Health Insurance Requirement
Health Insurance Requirement for USF-Sponsored International Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
As a condition of enrollment, USF requires students to have health insurance plan while participating in USF-sponsored international programs including short-term programs, degree required research, and/or fieldwork taking place outside the U.S. during the January intersession, spring break, and/or summer.
International SOS Supplemental Coverage:
USF provides USF students with a free travel, major accident, emergency medical assistance and security assistance program called International SOS because most domestic health insurance plans have limitations or no coverage for overseas regular medical care, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation services.
International SOS provides covered USF staff, faculty, and students with:
• Live services including 24-hour access while traveling worldwide
• Emergency medical, personal, legal and travel services
• Emergency medical evacuation or repatriation services
Why is it necessary to have health insurance plan when I go abroad?
1. USF wants students to be protected in the event they become ill and need to see a medical doctor overseas.
2. International SOS does NOT cover non-emergency medical services such doctor visits, prescription medications, routine checkups, dental care, vaccinations, physical exams, etc.
3. Major injuries or illness sustained abroad may require long-term care or follow up medical treatment upon your return home.
My university-sponsored trip is only for a few weeks. Do I still need to have health insurance?
Yes. You will be required to get short-term health insurance for the duration of your program. Consult with the USF Health Promotion Services office staff (www.usfca.edu/hps) in choosing and reviewing any short-term insurance plan that you wish to purchase.
I’m an international student and I am conducting field research back in my home country. Do I need health insurance?
No. You don’t need to have health insurance if your country has socialist medicine. Remember to waive the school health insurance plan because it will not provide you with coverage in your home country.
How much does International SOS cost and how do I sign up?
ISOS is free of charge and enrollment is automatic once the required pre-departure documents are filed with the Center for Global Education. Remember to carry ISOS card and your personal health insurance card at all times.
Can I use International SOS when I’m on personal vacation?
No. International SOS coverage is only restricted to university-approved activities. Furthermore, International SOS will not cover accidents involving high-risk activities such as extreme sports like skydiving or bungee jumping.
Does ACE help with personal belongings, lost baggage or trip cancellation/interruption?
No. International SOS is not travel insurance. This type of insurance can be purchased through the airlines or travel agencies.
What happens if I choose to not get health insurance plan or purchase short-term insurance?
Students that willfully refuse to comply with university health insurance policy will have all their academic credits dropped.