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Student Health Insurance Requirements

International Student Health Insurance

Ïã²Ý´«Ã½ requires that all students holding F-1, M-1, or J-1 obtain health insurance for the duration of their time at Ïã²Ý´«Ã½. The Office of International Programs collects international student health insurance at the beginning of a student’s first semester at Ïã²Ý´«Ã½. Students will receive automated requests to submit their proof of health insurance to their Ïã²Ý´«Ã½ email. However, the Office of International Programs understands that navigating health insurance in the United States is very challenging and are here to help!

In Blackboard, the Office of International Programs has enrolled every international student in the International Programs Organization, which includes a health insurance module. This video module will help international students understand how to purchase insurance, how to understand their policy, and how to use their insurance coverage. The Office of International Programs holds health insurance information sessions on a regular basis and includes key information in monthly newsletters. Additionally, the Office of International Programs recommends the following two insurance options:

•  is international student health insurance for full-time students and scholars studying outside of their home country. The StudentSecure series offers four levels of coverage – , , , and  â€“ so you can choose the international student insurance plan that best fits your needs and budget.
• is another affordable health insurance option for international students who are full-time students and scholars studying outside of their home country. Students on OPT may also get coverage through ISO. ISO provides three levels of coverage – Platinum, Gold, and Silver so that students can choose a plan that works best for their coverage needs.

Both ISO and StudentSecure are designed for International Students Seeking:

• Coverage that meets or exceeds most government and visa requirements including J-1 visa requirements
• Coverage that meets the requirements of many programs and schools at a budget-friendly rate
• Important medical benefits, including some Outpatient Prescription Drug coverage and some Mental Health coverage

If international students have any questions regarding health insurance in the United States, they should reach out to the Office of International Programs at international@roosevelt.edu. While this office can assist students in helping understand their insurance, they cannot provide recommendations on which coverage to obtain, other than the recommendations listed on this page.

Athletics Health Insurance

Students who participate in athletics must have valid primary health insurance which covers athletic-related injuries to be allowed to participate in any Ïã²Ý´«Ã½ athletic event. Incoming student-athletes must create a SportsWareOnline () account prior to participating in Ïã²Ý´«Ã½ athletic activities. After creating an account, student-athletes are required to fill out all details on the SWOL account screen, including submission of primary health insurance information and emergency contacts. Student-athletes must also submit their sports physical through the SWOL database. Student-athletes with health insurance questions are encouraged to contact Head Athletic Trainer Matt Eifert at meifert@roosevelt.edu.

How to find Health Insurance

There are several options you can consider to secure health care coverage:

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance marketplace

The ACA marketplace helps people get health insurance who may not otherwise get coverage. Through this online resource, you can learn more about health insurance, compare plans, enroll in a plan and figure out how much you can save through premium tax credits and subsidies.

You can purchase a health plan through the marketplace even if you’re offered insurance by your employer; however, you may not qualify for subsidies if you have access to employer-sponsored coverage.

To buy a policy through the marketplace, you must apply during open enrollment or special enrollment. Although the open enrollment for 2023 coverage ended on January 15, 2023, you may qualify for a special enrollment period due to losing your existing health coverage.

To begin your search for insurance through the marketplace, head to  after you qualify for a special enrollment and enter your ZIP code. It will direct you to either your state’s exchange or to the federal marketplace where you can begin shopping.

Dependent Coverage

If your parent’s health insurance plan covers dependents, you can usually be added to their plan and stay on it until you turn 26. You can be added to their insurance during the plan’s yearly open enrollment period or during special enrollment periods (a time outside the yearly open enrollment period when you can sign up for health insurance).  

Generally, you can join a parent’s plan and stay on until you turn 26 even if you:

• Get married
• Have or adopt a child
• Start or leave school
• Live in or out of your parent’s home
• Aren’t claimed as a tax dependent
• Turn down an offer of job-based coverage

Medicaid

Parents caring for children under age 18, pregnant women, disabled individuals and those over 65 are eligible for Medicaid (FamilyCare) in Illinois. Students should contact the for additional information. 

Snap Benefits (formerly known as food stamps)

Ïã²Ý´«Ã½ has partnered with MRelief, a nonprofit that helps people sign up for SNAP (food stamps). to find out if you likely qualify. 

When Should You Sign Up for Health Insurance?

Special enrollment periods typically last 60 days after your qualifying event, so begin applying for special enrollment as soon as possible to avoid missing the window.

Should you have any questions on the above, please contact studentinsurance@roosevelt.edu.