Health Insurance and Services

GeoBlue offers comprehensive health insurance coverage tailored for international students. This includes:

• Doctor visits – primary care, urgent care, specialists
• Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
• Laboratory tests and diagnostics
• Mental health care
• Prescription medications (with co-pay)
• Ambulance transport (if medically necessary)

You must see an in-network provider to receive the highest coverage and lowest out-of-pocket costs. Use the GeoBlue provider directory to find one near you.

GeoBlue does not cover:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications (e.g., ibuprofen, cold meds)
• Routine dental and vision care
• Elective procedures (e.g., cosmetic surgery)
• Injuries from illegal activities
• Car accident-related costs (should be covered by auto insurance)
• Routine physical exams or wellness visits (unless required for school entry or athletics)

Note: Dental/vision emergencies may be covered if due to illness/injury.

Yes. Some services have conditions or special steps:

• Pre-existing conditions: Covered as long as they are not specifically excluded under the plan.
• Mental health care: Covered (amount of covered sessions may be limited).
• Chronic illnesses: Covered, but ongoing management may require a treatment plan.

If you're managing a long-term health condition, we encourage you to call a GeoBlue representative early in the semester.

Western Michigan University partners with Gallagher, a global insurance broker, to identify the best insurance provider for our international students each year. GeoBlue was selected based on several key factors, including its comprehensive coverage, $0 deductible and the low premium.

If you are here with your family, whether to purchase GeoBlue for your dependents will be influenced by the status of your visa. Dependents of J-1 visa holders must enroll in Western's selected health insurance plan through GeoBlue, or through an approved provider to meet the U.S. Department of State’s requirement for minimum coverage, as defined on the DS-2019 form. We strongly encourage all other dependents, including those with F-2 visas, to be fully covered during their time in the United States due to the high cost of health care.

International Student and Scholar Services Insurance Coordinator Tiedra Robertson can help you explore insurance options for your family. Contact her at (269) 387-5804 or @email.   

Yes, a benefit to incorporating insurance coverage into your WMU tuition and fees is that you can be on a payment plan with the university. 

Yes, if you have a U.S.-based insurance that is equal or better than GeoBlue, it is possible to get a waiver. However, WMU’s international student health insurance policy is competitive, and it is unlikely you will find adequate coverage at a lower cost. 

Exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis through a waiver review process. To submit a waiver request, email a copy of your current health insurance policy to GeoBlue at @email. Gallagher will review your policy and notify WMU of its decision. If your alternative insurance is declined, you will be enrolled in WMU's chosen GeoBlue plan. 

All waiver decisions are made by Gallagher, not WMU. 

International students who do not already have a waiver on file will be automatically enrolled prior to the start of each semester/term (Fall, Spring and/or Summer) in which they are registered for classes. 

Enrollment in insurance is based on course registration. Thus, WMU will only enroll students in the summer term if they are registered for classes. It is highly recommended you maintain insurance throughout your time in the U.S. If you remain in the U.S. over the summer, but are not enrolled in courses, you should purchase the international student health insurance plan on your own.