Health Insurance and Services

It is a longstanding university practice to require international students to purchase health insurance for their own well-being during their stay in the United States. Western Michigan University contracted with GeoBlue as its exclusive health insurance provider for international students, effective in the fall of 2024. Communication about this change began in March 2024. Holds were placed on the accounts of students who had yet to purchase insurance in mid-September to remind them of the October 22 coverage deadline. 

The holds were lifted temporarily during the fall 2024 semester to allow students to register for classes. This was a one-time exception due to some confusion over the new coverage requirements. Holds will be reinstated in the spring for students who do not purchase a GeoBlue health insurance plan. The temporary lifting of holds does not change the university’s requirement that international students purchase GeoBlue health insurance. 

No, the requirement for health insurance remains in place. Requiring international students to purchase health insurance is a longstanding university practice. A hold will be placed on your account during spring semester if GeoBlue insurance is not purchased.  This could prevent you from obtaining transcripts, diplomas or registering for future classes, which may result in an immigration violation. The cost of healthcare in the United States is very high. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the average cost of a 3-day hospital stay in the United States is around $30,000. You must protect yourself from the high cost of health care in the United States by purchasing a plan with GeoBlue. 

Western Michigan University partners with Gallagher, a global insurance broker, to identify the best insurance provider for our international students each year. After a competitive bidding process involving several companies, GeoBlue was selected for the 2024-2025 academic year. The decision was based on several key factors, including its comprehensive coverage, $0 deductible and the low premium.

A hold will be placed on your account during spring semester if GeoBlue insurance is not purchased.  This could prevent you from obtaining transcripts, diplomas or registering for future classes, which may result in an immigration violation. Moreover, if you get ill or injured and need medical care while in the United States, you will need health insurance to cover the cost. The average cost of a 3-day hospital stay in the United States is around $30,000; fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.  You must protect yourself from the high cost of health care by purchasing a plan with GeoBlue.  

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.   

When you applied and were accepted to WMU, you provided documentation showing financial solvency—the ability to pay any debts and meet any other financial obligations. You indicated at that time that you understood health insurance would be a reoccurring expense during your tenure at Western. GeoBlue costs under $700 a semester. GeoBlue offers two payment options. You can pay annually or by semester. To ensure continuous coverage and for your own protection, GeoBlue does not offer a monthly payment plan. You can purchase your plan with GeoBlue today.  

Yes, requiring international students to purchase health insurance is a longstanding university practice. Western Michigan University’s international student health insurance rules and regulations require all F-1 and J-1 international students to maintain coverage with GeoBue for the duration of their time on campus.  After graduation, it is not necessary to maintain GeoBlue coverage. However, we strongly suggest you have health insurance throughout your tenure in the United States to protect yourself from the high cost of medical care, especially in the case of a medical emergency. 

No, lifting the hold does not permit cancellation of insurance. Unless there is a compelling reason, such as you plan to depart the United States or drop all your classes, requests to cancel GeoBlue will be declined. If you did cancel your GeoBlue coverage, you must attempt to reinstate it as soon as possible. Western Michigan University’s international student health insurance rules and regulations require all F-1 and J-1 international students to maintain coverage with GeoBue for the duration of their time on campus. A hold will be placed on your account during spring semester if GeoBlue insurance is not purchased. This could prevent you from obtaining transcripts, diplomas or registering for future classes, which may result in an immigration violation. You need to remain enrolled in GeoBlue for the rest of the Fall 2024 Semester and for any future terms in which you are a student.  

The hold may be due to another reason besides health insurance, such as a parking ticket or unpaid tuition. The university maintains a Frequent Holds and Who to Contact page on its website. Check there for more information. If you do not see your hold type listed, contact your advisor or the Registrar’s Office at (269) 387-4300 or @email for additional assistance. We recommend that you take action to resolve any hold as quickly as possible. Holds can keep you from obtaining transcripts, diplomas or registering for future classes, which may result in an immigration violation. 

Yes, if you have insurance that is equal or better than GeoBlue, it is possible to get a waiver. However, WMU’s GeoBlue policy is competitive, and it is unlikely you will find adequate coverage in your home country or in the United States 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. GeoBlue will review your policy and notify Western of its decision. If your alternative insurance is declined, you will be required to enroll in Western's chosen GeoBlue plan. All waiver decisions are made by GeoBlue, not WMU.