If you have questions about health insurance or any of the resources on this page, email the OISS Health Team or schedule an appointment through Calendly.
International students are required to enroll in the MSU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). If you are enrolled in at least one credit as an international student, you will be enrolled automatically.
Learn more about the MSU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) on the MSU Human Resources website.
Access your digital insurance card through the Aetna website or the Aetna Health™ app.
Early Arrival Coverage:
If you arrive in the U.S. before your SHIP coverage begins, you must purchase Early Arrival Health Insurance. Purchase coverage through Academic Health Plans (AHP) and select International Early Arrival.
If you do not see the Early Arrival option, contact the MSU HR Solutions Center at solutionscenter@hr.msu.edu.
Insurance After Graduation:
F-1 Students on OPT or STEM OPT:
Health insurance is not required under immigration regulations during OPT or STEM OPT, but it is strongly recommended.
You may be eligible to continue purchasing the MSU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) if your employer does not provide insurance
Learn more about voluntary SHIP enrollment.
J-1 Students on Academic Training:
J-1 students must maintain health insurance that meets federal requirements throughout Academic Training If you receive employer-provided insurance, it may not meet all federal J-1 health insurance requirements.
Email a copy of your insurance policy to the OISS Health Team at ihealth@msu.edu for review.
You may be eligible to continue purchasing the MSU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Learn more about voluntary SHIP enrollment.
All J-1 scholars and J-2 dependents must maintain qualifying health insurance throughout the J-1 program.
Learn more about federal health insurance requirements in 22 CFR 62.14.
J-1 scholars who are benefits-eligible employees of MSU must enroll themselves and any J-2 dependents in an employee health plan that meets J-1 regulatory requirements.
Note: The Community Blue CDHP plan does not meet these requirements.
J-1 scholars who are not benefits-eligible employees must enroll themselves and their J-2 dependents in the MSU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
Visit the MSU Human Resources Health Care Benefits page for information about employee health insurance.
Dependents who are U.S. citizens may be eligible for Medicaid, a government-sponsored health insurance program.
Learn about eligibility and apply through MI Bridges.
The Family Health Insurance Award Program (FHIAP) helps eligible F-1 and J-1 students purchase health insurance for their F-2 or J-2 dependents.
Learn about eligibility, application deadlines, and how to apply.
Optional dental and vision insurance are available to students, graduate assistants, and eligible dependent family members.
Learn more about dental insurance.
Learn more about vision insurance.
Students who will remain outside the U.S. for an entire semester may be eligible for a SHIP exemption through OISS.
Learn more about requesting an exemption.
Students with qualifying alternative insurance coverage may be eligible for a waiver through MSU Human Resources
Learn more about waiver eligibility.
Not sure where to go? Call the MSU 24-Hour Nurse Line at 517-353-5557. A nurse can help you determine what type of care you need.
Find a Health Care Provider:
An in-network provider has an agreement with your insurance company and will typically cost less. Before making an appointment, confirm that the provider accepts your insurance.
Find an in-network provider through Aetna or use the OISS Health Resources Map.
Primary Care:
Olin Health Center is the primary health care clinic for enrolled MSU students. Appointments are required.
Urgent Care:
Visit urgent care for illnesses or injuries that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening. Appointments are usually not required.
Urgent Care visits typically cost less than emergency room visits
Emergency Care:
Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room for serious or life-threatening emergencies
Care for Children:
Children are not eligible to receive care at Olin Health Center.
If your child needs immediate (non-life-threatening) care that cannot wait for a pediatrician appointment, take them to a local in-network urgent care. Use your insurance company’s website or the phone number on your insurance card to find an in-network pediatrician or urgent care clinic.
Pharmacies & Prescriptions:
A pharmacy can provide:
Vaccinations:
Vaccinations are available through: