As an international student at UMES, it is important to take good care of your health, and utilize your resources. All registered international graduate students, are required to provide a completed health history form and proof of up‐to‐date immunization status for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and tuberculosis (TB) prior to registering for and/or attending classes. Use the information here to find the answers you need.
Health insurance at UMES
In the United States, health insurance is necessary to receive medical care at a more affordable rate. As an international student, you are required to have it for your entire stay in the U.S. Having adequate health insurance ensures that you comply with visitor regulations, stay healthy, and protect yourself from unexpected medical costs.
A University‐sponsored health insurance plan is available at UMES. Full‐time international graduate students are automatically enrolled in the insurance plan unless they opt out. To opt out of the University health insurance plan, students must sign the insurance waiver in the Student Health Center and present proof of current valid health insurance coverage. Waivers must be completed by September 7 in the Fall and by February 7 in the Spring. If no waiver is completed, the student’s account will be billed for insurance at the current rate.
Student health insurance requirements
All IU international students in F or J status along with their dependents are required to have health insurance for their entire stay in the United States. After you register for classes, you will be enrolled in the University‐sponsored health insurance plan and your hawk account will be billed each semester.
F-1 students on OPT
F-1 students on OPT who are not registered in classes will not be enrolled in University‐sponsored health insurance plan automatically. However, you can still purchase coverage for the duration of your OPT.
Graduate Assistants
If you have a qualifying UMES Graduate assistantship, you may receive insurance benefits. Ask Human resources when you sign your contract about your health insurance options.
Insurance for dependents
You are responsible for ensuring your F-2 or J-2 dependents have health insurance, and you may purchase coverage for them. Dependents are not automatically enrolled in your University‐sponsored health insurance plan, and the cost cannot be billed to your student account.
