Information for International Students

International students are required to enroll in the Student Health Benefits Plan as a condition of enrollment at Ohio State, regardless of credit hours.

Fees post at the start of autumn and spring semesters.  Remember to check your Statement of Account each semester to confirm your enrollment.  

You are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Benefits Plan at the Student Only coverage level at the beginning of their first academic term of the academic year. 

Students that would like to add eligible dependents must do so when completing the Enroll process before their first semester each academic year.  Dependents cannot be added outside of the Enroll window unless you experience a Life Event. 

If you experience a Life Event, submit a Life Event Request within 31 days of the event.

International students may qualify for an exemption from the Student Health Benefits Plan if one of the following criteria is met: 

1. The student is covered under a government sponsored plan that has been approved by the University.  Note: SHI requires written confirmation from the government that the government will take full financial responsibility for all medical expenses not covered by insurance.   
2. The student is covered under a U.S. based health insurance policy as a U.S. based employee, or as a dependent of a U.S. based employee. 
3.  The student has permanent residency status (a green card) and is enroll in other health insurance that meets our Guidelines for Adequate Coverage.

If you believe you qualify for an exemption, you must submit a Waive Request. The Student Health Insurance office will respond to your university email with our approval or denial decision.  

International students residing in their home country and taking only Distance Learning credits may not be subject to the Health Insurance Requirement and may request to have the Student Health Benefits Plan fee be removed from their Statement of Account. 

You will need to verify your current residency in your homeland by providing your I-94 documentation (Most Recent I-94 page and Travel History page).  You can access your I-94 information online. 

Please email shi_info@osu.edu for more information or to make this request.

If you are arriving early to campus, Early Arrival Coverage provides up to four (4) weeks of extended coverage under the Student Health Insurance Benefits Plan and may be an option for you. 

Early Arrival Coverage is granted in weekly increments.  A pro-rated amount determined by the number of weeks of Early Arrival Coverage will be added to your Statement of Account.  This rate will be in addition to the rate charged for the subsequent term.

For details on How to Request Enrollment or Early Arrival Coverage Rates and Dates, please visit our Early Arrival Coverage page.