The health care system in the United States is complex, and as a student or scholar at MSU, you are required to have health insurance. Learn how to use your health insurance so you can get the medical care you need.
We can help you:
1. Understand your health insurance plan
2. Find where to get medical treatment
3. Understand your medical bills
4. Get health insurance coverage for your spouse or children (dependents in F-2 or J-2 status)
More information about how to purchase early arrival health insurance for Fall 2020 will be posted soon. (Updated 7-8-2020)
Health Insurance Requirement:
International students at Michigan State University have long been required to carry health insurance and have been automatically enrolled in MSU’s Student Health Insurance Plan, or SHIP. Students have previously had the option to waive out of the required MSU SHIP, with privately obtained health insurance coverage. Starting Fall 2020, international students will be required to keep the MSU SHIP, without a waiver option for most students.
Privately obtained health insurance plans often cover less than the MSU SHIP and exclude coverage for common health events experienced by college students.
In recent years, international students with private coverage have experienced financial hardship and barriers to health care access, resulting in threats to academic success and student wellbeing.
The MSU SHIP is comprehensive and compliant with the Affordable Care Act, ensuring that international Spartans are fully protected in the event of a health care emergency.
The current health insurance provider for MSU international students is the Blue Care Network, often called simply "BCN". You can learn more about the BCN plan on the MSU Human Resources website.
Most international students will no longer have the option to use health insurance other than MSU’s SHIP. A limited number of international students will still have access to apply for a waiver. Those groups are as follows:
Groups 1, 2 and 3 are still subject to the waiver criteria and will need to follow the waiver application process for the fall 2020 semester. Instructions for completing the waiver will be available on the HR website in late spring 2020.
Instructions for students in groups 4 and 5 will also be available in late spring 2020.
Q. When can I complete the waiver application for fall semester 2020?
A. If you are in a group that is eligible to apply for a waiver, you can complete the waiver application for fall semester 2020 beginning in July 2020.
Q. What is the deadline to complete the waiver application for fall semester 2020?
A. Waiver applications for fall semester 2020 must be submitted by September 30th, 2020.
Q. When and how will I know if I have been approved for a waiver?
A. Upon submitting the application, you will immediately get one email indicating the waiver petition has been received. Once Relation has reviewed the petition, you will receive another email indicating if it was approved, or if further information is needed. If approval is given, you must keep that email for your records. If further information is needed, you will work with Relation to provide that information to help reach a final decision.
BCN mails insurance cards to all students who are enrolled in the plan.
Sometimes MSU international students do not receive their health insurance cards in the mail. This often happens when students do not update their off-campus addresses in StuInfo as soon as they move in or they enter an incorrect address in StuInfo.
The best way to ensure that you will receive your MSU health insurance card is to update your address in StuInfo immediately after you move to a new address. Be sure to use U.S. Postal Service (USPS) suggested address in StuInfo. Do not override the suggested address.
Step One: Make sure your address is updated in StuInfo.
Step Two: You have two options.
Option One: Meet with Sarah Allen in Room 147 of the Olin Health Center to request a new card.
Option Two: Follow these steps
1. Contact MSU Human Resources to obtain your Contract ID and Group Number.
2. Go to Blue Care Network and click "Register" to create a profile.
3. Request a new ID card from your BCN online account.
MSU Student Health Services offers a wide range of medical services on campus at the Olin Health Center.
Your health care costs will be lowest at Olin, so it should be your first stop whenever possible. For emergencies, please go to the nearest Emergency Room. For information on what is an emergency, see the “Is this an Emergency?” section of the health care resource map.
Students who are sick or hurt when the Olin Health Center is closed can seek medical care off-campus. There are three types of resources students in this situation should use:
In the United States, it is best to visit a facility called an Urgent Care Center for most common illnesses or injuries. At an Urgent Care Center, no appointments are needed and students can usually see a doctor quickly (within one hour). The cost for treatment is much lower than an Emergency Room (“ER”). You can find the locations of Urgent Care Centers located close to MSU's campus on our Local Health Facilities Map (PDF).
Students should only use a hospital emergency room when facing a serious illness or injury. In most countries around the world, people can visit hospitals for any kind of illness or injury, even if it is a minor condition. In the United States, students should only use the ER when the condition is a serious emergency. It is a common mistake for international students to go to the ER when experiencing a minor illness or injury. Students who make this mistake often wait for several hours to see a doctor and end up paying a high price for their medical care. However, when the injury or illness is severe or if an illness or injury is not improving with medical care from another doctor, the ER is the right place to go.
Below are examples of appropriate conditions for ER treatment:
If you or someone near you is in a life-threatening situation, always dial 911 from any phone. An ambulance, police officers, or fire engine will be sent to your location.
Pharmacies in the United States can offer two types of medicine: prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
Pharmacies also always have a professional pharmacist available whenever they are open. Pharmacists can answer questions you may have about the medicines available at the pharmacy.
