Health Insurance and Healthcare
Healthcare in the U.S.
There is no universal healthcare system in the U.S. Because of this, basic healthcare can be incredibly expensive. The US Healthcare System Overview video will teach you how to prepare for your arrival in the U.S., how the U.S. healthcare system works, and how you should seek medical care appropriately if you become sick or injured during your studies in the U.S..
Healthcare Insurance Requirements
The California State University (CSU) system requires that all international students in either F-1 or J-1 status purchase and maintain health insurance that meets specific requirements. The CSU requirements for international student health insurance are:
- Medical Benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of Remains in the amount of $25,000
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation to the student's home country in the amount of $50,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
Sonoma State University (SSU) offers policies through International Student Insurance and requires that international students purchase our insurance policy with few exceptions (see Health Insurance Waiver below).
Purchasing Insurance
New international students must complete and submit the International Student Health Insurance Committal Form prior to the mandatory orientation program. This form is completed in the US Survival Guide of your Online Pre-Arrival Orientation.
Starting in Fall 2026, Sonoma State University's International Student Health Insurance Program (iSHIP) will be provided through United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR).
This transition is part of a CSU system-wide push to have all international students within the CSU system covered by the same plan.
iSHIP offeres a comprehensive and affordable medical insurance plan for F-1, J-1 and OPT participants. The plan includes coverage for:
- Medical Care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health services
- Pre-existing conditions
- Laboratory services
- Medical evacuation & repatriation
- Accidental death & dismemberment benefits
The insurance policy must be purchased before your arrival on-campus so that you are covered the moment that you step off the airplane. Health insurance coverage can be for the semester, summer, or academic year.
Continuing international students must renew their SSU health insurance policy in a timely manner so that there is no lapse in coverage. Payment is due no later than the first day of the semester, or a Foreign Insurance Hold will be placed on your account.
Students on OPT are not required to purchase insurance but are able to still purchase an insurance policy. If you have insurance via your US employer, be aware that their policy most likely does not cover the specific requirements listed above.
Health Insurance Waiver
No student will be allowed a waiver from the SSU policy except those who are sponsored by a U.S. or foreign government program and who are already covered by a policy required by their program (e.g. Fulbright).
If you are eligible for the health insurance waiver, you must provide evidence that your program policy meets the CSU requirements for international student insurance and that it is in force and fully paid. All documents presented must be notarized and in English.
Contact the International Student Advisor in the Global Engagement Office to request an International Insurance Waiver form or for more information about the health insurance waiver.
Immunizations
At this time, the only immunization that students are required to obtain pertains to students who will be 18 or younger when they first enroll at SSU. These students must prove they have received 3 doses of Hepatitis B (Hep B) at the correct intervals.
Further information about the required immunization as well as other recommended immunizations can be found here on the Health Center website.