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Waivers for International Students - Exchange Students

The United States Department of State has strict requirements for visitors on J-1 and other visas. You must have insurance that meets the requirements of both the U.S. government and Purdue University for anytime that you are in the U.S. This would include any periods when you are traveling within the U.S. before or after classes are in session.

Purdue University Offers two options:

1. Most convenient option: Purchase the Purdue University sponsored health plan - the International plan.
This plan is designed for students attending Purdue and using the Student Health Center.

  • It is valid anywhere in the world.
  • It covers preventive care including any immunizations and required tuberculosis testing.
  • Claims will be submitted for you when seen at PUSH.
  • Purdue staff representatives are available to assist you with any claim issues.
  • Fall coverage period is from 8/1 to 12/31. Spring/summer coverage period is from 1/1 to 7/31.
  • If you plan on traveling in the U.S. before or after the above policy coverage periods, it is your responsibility to purchase travel insurance for those extra weeks.
2. Waive the insurance if you meet waiver eligibility
Waivers are only granted for students that meet one of the four following requirements and must be in effect when you enter the United States:
  1. Government-sponsored students whose home government pays 100% for tuition and insurance for students and does not just supply funds to purchase an insurance plan of their choice.
  2. Student is 100% financially sponsored (including tuition, living expenses, medical expenses, etc.) under a select international organization.
  3. Student is in the U.S. on a dependent visa (F2, E2, etc.), who has U.S. based insurance from a U.S. based employer, as a dependent or employee of a U.S. based employer.
  4. Student studying in an approved exchange program.

If you determine that you meet eligibility requirements, you must purchase an insurance plan that meets all 5 of the following requirements:

  1. Policy must be in effect as of the date of entry into the U.S.
  2. Medical benefits of at least $100,000.00 USD per accident or illness
  3. Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000.00 USD
  4. Medical evacuation coverage in the amount of $50,000.00 USD
  5. Annual deductible not to exceed $500.00 (J1 Visa), and $3,400.00 (all other Visa types) USD per illness per person


Appropriate documentation MUST be submitted to waive out of the Purdue University sponsored plan. Obtain this information prior to leaving your home country. If you are not able to obtain this information in the format requested, DO NOT purchase the plan as it will not be accepted.

These Include:

  • I20 or DS2019
  • Front and Back of your insurance card
  • Summary of Benefits

Waiver submission must be done through https://purdueship.myahpcare.com/

Keep in mind that only students that meet the criteria for a waiver are allowed to submit.

For those who have policies which do not include sufficient Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage, supplemental insurance must be purchased at an additional cost. If Medical Evacuation and Repatriation is needed, it is an online purchase through an emailed link.


Fall Semester deadline is September 5, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. EST

Spring Semester deadline is February 1, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST

Students must submit their own claims to their insurance company for reimbursement.

The Purdue Insurance must be purchased or a waiver approved by the deadline. The Purdue Insurance plan may be purchased online prior to arrival in the U.S.

Those who miss the deadline will incur a $200 USD late fee and will not be able to obtain grades/transcripts.