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 such a policy through Aetna-Wells Fargo 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 must be signed, scanned and emailed to international@sonoma.edu.
Currently Sonoma State University is partnering with International Student Insurance. This Insurance company offers 4 different coverage plans. We leave it up to our students to choose the plan that is best for them, but we also remind everyone that the lower-cost plans can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs should they need significant medical care.
Prices are per academic year (10 months)
- Minimum: students under 25: $310, students 25 and older : $660
- Maximum: students under 25: $1790, students 25 and older $3680
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 must be purchased online at International Student Insurance.
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.
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 through 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 Coordinator in the Center for International Education to request a waiver form or for more information about the health insurance waiver.
Required Immunizations
All SSU students are required to provide proof of the Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, and (if you’re under 19) the Hepatitis B vaccine. Acceptable proof may be a photocopy of immunization records in English bearing your name, date of birth, types and dates of each immunization, and the name/signature of the medical provider. Attach the Cover Sheet to your immunization records and submit these documents to the Admissions & Records office before classes start.
All international students must also be evaluated for Tuberculosis (TB) risk prior to or shortly after arriving at Sonoma State University.
If you have not yet had these immunizations to been tested for tuberculosis, you can arrange to receive these services at the SSU Student Health Center when you arrive. For more information please refer to the Student Health Center website on immunization and tuberculosis screening/testing requirements.