International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5246 USA
(269) 387-5865

Health Insurance & Services

The cost of health care in the United States is very high; a short stay in the hospital will cost thousands of dollars. International students, scholars or dependents who are in the U.S. on temporary, non-immigrant visas such as F or J, are not eligible for U.S. government programs like Medical Assistance or Medicaid. You must protect yourself from the high cost of health care by purchasing health insurance coverage. Health insurance must be purchased for the academic year or at the minimum the entire semester. If you have questions before purchasing a health insurance plan, you can contact our Insurance Coordinator by reaching out via email at: ias-insurance@wmich.edu or by calling at (269) 387- 5804.

All international students must purchase health insurance by the end of the first week of classes. Health insurance may be purchased ahead of time. You may use your arrival in the U.S. as the policy start date. Failure to purchase health insurance will result in a HOLD in your account. If you have any questions, please contact our Insurance Coordinator by email at: ias-insurance@wmich.edu or by calling at (269) 387-5804

Use this page to navigate:

Minimum insurance requirements

J-visa holders

WMU exchange visitors and international students on J-1 or J-2 visas are required by U.S. Department of State regulations to have health insurance that meets the following minimum requirements (Note: GeoBlue meets all required coverages):

  • Must cover the entire period of participation in the exchange visitor program
  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor or student to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
  • A deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness

Other international students not on J-visa

Health insurance for all other international students must meet the same requirements as the J-visa holders plus:

  • Inpatient and outpatient medical coverage for hospitalization, emergency room, urgent care, maternity, physical therapy and mental health services
  • Prescription (medication) coverage
  • Pre-existing condition clause not greater than 6 months

The insurance policy must be written in English, in U.S. currency, and have a U.S. billing address and phone number.

Please take note that medical evacuation and repatriation coverage is a standard requirement for all international students.  If you do not have this coverage in your current plan, it must be purchased in a separate policy. 

Sindecuse Health Center (WMU Campus)

Located on the main campus, WMU's Sindecuse Health Center offers convenient, cost-saving services with an experienced, multidisciplinary staff dedicated to maintaining and improving patient health. Many insurance plans are accepted. Services include: 

Other Health Care Services

When the Sindecuse Health Center is closed, it is advised to visit an Urgent Care Center in the area.  Be sure to take your insurance ID card with you.  Hospitals provide excellent care as well but not every medical situation requires a hospital emergency room visit.  Hospital emergency care is necessary when you have a life-threatening situation.  Examples are severe chest pain, bleeding that cannot be stopped, traumatic head injury, or severe shortness of breath. 

For a minor emergency or Sindecuse Health Center is closed visit an Urgent Care Center:  

For a major emergency visit a Hospital Emergency Room: 

 In case of a life-threatening emergency, dial 911, and an ambulance will be sent to your location