Health Insurance

Mandatory Health Insurance

Vanderbilt University policy requires that all international students and their dependents residing in the U.S. in F or J visa status maintain health insurance throughout their study.

Special Note To J-1 Students

Federal law mandates that J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents maintain health insurance throughout the “J” program. If you willfully fail to maintain health insurance, your J-1 sponsor must terminate your program and report to the U.S. Department of State.  At that time, you will be deemed “out-of-status” and ineligible for extension of stay, employment, or change of status.

Vanderbilt University International Student Injury & Sickness Insurance Plan

As a Vanderbilt student, you will be automatically enrolled in the Vanderbilt University-approved International Student Injury & Sickness Insurance Plan. If you have specific questions regarding the plan or enrollment procedures, contact the Vanderbilt Insurance Representative at 615-343-4688.

To Waive the Vanderbilt University International Student Injury & Sickness Insurance Plan

Vanderbilt University policy requires that all international students and their dependents residing in the United States in F or J visa status maintain health insurance. You may waive out of the Vanderbilt insurance plan for international students and dependents if comparable coverage is provided by an alternate insurance plan and will be effective throughout the policy year.  If your alternate insurance and claims companies are based in the U.S., you must waive online at https://www.gallagherkoster.com/.  If your alternate insurance or claims company are based elsewhere, use this form to apply for a waiver.

To waive this requirement, complete by the waiver deadline the ISSS Health Insurance Waiver Request with supporting documents, in English, outlining insurance benefits. Please highlight or underline the corresponding coverage. The alternate insurance plan must equal or exceed those outlined below. If not, or if the plan does not clearly state what services are covered, you will be required to enroll in Vanderbilt’s insurance plan. Once ISSS receives documentation of your alternate insurance plan, ISSS will evaluate the plan. You will receive an e-mail from ISSS with a decision within 7 business days.

Waiver Deadline

(NOTE: Waivers are not automatic.  You must re-apply every year by the Fall semester waiver deadline.)
Fall – September
Spring– January (for Spring semester arrivals only)

NOTE: Plans must cover medical evacuation and repatriation. If your alternate plan does not include this coverage, you may maintain that plan if you purchase an additional medical evacuation and repatriation policy for a low annual rate from Vanderbilt.

Do not attempt to waive the Vanderbilt insurance on-line. ISSS is the only office that processes the waiver request.

Vanderbilt University Student Health Center

You are encouraged to use the services of the campus Student Health Center where physicians, nurse practitioners, and lab technicians are available to provide primary care. Website: www.vanderbilt.edu/student_health/.