Frequently Asked Questions

A:

Yes, health insurance is mandatory. Health insurance is required because medical care is very expensive in the United States. The California State University (CSU) system requires that every international student show proof of health insurance that meets CSU requirements. Large medical bills can cause family financial ruin if you do not have health insurance. The CSU requirements were established to protect you while you are attending school. All J-1 exchange students and visitors are required to purchase the CSUF health insurance (no alternate health insurance will be accepted). International students on F-1 visa may purchase the CSUF health insurance or petition to have alternate health insurance.

A:

CSU Executive Order 622 requires that all F-1 and J-1 visa students' purchase and maintain adequate health insurance coverage during their period of enrollment at CSU Fullerton. In order to comply, your insurance policy must meet the following criteria:

• The policy is valid at least until February 1 for Fall semester, August 1 for Spring Semester.
• The medical benefit is at least U.S. $250,000 per condition.
• Co-payment does not exceed 25%.
• The repatriation benefit is at least $7,500.
• The medical evacuation benefit is at least $10,000.
• The annual deductible does not exceed $100.
• The policy must be funded in the United States.
• The policy must comply with Title 9 and/or the Civil Right Restoration Act of 1987 (i.e. benefits for expenses incurred for pregnancy conditions must be provided in the same manner as for any other condition).
• The policy must provide benefits for conditions that have not been treated in the six (6) months immediately preceding continuous coverage, OR have no greater than a six (6) month waiting period for conditions that have been treated within the six (6) months immediately preceding continuous coverage.

A:

Yes. You may purchase the CSU International Student Health Insurance Plan through CSU Healthlink online at www.csuhealthlink.com. This plan was specifically designed for CSU international students on F-1 visa and J-1 exchange students and visitors. The plan offers excellent health care coverage at a very reasonable price (approx $503 per semester/6 months).

Important note: (If you are transferring from another U.S. school, we assume that you have had health insurance coverage in the U.S. for at least 6 months, and the following paragraph may not apply to you.) CSU Health Link Insurance Plan will not cover any pre-existing medical condition for the first 6 months after your arrival in the United States. If you are currently being treated for a medical condition in your home country, please be prepared to purchase a travel insurance that will cover the costs of your medical condition for the first 6 months in the United States. At the same time, you should immediately purchase the CSU Health Link Insurance Plan for 12 months. Once the 6-month waiting period has passed, you will be eligible for coverage of your prior medical condition according to the CSU Health Link plan.

A:

Optional dental coverage is available to international students under the age of 50, and may only be purchased in conjunction with the CSU Health Link Plan for International Students. The health insurance plan does not include vision care. Information for Vision insurance coverage is available through the IEE Office and the Information desk at the Titan Student Union.

A:

We do not routinely approve alternate insurance plans unless they meet the requirements established by the California State University System Executive Order 622. You may visit the IEE Office upon your arrival and submit your alternate insurance plan for review. However, please remember that you cannot register for classes until your health insurance plan is approved.

In very few cases, where your government is providing you with a scholarship which includes health insurance benefits, these plans may be approved after review by our office.