WMU exchange visitors and international students on J-1 visas are required by U.S. Department of State regulations to have health insurance that meets minimum J-1 requirements while they are in the United States. For detailed requirements, see: j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/how-to-administer-a-program/.
All other WMU international students not on J visas are required to have health insurance that meets the coverage requirements of ACA plus:
- Repatriation in the amount of $25,000
- Evacuation coverage of $50,000 to return to his or her country
or
J-1 insurance with at least the following minimum requirements:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation in the amount of $25,000
- Expenses associated with medical evacuation to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
Approved Nov. 30, 2015
Academic Affairs and Student Affairs
The requirement to pay a tax penalty if you do not possess health insurance was eliminated after the end of 2018, under the terms of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. So, in effect, there is no requirement to have health insurance for U. S. citizens attending WMU.