Care	ISO Care Elite
Annual Cost (Student)	$5,374	$969	$1,089	$1,629
Annual Deductible	Varies	$1,250	$500	$40
Coinsurance (In-Network)	Varies	80%	80%	90%
Annual Maximum	Varies	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Pre-existing Conditions	Covered	Covered	Covered	Covered
Preventive Care	100% in-network	100% in-network	100% in-network	100% in-network
Medical Evacuation	—	$100,000	$100,000	$100,000
Student Health Center Copay	$0	$0	$0	$0
Emory Waiver Eligible	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes
Potential Savings	—	$4,405	$4,285	$3,745

All ISO plans use the Aetna PPO network, providing access to the same providers as EUSHIP, including Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, and Piedmont Urgent Care.

Choosing the Right ISO Plan

ISO Share is best for students who want the lowest cost and expect minimal healthcare usage.

ISO Care offers a balance between affordability and lower out-of-pocket costs.

ISO Care Elite provides the most comprehensive coverage with a low deductible and higher coinsurance.

How to Waive EUSHIP with an ISO Plan

Step 1: Choose your ISO plan and align your start date with your semester.

Step 2: Enroll online and receive your documents instantly.

Step 3: Log into OPUS and navigate to the waiver section.

Step 4: Upload your insurance documents and submit before the deadline.

Step 5: Wait for approval and confirm removal of the charge.

Important Tips for International Students

• Your coverage must be active before the semester begins
• J-1 students can use ISO Care and ISO Care Elite plans
• Your insurance documents are available immediately after enrollment

The Bottom Line

Health insurance is required at Emory, but you have control over how you meet that requirement.

Choosing an ISO plan can significantly reduce your costs while still meeting all university standards.

Ready to Waive EUSHIP?

Compare ISO plans and enroll in minutes. Your waiver documents are ready instantly so you can submit your waiver without delay.