Waiver & Insurance Requirements for
F-1, J-1, and M-1 Students
What international students need to know to stay compliant and avoid problems at school.
Some even auto-enroll you in their plan. But what if you want to choose your own?
That’s where waiver forms and visa-specific rules come in.
What is a waiver form?
A waiver form is a document your school provides that lists the health insurance coverage requirements. If you can prove your own plan meets or exceeds these standards, you may opt out of the school's default insurance.
Who uses waiver forms?
Waiver forms are most common for:
• F-1 and M-1 students attending U.S. colleges or universities
• J-1 students who are not part of government-sponsored programs
Each school has its own process – some are very strict, others more flexible.
Typical waiver form requirements include:
✔ Coverage for at least $100,000 per accident or illness
✔ Access to a PPO network with U.S.-based providers
✔ Emergency care, prescriptions, mental health services
✔ A low deductible (often under $500 per year)
✔ Full coverage in the U.S. and locally near campus
Good to know: Our plans are designed to meet or exceed most U.S. university waiver form standards.
Visa-Specific Insurance Requirements
Depending on your visa type, additional federal or institutional rules may apply:
• F-1 Students
There are no federal insurance requirements for F-1 students.
However, schools often mandate insurance and enforce specific benefits via waiver forms.
• M-1 Students
Like F-1, there are no federal insurance requirements for M-1 students.
Most vocational schools still require students to provide proof of insurance.
• J-1 Students
J-1 visa holders are subject to U.S. Department of State (DOS) regulations:
✔ $100,000 per accident or illness
✔ $50,000 emergency medical evacuation
✔ $25,000 repatriation of remains
✔ Deductible of $500 or less
✔ Insurance company rated A– or higher
Insurance must be in place from day one of your program.
More details here
What does ACA-compliant mean – and do I need it?
ACA stands for the Affordable Care Act, a U.S. law that sets standards for health insurance. Some universities — especially public universities or schools in states like California, Massachusetts, or New Jersey — require students to have an ACA-compliant plan.
ACA-compliant plans must include coverage for:
✔ Preventive care (like vaccines and annual check-ups)
✔ Mental health and substance use treatment
✔ Maternity and newborn care
✔ Emergency services and hospitalization
✔ No pre-existing condition exclusions
We offer student insurance plans that meet ACA standards and are accepted by many U.S. universities. If you're unsure whether your school requires an ACA-compliant plan, we’re happy to help you check your school’s waiver form or requirements.
Send us your school’s waiver form
When do I submit the waiver form?
Most schools have a strict deadline before the semester starts. Some only accept waivers once per academic year.
Tip: Check your school’s health insurance page or international office for details.
Tips from Agent BeWell on how to proceed:
- Check the exact waiver deadline for your school.
- Review the required benefits carefully – they differ by institution.
- Ask if dental or vision coverage is required (some schools include it)
- Submit your waiver as early as possible to avoid automatic charges.
Already covered by your school’s plan?
• Lower costs • Better benefits • Family coverage
...you might want to explore our plans and request a waiver.
