Healthcare and Insurance Information for New Students

Medical expenses in the USA are extremely high­. In fact, one day in the hospital in the USA can cost well over $10,000, even for routine care. Because of this, it is important to understand your health insurance and where to go for health care.

All international students (and their dependents) must purchase the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) unless they are eligible for a waiver. You will automatically be enrolled in the SHBP after you register for courses.

Students holding a qualifying graduate assistantship will be eligible to enroll in the Graduate Assistantship Plan as an alternative to the SHBP as an alternative to the SHBP.

Do not purchase alternative insurance from a private insurance company for yourself or your dependents.

Questions about the SHBP or the Graduate Assistant Health Plan can be emailed to [email protected] and you can also find additional information on the website for the Office of Student Health Benefits.

Preexisting Conditions

Bring copies of your medical records and a list of medications with you to the U.S. if you have a health condition that requires ongoing care (diabetes, heart problems, asthma, depression, etc.). This will help prevent interruptions in care.

Dependent Insurance

International students are required to enroll any dependents (spouse or children) who are in the U.S. in F-2 or J-2 status in the Student Health Benefit Plan. Dependents are not enrolled automatically in the plan. An enrollment form should be completed and returned to the Office of Student Health Benefits within 30 days of their arrival.

Go to shb.umn.edu to obtain this enrollment form.

Health and Wellness Webinar

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Watch in China

Insurance costs mentioned in this video are for the 2021–2022 academic year and are subject to change for 2022–2023.

Global Gopher Experiences will be offering a live Zoom webinar navigating health and wellbeing in July. Check out the GGE website for more information on how to sign up.

On-Campus Healthcare

Students needing care can go to Boynton Health, the UMN's on-campus clinic.

Boynton's services include primary care, dental, eye, massage, mental health, nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy, women's health, immunization, and urgent care.

Last updated: February 27, 2023