Penn State requires health insurance coverage for international students; coverage also is required for any accompanying spouse and/or children. International students can satisfy this requirement by purchasing the Penn State Student Accident and Illness Insurance Plan or by purchasing a comparable insurance plan that meets the waiver standards. Effective Aug. 10, the waiver standards will change. The changes apply to coverage for both new and returning international students and their families.
"Health care can be very costly in the United States," said Karen Kline, student insurance manager at University Health Services (UHS). "The changes to required insurance coverage are meant to help ensure adequate levels of care and avoid costly medical bills for visiting students."
Waiver applications must be submitted on an annual basis each fall semester. Additional information, including a list of waiver standards and the waiver application are available on the UHS website at studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/services/insurance/international.shtml.