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International Student Services

Health Insurance for International Students

Health insurance All international students on F-1 student visas are required to have health insurance while they are enrolled at UH Hilo. While enrolled at UH Hilo, you are required to have coverage for each semester that you attend classes. If you enroll in summer session classes, you must have health insurance during that period.

UH Hilo has some health care services on campus at the Student Medical Services. Unless it is an emergency, it is recommended that you first visit the Student Medical Services office (located in the Campus Center Room 212) if you are experiencing any health problems before arranging to see a health care provider off-campus. UH Hilo also offers free, confidential personal counseling.

On this page:

What health insurance do I need to buy?

All UH Hilo international students on F-1 student visas are required to buy a specific health insurance plan called BCBS Global Solutions. This is an excellent and affordable plan that covers a wide range of health care in Hilo, as well as coverage while traveling. Click here to enroll in this health insurance plan -- follow the detailed instructions on how to enroll and how to access your health insurance card . The cost is $852.75 per semester.

The health insurance includes:
- Access to one of the largest health care networks in the U.S.
- Health care can be accessed almost anywhere in the U.S., not just in Hilo.
- Preventive and well visits.
- 24/7/365 unlimited access to free doctor consultations by phone or video.
- Wellness programs to support physical and mental well-being.
- Retail pharmacy and mail order prescriptions benefits.
- Emergency bedside visit.

The Member Guide has information about accessing health care in the U.S., finding a health care provider that accepts this health insurance, and the costs and benefits of this health insurance plan.

Optional Dental Insurance

Health insurance does not cover dental or vision care. If you need dental care, here are some recommendations:
- Hilo Family Dental Center : No insurance is required. Fees are charged on a "sliding fee" scale, meaning you get charged an amount based on your income. Located at the Hilo Shopping Center.
- Hawaii Family Dental : Located at Waiakea Villas.
- Hoala Dental : Pay an annual fee and get discounted rates for services such as cleaning and x-rays.
- HMSA Dental Plans : Dental insurance for a monthly fee.
- International Student Insurance: Dental and vision insurance, with options to pay monthly or in full.
- Cigna Healthcare Dental Insurance
- Smile Saver Dental Plan: Note: This is a discount dental plan and not an insurance plan. Members can access discounted services for a fee.

Why are international students required to have health insurance?

Medical care in the U.S. is expensive. Adequate health insurance is essential because the U.S. government does not pay for medical expenses. While other countries may cover the health care expenses for its citizens, in the U.S. each individual is responsible for his or her own medical expenses. A visit to the emergency room or a stay in hospital can cost thousands of dollars and the lack of adequate health insurance coverage can be financially devastating.

If you become ill or injured and have no insurance, it could prevent you from continuing your education because of the financial costs. Therefore it is very important to have insurance that covers medical expenses. By requiring international students to have health insurance, the University’s goal is to have students fulfill their educational goals.

Watch a short video that explains the health care system in the United States. (The video is also available in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Russian.)

What are the minimum requirements?

The BCBS Global Solutions that is required for all international students on F-1 visas meets all of the University of Hawai'i's minimum requirements for health insurance.

1. Comprehensive medical coverage of at least $100,000 USD per accident/illness

The insurance plan provides medical benefits (doctor visits, hospital, surgery, laboratory tests, x-rays, etc.) of at least $100,000 USD for each accident or illness. For example, if you are in an accident you will have to pay your portion (deductible, if applicable, and your co-payment) and the insurance policy must pay for covered expenses until a limit of at least $100,000 USD is reached. Then if you get sick you will have to pay your portion again (deductible, if applicable, and your co-payment) and the insurance plan must pay for covered expenses until a limit of at least $100,000 USD is reached.

2. Inpatient/Outpatient medical (including mental health) coverage at no less than 75% of the usual/customary charge

The insurance plan pays at least 75% of covered medical expenses (including mental health coverage) for both inpatient (i.e., a stay at an inpatient facility/hospital) and outpatient (i.e., doctor’s office, outpatient department of a hospital or ambulatory surgery center) services. Even after you pay the deductible, the insurance plan will usually cover only a percentage of your medical expenses. For example, if the policy pays 75%, you would need to pay the remaining 25% (coinsurance/copayment).

3. Repatriation coverage of at least $25,000 US

If you die in the U.S., the plan provides at least $25,000 USD to send your body/remains back to your home country.

4. Medical evacuation coverage to home country of at least $10,000 US

If, due to a serious illness or injury, your doctor recommends that you return to your home country for treatment and/or recovery, the plan provides up to $10,000 USD for you to return home.

5. No more than $500 USD deductible per accident or illness

The insurance plan deductible does not exceed $500 USD for each accident or illness. Most insurance plans require you to pay for part of your medical expenses (this is called the deductible) before they will start to pay for any covered services. A deductible is not the same as a co-payment or co-insurance. A deductible is in addition to your co-payment/co-insurance.

6. May require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions that is reasonable under current industry standards (typically no longer than 6 months)

The insurance plan does not have any limitations for pre-existing medical conditions. Pre-existing conditions are any physical or mental conditions for which medical advice, medication, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received prior to enrollment on your insurance plan.

Health Insurance while doing OPT

Students who have graduated and are doing OPT are not required by the University or the US government to have health insurance. Some employers offer health insurance as a benefit of employment. But if an employer does not offer health insurance, individuals doing OPT can purchase health insurance from one of the following health insurance companies:

Students from the Compact of Free Association Nations

Students from the Compact of Free Association nations are not required to have health insurance, although it is recommended. Students from a COFA nation may be eligible for Medicaid, which is free health insurance. Contact Kuʻu Makuakane-Salavea at (808) 348-4410 or jmakuakane-salavea@dhs.hawaii.gov for more information about how to apply for Medicaid.

For general questions about health insurance, you can call 1-877-628-5076. Language interpreters are available in 16 languages, including Chuukese and Marshallese.