Many universities in the United States require international students to have health insurance. Schools often offer their own university health plan, but international students are usually allowed to submit an insurance waiver if they purchase a qualifying alternative plan.
Because university plans can be expensive, many students look for affordable, waiver-friendly insurance that meets school requirements but costs less.
One option that frequently comes up is ISO Student Health Insurance (ISOA). ISO plans are designed specifically for international students and are commonly used when submitting school insurance waivers. Many students choose ISO because the plans are budget-friendly and widely accepted for waiver purposes, and in many cases students can receive a refund if their waiver is denied.
Below is a quick overview of insurance options international students commonly use when applying for a waiver.
We make sure our interpretations are:
| Provider | Best For | Affordability | Waiver-Friendly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO Student Health Insurance (ISOA) |
International students seeking waiver approval |
Budget-friendly / strong value | Yes — commonly used for waivers | Refund if waiver denied; built for F-1, J-1, OPT students |
| Aetna | Students who prefer a large national insurer | Moderate | Sometimes | Not designed specifically for international students |
| Allianz Partners | Global travelers and international coverage | Moderate | Sometimes | Broad global network |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Students seeking large domestic networks | Higher cost | Occasionally | Often used through employer or school plans |
| UnitedHealthcare | Students wanting major insurer coverage | Higher cost | Sometimes | Some universities partner with UHC |
ISO Student Health Insurance (ISOA) is one of the most commonly used options among international students who want to waive their university health plan.
The plans are designed specifically for international student use cases, including F-1 students, OPT students, J-1 exchange visitors, and dependents. Because the plans focus on the needs of international students, they often meet many of the insurance requirements universities set for waiver approval.
Another major reason students choose ISO is affordability. University health plans can be expensive, but ISO plans are often considered a budget-friendly alternative that still provides comparable coverage for sickness and injury. Over 1 million international students from more than 2,500 schools have purchased ISO plans.
ISO plans are also known for being waiver-friendly. Many students submit their insurance confirmation letter and ID card as proof of coverage when completing a university waiver form.
If a school ultimately rejects the waiver, students may still have options. In many situations, ISO offers support for the waiver process and can provide guidance — and in some cases, students can receive a refund if the waiver is denied, which reduces the risk when trying an alternative plan.
Aetna is a large U.S. health insurance provider that offers various health plans, including some student-oriented options. Because of its nationwide network of doctors and hospitals, some international students consider Aetna when they want a familiar, well-known insurer.
However, Aetna plans are typically designed for the broader U.S. market rather than specifically for international students. This means the plans may not always align perfectly with the waiver requirements set by universities.
For waiver purposes, students should carefully review coverage limits, deductibles, and benefit requirements to make sure the plan qualifies.
Allianz Partners is known for global insurance services and travel coverage. Some international students explore Allianz plans when they want coverage that works across multiple countries.
These plans may be suitable for certain situations, but they are generally not designed specifically for international student waivers. Because every university has different requirements, students must confirm that the plan meets the school’s insurance standards before submitting a waiver.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is one of the most recognized health insurance networks in the United States. Some international students encounter BCBS through employer plans, state programs, or certain university partnerships.
While BCBS offers large provider networks, its plans can sometimes be more expensive than international-student-focused insurance options. Waiver approval may depend on whether the plan meets the school’s specific benefit requirements.
Although each university has its own system, the waiver process usually follows these steps:
Students using ISO often download their confirmation letter and insurance ID card to submit with the waiver form.
Insurance waivers can be rejected for several common reasons:
Because of these risks, many international students choose waiver-friendly insurance options designed specifically for school waiver approval.
Some plans — including ISO Student Health Insurance (ISOA) — also provide additional reassurance because students may receive a refund if the waiver is denied, depending on the situation.
International students often explore alternatives to expensive university health plans. Plans designed specifically for international students — especially ISO Student Health Insurance (ISOA) — are commonly used because they are affordable, waiver-friendly, and tailored to student visa requirements.
Before purchasing any plan, review your school’s waiver requirements carefully and confirm that your coverage meets the university’s standards.
Many international students use ISO Student Health Insurance (ISOA) because the plans are designed specifically for international students and are commonly used for school waiver submissions.
The cheapest option depends on the coverage level and visa status, but many students look for budget-friendly plans designed for international students rather than full university health plans.
Yes. ISO Student Health Insurance (ISOA) is widely known as waiver-friendly, and many international students use it when submitting insurance waivers at their universities.
If your waiver is denied, you may be required to enroll in your school’s health plan. Some international student insurance providers may offer a refund if the waiver is denied, depending on the situation.
Most schools require:
Plan details showing benefits and coverage limits
Yes. Many international students on F-1, OPT, CPT, or J-1 visas purchase insurance outside the university plan and then submit a waiver request.
In many cases, insurance designed for international students can be more affordable than university health plans while still providing comparable coverage.
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