Health insurance is required of all F1 and J1 international students on a St. Thomas I-20 or DS-2019.
The University of St. Thomas sponsors an insurance plan through UnitedHealthcare, and J1 international students are automatically enrolled in this plan. F1 international students must either opt-in to the plan or submit a request to waive the plan if they have comparable health insurance coverage.
| UnitedHealthcare Coverage Dates & Cost 2024-2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring/Summer | Summer | |
| Coverage | 8/1/24-1/14/25 | 1/15/25-7/31/25 | 5/21/25-7/31/25 |
| Cost | $1,226 | $1,457 | $530.25 |
Contact the Center for Well-Being Insurance Office
For questions regarding the Health Insurance Plan or waiver process, please contact us at (651) 962-6752 or stuhealthins@stthomas.edu.
Opt-In Instructions for F1 Students
F1 students may opt-in to immediately activate coverage. If you do not opt-in, your coverage will not be activated until after the enrollment deadline.
Waiver Requirements for F1 Students
F1 students with comparable health insurance coverage may submit a request to waive the St. Thomas-sponsored plan. The deadline to waive the Plan for spring semester is February 28, 2025.
UnitedHealthcare Plan Sponsored by St. Thomas
All International students who are registered for classes and all OPT students are required to purchase this insurance Plan at registration unless proof of comparable coverage is furnished. The UnitedHealthcare plan covers 100% (no deductible or co-pay) of the visits to Health Services. Students who enroll in this health insurance plan may also insure their eligible dependents.
Overview of the U.S. Healthcare System
How to Use Your Insurance
Watch a short video .
Clinic or Hospital
When possible, select a provider or medical facility that is in-network (‘preferred’). Out-of-pocket costs will
be greater for out-of-network providers, clinics and hospitals.
- Present your insurance card when receiving service at a clinic/hospital
- The medical facility will file a claim for service with the health insurance company
- The insurance company pays their part
- The patient is billed for any charges not covered by insurance such as deductible, co-insurance, co-pay (ensure the medical facility has your correct mailing address)
Prescription Medications
- Present your insurance card at the pharmacy
- The pharmacy will file a claim with the health insurance company
- The insurance company pays their part
- The patient is responsible for any charges not covered by insurance (such as coinsurance or copay) when picking up the prescription
Center for Well-Being's Health Services
Health Services provides high-quality, safe and cost-effective healthcare and promotes the health and wellbeing of students, faculty and staff. Physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses are available to address your health care concerns.
Clinics
Clinics provide care if you are ill, hurt or in pain. Primary care clinics can also help prevent you from getting sick by providing physical examinations and other preventive health care.
Urgent Care Centers
For the days and hours that primary care clinics are closed. Urgent care centers are designed for patients whose illnesses or injuries do not present as life-threatening, but who cannot wait until a primary care physician can treat them.
Emergency Rooms
Emergency rooms, the most expensive facility type, are meant for true medical emergencies and can handle trauma, x-rays, surgical procedures and other life-threatening situations.
Coinsurance
Your share of the costs of a covered health care service is calculated as a percentage (for example, 20%) of the allowed amount for the service. You pay coinsurance plus any deductibles you owe.
Copayment (Copay)
A fixed amount (for example, $15) you pay for a covered health care service, usually when you get the service. The amount can vary by the type of covered health care service.
Deductible
The amount you owe for covered health care services before your health insurance or plan begins to pay.
Network
The facilities, providers and suppliers your health insurer or plan has contracted to provide healthcare services. Your out-of-pocket costs will be greater for out-of-network providers.
Out-of-pocket maximum/limit
The most you pay during a policy period (usually one year) before your health insurance or plan starts to pay 100% for covered essential health benefits.
Claim Disputes
All claim disputes are between the insured (student) and the insurance company. The University of St. Thomas is not responsible for unpaid claims.