Exemptions

Limited exemptions for IU International Plan

Most international students in F and J status and their dependents are required to enroll in the IU International Plan, but limited exemptions apply.

If you qualify for an automatic exemption, you should not be assessed the IU Health Insurance Fee and will not be enrolled in the IU International Plan. Sometimes it takes a few weeks for the IU system to reflect your assistantship or fellowship at the beginning of the fall or spring semester, so you might be charged an IU Health Insurance Fee in error. We receive an alert when your assistantship or fellowship becomes active, and we try to reverse the charge as quickly as possible. Please note it can take up to 3 weeks for you to see the credit in your bursar account.

If you qualify for one of the other exemption categories, complete the Health Insurance Exemption request in Atlas, and submit your health insurance ID card, effective coverage dates, and benefit information by the exemption deadline.

Do not purchase health insurance from another company unless you are sure you qualify for an exemption.

Many health insurance companies will not cancel your policy or reimburse your premium after you purchase their coverage, and you could be stuck with two health insurance plans.

Automatic exemptions

Graduate students with Assistantships or Fellowships who are enrolled on a different IU health insurance plan
Sponsored students whose sending organization provides approved health insurance as stated in their financial guarantee or contract

Exemption requests

J-1 students in an official exchange program whose sending organization either provides health insurance or funding to purchase health insurance that meets J-1 requirements
Students enrolled in a health insurance plan provided by their spouse's or parent's U.S.-based employer
Students working on CPT or OPT who receive health insurance through their U.S.-based employer

Insurance exemption request

J-1 Student Insurance Requirements

To be exempt from the IU International Plan, your health insurance policy must meet minimum coverage levels set forth by the U.S. Department of State:

$100,000 for each sickness or illness (including maternity/pregnancy care)
$100,000 for each accident or injury
$50,000 for medical evacuation
$25,000 for repatriation
$500 deductible or less per illness or accident

Your policy’s coverage must be effective on the day you enter the U.S. until you complete your J program and depart the U.S. If your J program is active while you are outside of the U.S., you are still required to maintain health insurance coverage. You are responsible for purchasing and maintaining health insurance coverage for your J-2 dependents. The same rules apply for them.