Waiving Health Insurance as a USF International Student

If you’re an international student at the University of South Florida (USF), having health insurance is required. You must either enroll in USF’s student health insurance plan or submit a waiver proving you have an alternative plan that meets the university’s coverage standards.

Health insurance in the U.S. can be confusing, especially if you’re just arriving. This guide will help you understand USF’s waiver process and how to pick the right health insurance plan.

What Is a Health Insurance Waiver?

All international students at USF are automatically enrolled in the university’s health insurance plan. However, you can apply to waive this coverage if you have your own insurance plan that meets USF’s requirements.

If your alternative insurance qualifies, USF will approve your waiver and remove the insurance fee from your tuition bill. If you don’t submit a waiver or your request is denied, you must keep and pay for the USF plan.

What are USF’s Health Insurance Waiver Requirements?

To get a waiver, your insurance must meet these minimum criteria:

• At least $100,000 per illness/injury
• 80% in-network / 60% out-of-network coverage
• Inpatient & outpatient mental health (30+ visits)
• Prescriptions ($1,000+ per year)
• Maternity coverage
• Pre-existing conditions covered (6-month max wait)
• Medical evacuation ($50,000) and repatriation ($25,000)
• Low deductibles: $50-$100 per visit, $1,000 annual max

Looking for a plan that covers all these requirements? ISO Student Insurance offers plans pre-approved for USF international students. Review your plan options at the ISO’s USF plan page.

How Do I Waive USF’s Student Health Insurance?

1. Buy an eligible insurance plan

Purchase an alternative plan and organize all your insurance documents.

2. Fill out the waiver form

Fill out USF’s insurance waiver form. This will need to be filled out by both you and your insurance company – meaning you may need to contact your insurance unless they provide you this form automatically.

3. Submit your waiver online

Upload the form on the USF Student Health portal, ensuring your coverage dates align with USF’s requirements.

4. Wait for approval

USF will review your waiver. If approved, the insurance charge will be removed or refunded. Submit your waiver before the deadline to avoid automatic enrollment.

USF Health Insurance Waiver Deadline for Fall 2025

The deadline to submit a waiver for the 2025-26 academic year is August 26th, 2025. If you don’t submit and get approved by then, you will be enrolled in and billed for the USF insurance plan.

Please note that USF is strict with plan dates - you must have coverage from either 8/11/2025 or 8/17/2025 for a full 12-month period. This requirement applies regardless of your graduation date, meaning you must show full-year coverage even if you graduate in the Fall.

Should You Choose USF or Private Insurance?

Plan Comparison	USF Plan	Private Insurance (like ISO)
Accepted by USF	Yes	Yes
Access to Tampa doctors	Yes	Yes
Student Health Center Access	Yes	Yes
Pre-existing conditions	Covered	Covered after waiting period
Multilingual Support	No	Yes
Multilingual customer service	No	Yes
Cost	~$2,700/year	As low as $748/year

Though the school plan is a comprehensive, simple option to enroll in – the cost causes many international students to choose a private insurance plan (such as ISO) - which can save you close to $2,000/year.

1. Guaranteed Waiver Approval

ISO offers plans pre-approved for USF that meet all waiver requirements. ISO’s system will automatically prepare the USF waiver form with the relevant insurance section filled out. This will be emailed to you immediately after purchase.

2. Fast and Easy Enrollment

Enroll online in under 5 minutes with no documents needed upfront. Insurance ID and waiver form are emailed instantly – allowing to purchase and submit your waiver in minutes.

3. Comprehensive Coverage

ISO plans cover doctor visits, emergency care, prescriptions, mental health, and preventive services. They include low deductibles and up to 90% coverage at USF’s Student Health Center.

4. Significant Cost Savings

USF’s plan costs about $4,168 per year. ISO plans start at around $61/month, saving thousands without sacrificing coverage.

5. Multilingual Support from Experienced Team

ISO’s team understands international student needs and offers support via phone, email, WhatsApp, WeChat, and social media.

6. Wide Provider Network

ISO uses the Aetna PPO network, giving you access to doctors and hospitals throughout Tampa and nationwide. This includes at USF’s Student Health & Wellness Center.

Ready to enroll? It only takes a few minutes to get your ISO plan and all required documents. Visit https://www.isoa.org/schools/university-of-south-florida to learn more and sign up today.