All international students are required to have health insurance while enrolled at the University of Tennessee.
International students in the United States on a visa other than an F1 or a J1 visa may contact a Student Health representative to request a special waiver form if they would like to have the cost of insurance removed from their MyUTK account.
International students who are approved for permanent residency in the United States must contact a Student Health representative.
All International Students
Enrollment into the insurance program occurs on a per semester basis (international students are not enrolled for a full academic year). Learn more about how UT-sponsored health insurance works.
To visit medical providers outside of the Student Health Center, please download the Referral Guide.
Dependents (e.g. children, spouses) are not automatically covered. Dependent insurance must be purchased separately within the first 30 days of the dependent(s) arrival in the United States. Complete the Dependent Enrollment Form.
Waivers
International students may waive the cost of UT insurance if they have purchased insurance before arriving in the United States as long as it meets the university-mandated criteria. International Student Insurance Waiver forms are available only at the Student Health Center and must be completed at the beginning of each semester.
Important Dates
Insured dates must be for the following periods and all forms submitted by the following dates*:
| Semester | Coverage Dates* | Submission Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | August 1 – December 31 | August 31 |
| Spring | January 1 – July 31 | January 31 |
*Exceptions may be made for late arrivals/early departures from/to your home country only.
Insurance Criteria
To qualify, insurance must meet university mandated criteria. Documentation of the following is required:
- Unlimited medical coverage
- A deductible not to exceed $250 per policy year
- Requires student to pay less than 25% per accident/illness
- No waiting period for coverage
- Coverage for routine, preventive, and emergency medical care
- Coverage for pregnancy cannot be excluded
- Pre-existing conditions, declared or undeclared, must be covered
- Repatriation coverage of at least $20,000 USD
- Medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000 USD
- A.M. Best Rating of “A-” or better or Standard & Poors Rating of “A+” or better
- Proof of coverage (letter from insurance company stating dates of coverage)
- Summary of benefits (document from insurance company stating benefits)
- All information MUST be provided in English and US Dollars.
NOTE: Travel insurance is not considered major medical insurance and will not qualify for a waiver.
For additional information about waivers, please contact Sara Dunphy or Yolanda McCaffrey at the UT Student Health Center.
ELI Students
ELI students must contact their program coordinator for enrollment information and to obtain an insurance card.
Contact the UT English Language Institute at 865-974-3404 or visit eli.utk.edu for more information.
Visiting Scholars
Visiting Scholars are NOT ELIGIBLE to be seen at the Student Health Center; please contact The Hildreth Agency for insurance information at 865-691-4652.