Health Insurance: Required for Your Well-Being and Visa Compliance
All international students are required to have health insurance while studying in the U.S. This is a critical part of protecting tour health, safety, and financial stability during your time here.
Health insurance is included in your cost of attendance and is part of the financial documentation required for your I-20. It appears as a line item on your I-20 to ensure full transparency and to demonstrate that your essential needs - including medical care - can be met while you are in the U.S.
Unexpected medical costs in the U.S. can be extremely high. Having the required coverage means you'll be able to access doctors, hospitals, and specialists if you need them, without risking your academic or financial future.
Your health matters - every day, not just in emergencies.
We're here to help you understand your plan, use it well, and stay protected. We will discuss health insurance in detail at your orientation and will offer health insurance workshops during the semester to help you navigate health care in the U.S. Please reach out to your international student advisor if you have any questions.
Payment Deadline and Consequences
Health insurance fees are billed with your tuition and other university charges. If the health insurance fee is not paid by February 18th, 2026 students will be at risk of administrative withdrawal from the university. This may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and could impact your immigration status.
Why is having health insurance important?
- Health care in the United States is very expensive and the individual is responsible for paying the medical costs. The government does not pay for it.
- Having health insurance protects you and your ability to study here by helping pay medical expenses that you may encounter.
- Health insurance provides coverage to help you obtain services to prevent illness, and it also provides coverage for ongoing minor or serious conditions, in addition to injuries from unforeseen, sudden accidents or illnesses.
Using Your Health Insurance at NDSU
- Learn how NDSU Student Health Services supports you when you're feeling sick, need care, or have health-related questions or concerns during your time on campus. Learn About NDSU Student Health Services
Health Insurance Deadlines:
Dates of Insurance Coverage for Fall semester: August 16 - December 31st.
Cost: $828
Waiver Deadline: September 3rd, 2025
Dates of coverage for Spring & Summer Semesters combined: January 1 to August 15th
Cost: $1362
Waiver Deadline: January 22, 2026
Waivers
Waivers are for students who already have health insurance in the United States.
If have additional questions about Health Insurance please contact your International Advisor at ndsu.iss@ndsu.edu or you can Schedule a meeting
Walk-in hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30PM - 3:00PM (Central Standard Time) and require no prior appointment.