Comprehensive Insurance Guide for UAB International Students

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Ed Zaleck | Jul 10, 2025 Schools

If you’re planning to study at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB), making sure you have the right health insurance is an important part of your checklist. UAB wants every international student to have access to quality healthcare, so it automatically enrolls students in its approved insurance plan each semester. This plan can cost students up to $3,146/year.

This cost can be a lot for international students – so UAB does allow students to waive out of this plan if you have comparable coverage. Here’s what you should know about UAB’s insurance rules, how to submit your waiver, and why it’s worth planning ahead.

Waiver Requirements for UAB International Students

To start your waiver search, you must understand what exactly your insurance plan needs to cover. UAB has comprehensive guidelines for accepted alternative plans – meaning a lot of travel insurance and non-U.S. based plans will not be sufficient.

Your alternate insurance must meet UAB’s minimum standards below:

  • Coverage licensed in the U.S. and compliant with ACA benefits
  • Inpatient and outpatient mental health included
  • No caps on illness or injury coverage
  • Covers pre existing conditions
  • In-network outpatient/inpatient providers in Alabama
  • Covers prescriptions, labs, and hospitalization
  • Evacuation/repatriation benefits (e.g., medical evacuation)

Need a suggestion to start your search? Look through ISO’s UAB insurance plans – designed to meet your school requirements at a fraction of the cost.

How to Submit a Waiver at UAB

1. Purchase your alternative insurance plan

Before you can submit a waiver, you must purchase a private health insurance plan that meets UAB’s minimum requirements.

2. Log in to BlazerNET

Go to BlazerNET and sign in using your UAB credentials.

3. Navigate to the waiver form

In BlazerNET, look for “Links/Forms” or “Personal Information,” then click on Mandatory Student Health Insurance Selection/Waiver.

4. Complete the online waiver

Click the link that says “Click here to complete the waiver.” This will open the UHCSR Waiver Management System. Follow the steps to enter your personal and insurance details, upload proof of coverage, and sign electronically.

5. Submit your waiver

After completing all required fields, review your information and submit the waiver. You should see an on-screen confirmation once it’s submitted.

6. Check your UAB email (HAWKmail) for updates

You’ll receive an email once your waiver is approved or denied. If denied, the email will include instructions on how to appeal.

7. Watch the deadlines

To avoid automatic enrollment and charges, make sure you complete your waiver by the published deadline (typically mid-September for the Fall semester).

What is UAB's 2025 Fall Waiver Deadline?

  • Fall 2025 priority submission deadline: July 25, 2025
  • Fall final deadline: September 15, 2025

You generally will need to show coverage for the full school year – unless you are graduating during the Spring. If you show full-year coverage during the Fall waiver, you do need to re-submit another waiver before ethe Spring semester.

How do I decide between the UAB plan and private insurance?

Plan Comparison UAB SHIP Private Insurance (like ISO)
Accepted by UAB Yes Yes
Covers in Alabama Yes Yes
Mental Health Services Covered Covered
Pre-existing conditions Covered Covered
Ulimited injury/sickness coverage Yes Yes
Multilingual customer service No Yes
Cost $3,164/year ~$964/year


Why UAB International Students Choose ISO

1. Pre‑approved by UAB

ISO’s international student health plans fully meet UAB’s waiver requirements, so you can submit your waiver with confidence knowing your plan will be accepted. This means no last‑minute paperwork surprises or back‑and‑forth with Student Health Services.

2. Flexible coverage options

Choose the coverage period that best fits your academic plans and visa needs — whether it’s Fall only, Fall/Spring, or the entire academic year. This flexibility helps you align your insurance dates with your arrival in Birmingham and any travel or OPT plans after graduation.

3. Quick and easy electronic enrollment

Enroll online in just minutes and instantly receive your relevant insurance documents via email. Upload your documents to BlazerNET right away and remove your registration hold.

4. Affordable plans with robust benefits

ISO plans are designed for international students, keeping monthly costs low while still covering what matters: inpatient and outpatient care, specialist visits, prescription drugs, mental health services, and emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

5. Access to providers through Aetna PPO

With nationwide coverage under the Aetna PPO network, you can visit UAB Student Health Services, local specialists, or hospitals in the Birmingham area – such as UAB St. Vincent’s and Baptist Health.

6. Multilingual student support team

ISO’s dedicated customer care team is experienced in working with international students and offers support in multiple languages. Whether you need help enrolling, submitting a waiver, or understanding benefits, assistance is just an email or call away.

Visit https://www.isoa.org/schools/university-of-alabama-birmingham to find a plan option that works for you and submit your waiver. Deadline is September 15th – so don’t delay.

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About ISO Student Health Insurance

Founded in 1958, ISO prides itself on being the leader in providing international students with affordable insurance plans. Administered by former and current international students, we are able to assist our member with multilingual customer service in Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, and more. ISO serves over 3,200 schools/colleges and more than 150,000 insured students every year.

For more information, please visit www.isoa.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.

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