International Graduate Student Services
Insurance Requirements for International Students

University policy requires that international students and their accompanying dependents have valid health and accident insurance during their stay at Virginia Tech. All international students and their accompanying dependents must purchase health and accident insurance coverage before they can enroll at Virginia Tech.

Students are free to select a policy or insurer of their choice as long as the coverage meets or exceeds minimum university requirements. Minimum insurance policy requirements are as follows:

• The plan must offer adequate provider care within a 50 mile radius of campus of enrollment.
• Deductibles should be no more than $300 per accident or sickness.
• Major Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per insured per policy year
• Exclusions for pre-existing conditions may be no more restrictive than the following:
  Pre existing means:
  • a condition that manifests itself during the six month period immediately preceding the covered person’s effective date under the policy, or
  • for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within six months immediately prior to the covered person’s effective date under the policy. A pre-existing condition will be covered under the Plan once an insured has been continuously insured under the Plan for at least 12 consecutive months.
  • There should be no pre-existing condition requirement, which excludes coverage permanently under the policy.
• Inpatient mental health care paid at least 80% for the usual and customary fees with a 25 day cap.
• Outpatient mental health – Minimum of 20 visits. 80% for visits 1-5, 50% for visits 6-20.
• Maternity benefits treated as any other illness under the plan.
• Offers Prescription Medication coverage (after co pays) with a minimum of $1,000 per insured per policy year.
• The policy provides a minimum of $10,000 for “repatriation of remains” or “medical evacuation” to the home country.
• Coverage is valid for one year from Aug 1 or first day of enrollment in school, and effective through the following July 31 or last day of the month of the student’s graduation.
• J-1 visa holders must also meet the additional requirement of having medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness.

Students are encouraged to purchase the university sponsored insurance plan. New and continuing students must have their insurance coverage established or verified by the Student Medical Insurance Office (e-mail) before they can register for classes. Students choosing an insurance plan other than the university sponsored plan must present a completed and signed/certified Alternative Insurance Compliance Form to the Student Medical Insurance Office in 110 Student Services Building. For further information you can contact the office by phone at 540/231-6226 or 540/231-6303. Proof of insurance must be provided by all international students at the beginning of each academic year.