If a doctor wants you to take medicine for your medical condition, they will write a prescription for a certain drug. The prescription may be given to you on a piece of paper or may be sent electronically to a pharmacy that you choose. If your prescription is on a piece of paper you can take it to any pharmacy to get the prescription filled and to pick up your medicine. If your prescription is sent electronically, you should go directly to the pharmacy that received your electronic prescription. Your health insurance will usually cover most of the cost of prescription drugs.
There are many common medications that are available to purchase without a prescription at pharmacies. Common OTC medications include: mild pain relievers, cold & cough medicines, and digestive remedies. These medications will be on store shelves instead of behind the pharmacy counter. If you are not sure which OTC drug to choose, you can ask the pharmacist for advice.
On Campus:
Off Campus:
If you want to get work experience in the United States after graduation, you will use work authorization called either Optional Practical Training (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1). Learn more about work authorization in the U.S.
After you graduate from MSU, there is no requirement for you to continue to carry health insurance. However, the cost of medical care in the United States is so high that it is very risky to be inside the country without health insurance coverage. We highly recommend that you obtain coverage for your entire OPT time period.
After you graduate from MSU, the university will no longer enforce a health insurance requirement.
However, the J-1 visa status does require that you maintain sufficient health insurance coverage at all times.
All J-1 and J-2 visas holders are required to maintain health insurance that meets the following minimum requirements:
You are responsible for maintaining your status and that of any J-2 dependents while in the United States. Failure to maintain health insurance that meets the above criteria will result in a violation of your visa status.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
The insurance company will send you a form called the "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB). This form may be sent to you electronically or in the mail. The EOB is not a medical bill. The purpose of EOB is to tell you what portion of a claim was paid to the health care provider by the insurance company and what portion of the payment, if any, you are responsible for. If you have questions concerning your EOB, please contact the toll-free number on your insurance card or visit OISS for assistance.
Medical bills
In addition to the EOB, you will receive bills in the mail from the medical service providers. At times, you may receive multiple bills.
If you have questions regarding your bills or EOBs, please visit OISS during walk-in hours (1-3pm: Monday – Friday) to meet with a health advisor. If you are unavailable during the walk-in hours, please contact to schedule an appointment.
Please bring your health insurance card, all of the bills and explanations of benefits that have been received to your appointment.
Click Understanding the EOB for more information.
Click How Health Insurance Works for more information (Includes definitions of words found on the EOB).
All J-1 and J-2 visas holders are required to maintain health insurance that meets the following requirements:
All J-1 and J-2 visa holders will be required to submit proof of health insurance enrollment at the government check-in with OISS.
Obtaining adequate health insurance coverage for yourself and your J-2 dependents is one of your top priorities upon arriving at MSU. You are responsible for maintaining your and your dependents' immigration status while in the U.S. Failure to maintain health insurance that meets the above criteria will result in a violation of your J-1 or J-2 status.
OISS will require proof of your health insurance before we can complete your government check-in. If we determine your policy does not meet the J-1 regulatory requirements, we cannot accept your insurance or validate your J-1 record. You will then be required to submit proof of enrollment into another insurance policy or purchase additional coverage.
If you are an employee of MSU, your insurance may be provided by the University.
J-1 Scholars employed by MSU full-time for more than nine months
MSU will provide your health insurance. You will have a few options to choose from. When you check-in with your department, you will be scheduled for orientation with Human Resources at which time you will be provided with health insurance enrollment information. Please refer to the MSU Human Resources website for additional information on employee insurance.
J-1 Scholars who will be employed for less than 9 months by MSU
You are responsible for providing your own health insurance. This insurance could be purchased through MSU, a private company, or could be a policy you brought from your home country. Learn more about your options by clicking on “J-1 Scholars Who are Not Employed by MSU” below.
Health Insurance Options:
MSU Student Health Services offers a wide range of medical services on campus at the Olin Health Center.
Your health care costs will be lowest at Olin, so it should be your first stop whenever possible.
F-2 and J-2 spouses can receive medical care at Olin Health Center.
F-2 and J-2 children cannot receive medical care at Olin Health Center. Children can receive medical care at MSU Health Team Pediatrics or with any provider that is considered in-network for your health insurance plan.
Scholars who are sick or hurt when the Olin Health Center is closed can seek medical care off-campus. There are three types of resources students in this situation should use:
In the United States, it is best to visit a facility called an Urgent Care Center for most common illnesses or injuries. At an Urgent Care Center, no appointments are needed and students can usually see a doctor quickly (within one hour). The cost for treatment is much lower than an Emergency Room (“ER”). You can find the locations of Urgent Care Centers located close to MSU's campus on our Local Health Facilities Map (PDF).
Students should only use a hospital emergency room when facing a serious illness or injury. In most countries around the world, people can visit hospitals for any kind of illness or injury, even if it is a minor condition. In the United States, students should only use the ER when the condition is a serious emergency. It is a common mistake for international students to go to the ER when experiencing a minor illness or injury. Students who make this mistake often wait for several hours to see a doctor and end up paying a high price for their medical care. However, when the injury or illness is severe or if an illness or injury is not improving with medical care from another doctor, the ER is the right place to go.
