The United States does not have universal healthcare, and the cost of medical and/or mental health services can be very expensive. Health insurance can help pay for the cost of managing your medical or mental health, including helping to pay for check-ups, lab testing, x-rays, physical therapy, vaccines, and prescriptions.

All international students

• With an F1 or J1 visa are:
  • Required to have health insurance while enrolled at UT
  • Automatically enrolled at the beginning of each semester in the UT sponsored student health insurance plan

• With a visa other than an F1 or a J1 visa may contact the Student Health Center to request a special waiver if they would like to opt out of the insurance plan
• Approved for permanent residency in the United States must contact a Student Health representative

Optional Insurance Coverage at Additional Costs

Dental Insurance

• Enroll in dental insurance
• Dental insurance details

Vision Insurance

• Enroll in vision insurance
• Vision insurance details

Dependent Enrollment

• Dependent enrollment details

Important Information

The student health insurance plan:

• Pays 100% of the cost of nearly all services at the on-campus UT Student Health Center
• Pays only part of the cost of medical and mental healthcare rendered by off-campus providers
  • See how insurance works off campus
• Requires students to obtain referrals to see off-campus providers
  • Call 865 974-5080 option 7 to get a referral 
• Does not pay for dental or vision care; you must purchase those insurance components separately

Waivers

Waivers are available for international students who have purchased their own insurance policy that meets or exceeds the following university-mandated criteria:

• 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 to include 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
• Medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000
• 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.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Insured periods and deadlines:

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 and early departures from and to your home country only.

International Graduate Students with a GA/GTA Appointment

English Language Institute (ELI) Students

Contact the UT English Language Institute at 865-974-3404 or eli.utk.edu.

Visiting Scholars

• Are not eligible to utilize the medical or mental health services at the Student Health Center 
• May have prescriptions filled at the Student Health Pharmacy 
• Must find in-network providers off campus