International Student Health Insurance
Federal and state laws require that international students with an F-1 Student Visa maintain adequate health insurance while attending Eastern Florida State College. While many other countries bear the expense of health care for their residents, individuals in the United States are responsible for these expenses themselves. A single day of hospitalization can cost thousands of dollars.
A good insurance policy gives you access to excellent medical facilities and provides protection against the enormous costs of health care. It is important to read the coverage information of any insurance plan carefully. Even with health insurance coverage, some treatments may only be partially covered or not at all. A visit to the doctor or hospital may still result in a balance owed to the provider. However, health insurance often significantly reduces the overall cost.
Health insurance is not an option – it is a requirement. Students who do not show proof of health insurance will not be allowed to register for classes or continue enrollment.
Eastern Florida State College follows the guidelines for international students outlined on the State University System of Florida Board of Governors website.
Requirements
- Health insurance should be valid for a full calendar year including all school breaks (Winter Break and Summer Break)
- Insurance coverage must be renewed when it expires and kept current throughout the year
- Health insurance coverage that expires in the middle of a semester or before a future term will delay a student’s ability to register for future classes
- It is the student’s responsibility to maintain health insurance coverage at all times
- Failure to maintain health insurance coverage is a violation of the F-1 student visa
How to Enroll
Enrolling in insurance so that you can then register for EFSC courses is a three-step process. You must first select an option below and follow the information provided. Second, you must send proof of valid health insurance to your International Advisor. Third, the International Advisor will remove your insurance related registration holds.
Insurance For Students (IFS) has plans for both New and Continuing EFSC students.
New Students: Visit the IFS website at the link below and purchase the insurance from the New Students
box. Coverage dates are pre-selected based on EFSC’s I-20 Start Dates.
Continuing Students: Visit the IFS website and purchase the insurance from the Continuing Students box. If you plan to leave EFSC before the expiration date listed, please contact your International Advisor for assistance.
ISO allows students to choose their own coverage dates. To maintain the visa, all
coverage must last 12 months, including school breaks, unless a student plans to graduate.
New Students: Insurance must be valid for 12 months beginning no later than the first day of classes
Continuing Students: If you plan to graduate in less than 12 months, you may purchase insurance that expires at the end of your last semester
Students who have health insurance coverage from their home country or a U.S. company not listed above must submit a completed waiver form and a copy of the insurance card. Health insurance must be valid in the United States. Incomplete waivers or those showing only partial coverage will not be accepted