Below are examples of appropriate conditions for ER treatment:
If you or someone near you is in a life-threatening situation, always dial 911 from any phone. An ambulance, police officers, or fire engine will be sent to your location.
1. "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB)
The insurance company will send you a form called the "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB). This form may be sent to you electronically or in the mail. The EOB is not a medical bill. The purpose of EOB is to tell you what portion of a claim was paid to the health care provider by the insurance company and what portion of the payment, if any, you are responsible for. If you have questions concerning your EOB, please contact the toll-free number on your insurance card or visit OISS for assistance.
2. Medical bills
In addition to the EOB, you will receive bills in the mail from the medical service providers. At times, you may incur multiple bills.
If you have questions regarding your bills or EOBs, please visit OISS during walk-in hours (1-3pm: Monday – Friday) to meet with a health advisor. If you are unavailable during the walk-in hours, please contact to schedule an appointment.
Please bring your health insurance card, all of the bills and explanations of benefits that have been received to your appointment.
Click Understanding the EOB for more information.
Click How Health Insurance Works for more information (Includes definitions of words found on the EOB).
Health insurance coverage is a requirement of all Exchange Visitors in J-1 or J-2 status
All J-1 and J-2 visa holders are required to maintain health insurance that meets the following requirements:
Children are not eligible to be seen at the Olin Student Health Center.
You do not need a referral from your assigned Primary Care Provider (PCP), in order to take your child to a pediatrician. Just search for an in-network pediatrician and make an appointment with them.
To search for an in-network pediatrician, you have two options:
1. Call the phone number on the back of your insurance card for customer service.
2. Search online at Blue Care Network
It can take many days or weeks to see a pediatrician as a new patient. If your child needs to be seen right away for a non-life threatening illness or injury, call an Urgent Care to find out if they can treat your child. Be sure to tell the Urgent Care your child's age as some Urgent Care facilities have age restrictions for young children and babies. Find Urgent Care facilities on our Local Health Facilities Map (PDF).
The Family Health Insurance Award Program (FHIAP) offers international students the funding needed to purchase health insurance for their dependent family member(s) who need coverage.
FHIAP has two award cycles each year. Applications for funding to buy health insurance for the fall semester are due in early September. Applications for funding to buy health insurance for the spring semester are due in early January.
Awardees can renew their awards for continued coverage and assistance.
Eligible
Dependents of F-1 or J-1 students who are not U.S. Citizens.
Not Eligible
U.S. citizens are not eligible to be covered by FHIAP because they are eligible to apply for Medicaid. (Children who were born in the United States are U.S. citizens.)
Learn more about Medicaid in Michigan
Current Application Deadline
For Spring Semester 2020 apply by Friday, January 24, 2020. Fill out the Spring 2020 application form.
Dependents who are U.S. citizens, such as children born in the United States, are able to apply for Medicaid.
Medicaid is health insurance provided by the U.S. government for citizens who cannot otherwise afford health insurance. Go to Medicaid in Michigan for more information.
The Ingham County Health Department has many resources for families. The Ingham County Health Department website contains information on a variety of topics, such as low-cost vaccines, dental care, vision care, speech and hearing health care, and prenatal care for families expecting a baby.
Ingham County Health Department Health Clinics for Pediatric Care
Ingham County Immunization Clinic
is an annual vaccination event, hosted in October at MSU’s International Center. The event offers low-cost and free vaccines for families and children. Many vaccines are available, including the flu vaccine and the HPV vaccine. There are Halloween-themed crafts, a costume closet, Halloween photo booth, and a family resource fair, as well. Keep checking our website and follow us on social media for more information.
Students and Scholars who enroll in the MSU Blue Care Network Student Health Insurance Plan have access to a variety of pediatric dental services for their children. Go to page 18 of the Blue Care Network MSU Student Health Plan Member Guide for a complete list of dental care for children offered by the plan.
Michigan State University also offers optional dental insurance coverage to graduate assistants, students, and dependent family members through Delta Dental.
Coverage and Enrollment Dates for the MSU Delta Dental Plan for 2018 Spring Semester are:
Open Enrollment: November 1, 2017 through February 28, 2018
Coverage Period: January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018
Learn more about the Delta Dental Student Plan and how to enroll at MSU Student Benefits
Delta Dental Patient Direct Discount Plan is an easy and inexpensive alternative to dental insurance. This option is a way for you and your family to save money on the health care products and services that you need, including discounts on dental, vision and hearing care, and prescription drugs. For an annual fee of $80 per household, you and your family will have access to a variety of discounted health care services. Learn more about Delta Dental's Patient Direct Discount Plan.
The Lansing Community College Dental Clinic is a great resource for students and their families to receive low-cost dental hygiene care. The dental clinic consists of highly trained dental hygienists and licensed clinic dentists dedicated to serving the Greater-Lansing community. For more information on the LCC Dental Clinic, please visit the LCC Dental Clinic website.
Michigan State University offers graduate assistants, students, and dependent family members with comprehensive vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Those interested in vision insurance may enroll in the VSP coverage option at any time on the MSU Student Vision Insurance website.
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