Menu F-1 Visa-holding international students – accidents happen and it's best to be prepared. Health care in the U.S. is extremely expensive and there are a lot of insufficient health insurance plans on the market.
The Center for International Education (CIE) has researched the best options and is happy to have found a comprehensive health insurance plan for international students offered by United Healthcare Student Resources. This plan is required for all international students on Madison College's F-1 visa support including working on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). If you have purchased other insurance coverage or have health insurance coverage through your employer, you MUST request a waiver for this policy.
As with most health insurance plans in the United States, dental and vision care are not included in this health plan. However, United Healthcare offers students the option to purchase a voluntary dental and/or vision plan, if desired. Students who elect not to purchase dental or vision insurance should plan to pay for all dental/vision services as needed. CIE is available for questions regarding these options.
When Payment Is Due and Processed
It is critical that you have the United Healthcare specific plan provided by CIE to ensure access to health care that meets our minimum expectations. All charges will be added to your student account approximately one week prior to term start.
Payment is due on the same date as tuition and fees.
Coverage begins your first semester at Madison College and ends when CIE no longer supports your F-1 visa status including working on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). If you have purchased other insurance coverage or have health insurance coverage through your employer, you MUST request a waiver for this policy.
Please be aware that you will be covered and expected to pay the premium for summer, even if you are not taking classes or are traveling abroad during that time.
Waiver Process
Do NOT purchase an alternative plan without reviewing the strict waiver request process.
The cost of group insurance will be added to your student account each semester. At the start of each term, you will have two (2) weeks to complete the form to be considered for a waiver of insurance coverage.
A waiver will be approved only if you meet all the eligibility requirements. Students must have coverage under an ACA compliant policy supplemented with Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains and approved by the State Division of Insurance for compliance with the Affordable Care Act. Typically only students with existing insurance through a U.S. employer of their parent or spouse have access to an ACA compliant plan that may allow them to qualify for a waiver.
The waiver is not considered approved until CIE gets final notification from the insurance company, after which the insurance fee will be removed from your student account.
Dependent Insurance
CIE strongly recommends additional health insurance coverage is purchased for dependents (spouse and/or children) who are in the U.S. with you.
After enrolling in United Healthcare coverage, you can request dependent coverage through your United Healthcare Student Resources account and pay the additional fees associated with this request to United Healthcare Student Resources at that time.
Average Health Care Costs Without Insurance
- Routine office visit = $250+
- Blood test = $600+
- Emergency room visit = $500+
- Ambulance ride = $750+
- MRI = $3,000+
Terms to Know
- Insurance Plan = An affordable way to help you pay for your health care needs
- Provider = A doctor, physician, or health care professional
- Network = The health care locations and providers your health insurance plan has contracted with to provide health care services
- Claims = A request to the insurance company asking for payment of health care services based on the terms of the insurance plan
Care Options
Primary Care Practitioner
Our health insurance provider is with United Healthcare Student Resources.
There are many options across the country for primary care, specialty care and emergencies.
We recommend you find a primary care provider as soon as possible. You can find a Primary Care Practitioner closest to you through your United Healthcare Student Resources account.
Urgent Care for Non-Life-Threatening Issues
- UW Health - Union Corner's Urgent Care Clinic
- 2402 Winnebago Street, Madison | Phone: 608.242.6855
Emergency Room - Critical or Life-Threatening Emergencies
- University of WI Hospital and Clinics
- 4602 Eastpark Boulevard, Madison | Phone: 608.440.6400
- UnityPoint Health - Meriter Hospital
- 202 S. Park Street, Madison | Phone: 608.417.6200
Please note that the urgent care and emergency care options listed above are one of many options offered through United Healthcare Student Resources.
