Health Insurance for International Students

Policy on Mandatory Health Insurance for International Students

All international students (including those in the ELC Program) on J and F visa status, or any other temporary non-employment-related visa, are required to have a health insurance policy during the time they are in the U.S. that meets the University's minimum insurance standards. (See Section II below) International students on these visa types will be automatically enrolled in the Towson University sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) through Aetna Student Health when they enroll at the University. It is the student's responsibility to pay for the Student Health Insurance Plan.  Students studying in the ISSO program will have the charge billed to their Student & University Billing Office’s account. Students studying in the ELC program will be informed by the ELC department on how their insurance charges will be paid. 

Waiver Information

If you already have health insurance that meets Towson University’s minimum standards (see below), you may request a waiver from purchasing the Towson University Student Health Insurance Plan.

To waive out of this requirement and receive a refund of the insurance charge, the student must contact the Health Center Insurance and Billing department at 410-704-4543 and complete the waiver application, as well as provide proof of insurance in-person.  Please note: Only plans that Towson University is participating with will be considered (example:  Carefirst BCBS) and no other plans will be reviewed.  This includes ISO, PSI and Dongbu insurance plans. 

These exceptions to the student health insurance must be requested and confirmed by the Health Center staff prior to September 15^th for the fall semester, and February 15^th for the spring semester.  If they are not confirmed by these dates, the student will automatically be enrolled in the Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan, and no refunds will be given.  Students requesting waivers must submit proof of an alternative insurance policy that meets the minimum standards. Please see the Minimum Health Insurance Standards.