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Health Insurance

All international students (those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States) enrolled at the University of Arkansas are required to have year-round health and accident insurance throughout the duration of their studies. Insurance coverage must be maintained during the summer months as well, even if travelling out of the United States or returning to the student’s home country.  Note: J students, scholars and dependents are required to maintain valid health insurance as part of their J status obligations.

Premiums for insurance coverage are assessed for the Fall and Spring semesters. Spring and Summer insurance coverage is combined and assessed during the Spring semester. Each international student’s account on ISIS is automatically charged for health and accident insurance upon enrollment for the Fall or Spring semester. Please be aware that insurance premiums must be paid in full for the Fall and Spring semesters. Payment should be made at the start of each semester. Failure to pay insurance premiums may result in possible financial disaster for a student or the inability to enroll in future semesters.
 
International students are required to purchase the health insurance policy offered through the University of Arkansas. This plan is administered by Academic Health Plans and can be viewed at this website: http://www.AHPCare.com/uark. Occasionally, a student may successfully apply for an insurance waiver as per the Insurance Waiver Policy detailed below.
 
NOTE: The student health insurance plan for academic year 2012-2013 is in compliance with federal regulations enacted on March 16, 2012. Students who are continuing from one year to the next will notice improvements in coverage and an increase in cost from the prior year.

For more information about the University of Arkansas insurance policy and for a list of current policy rates, visit the Pat Walker Health Center website.

Health Insurance for Dependents:

Medical costs in the United States can be extremely expensive, and it is strongly recommended that you buy health insurance for each F2 dependent.  Health insurance can be purchased through the F-1 student's policy.  Please visit the Pat Walker Health Center for more information on how to buy additioanl health insurance. 
 
Pregnancy:  International students are NOT eligible for state MEDICAID assistance.  This includes the costs of preganancy and delivery.  You must purchase health insurance for your spouse BEFORE conception in order to be covered by the policy.  Otherwise it will be considered a preexisting condition, and students will be responsible for all charges.

 

Insurance Waivers:

An insurance waiver is a provision to remove an insurance charge on a student account. Please note, an international student should not purchase another insurance plan before consulting with Beth Eagles, Pat Walker Health Center, Room 110, and (479)575-4075.

NOTE: Students who have had an insurance plan that qualified in the past may not be approved for a waiver now due to the new federal regulations.

Qualifying health insurance plans must meet minimum requirements for an insurance waiver as follows:
 
1. Minimum coverage of $10,000 for Medical Evacuation and a minimum coverage of $7,500 for Repatriation must be included in the insurance plan.
2. The maximum payment for an illness or injury must be a minimum of $100,000 per policy year.
3. There may be no maximum limitations on prescription, outpatient, ambulance, chemotherapy or radiation therapy benefits. 
4. Preventive care is paid at 100% with in-network providers. 
5. Treatment for latent and active tuberculosis infection must be covered in the plan. 
6. The insurance plan must furnish detailed policy information in English. 
7. The insurance plan must have an address in the United States for claims filing. 
8. The insurance plan must have no pre-existing condition limitations on those younger than age 19.
  
Student health insurance waivers will be approved on a very limited basis as follows:
 
1. Students in sponsored student programs that provide health insurance through their embassy, Ministry of Education or non-government organization will be granted waivers through the University of Arkansas Sponsored Student Programs Office (if applicable). 
2. Students covered by health insurance provided through employment (his or her own or that of a spouse or parent) at a United States company. 
3. Students covered by home country policies that meet the minimum requirements for a waiver, provide detailed policy information in English and have a U.S. address for filing claims. 
4. Insurance must be in effect prior to classes starting each semester.
 
 
How to apply for a waiver: 
 
 
A request for a waiver must be submitted in writing to the Pat Walker Health Center, Beth Eagles, Room 110, beagles@uark.edu, (479)575-4075, and prior to the 12th day of class. Student health insurance fee charges will not be removed from the student’s ISIS account unless or until a waiver is approved. If a policy approved for a waiver expires, the student must present proof of extension of the policy and request an additional waiver; otherwise, the student will be charged for student health insurance fees.

If you will not be in Fayetteville to request the waiver in person you may contact Beth Eagles in PWHC.  Please submit your waiver request and policy information in English by fax (479-575-3259) or by scan/email (beagles@uarkl.edu).  You may contact Ms. Eagels by email or phone (479-474-4075) for furtheer waiver information.
 

Immunizations:

The State of Arkansas requires that all newly admitted U of A students comply with the State's two-dose measles immunization policy.  Please visit our immunization information page to learn how you can comply.