Mandatory Health Insurance Requirements
Health insurance is mandatory at Penn State for international students and their accompanying dependents (spouse and/or children).
Penn State requires health insurance for international students for several reasons, including:
- Health care can be very costly in the US.
- The US does not have a national health care plan.
- Health services may be restricted if you do not have health insurance.
Health Insurance Explained
A large group of people (both sick and healthy) pays an established amount of money for some protection against future health costs. Their money is put together in one fund, called an "insurance pool." When members of the fund get sick or injured and incur medical costs, money is taken from this insurance pool to pay for part or all of their costs. People in the US are financially responsible for their own medical or health care needs.
Fulfilling the Health Insurance Requirment
The requirement may be fulfilled in one of two ways.
- If you already have a comparable health insurance plan, you must complete a waiver form and provide the University with documentation.
- If you don't already have a comparable health insurance plan, you may purchase the Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan or you may buy coverage other than the Penn State plan, but it must meet established waiver criteria.
Late Fee
- There is a $50.00 late fee for students who fail to fulfill the mandatory health insurance requirement by the established semester deadline. There is a $100.00 late fee for students who don't fulfill the mandatory health insurance requirement the second time.