International Health Insurance

Protecting Students Abroad and on Campus

Comprehensive health coverage designed to support international students during their time at the University of Maine at Farmington.

The University of Maine at Farmington requires all international students to carry health insurance to ensure access to medical care while studying in the United States. This coverage helps students manage unexpected health expenses, from routine check-ups and prescriptions to urgent care and emergencies, providing peace of mind while far from home.

UMF partners with trusted insurance providers to offer plans tailored to the needs of international students. These plans are designed to meet U.S. healthcare standards and provide reliable access to doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. By enrolling in the international health insurance program, students can focus on their academic and personal goals at UMF, knowing that their health and well-being are protected.

Health Insurance Requirements for F-1 and J-1 Students at UMF

All F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents in the US are required to have health insurance.   The University of Maine System offers a comprehensive health insurance plan in which students can enroll and pay the premium.  We recommend that students choose this plan but students may waive the UMS plan if they have an alternate plan that meets our criteria (criteria listed below) and they can provide documents showing proof of such coverage.

Health Insurance Enrollment and Waiver Deadlines

International students at UMF must either enroll in the University of Maine System (UMS) health insurance plan or waive it by submitting proof of alternate coverage. Waiver deadlines are October 1 for fall and March 1 for spring—no late submissions are accepted. Students who do not submit a waiver by the deadline will be automatically charged for the UMS plan and required to pay the premium. Enrollment and waiver options are available online using your UMS/UMF login, and all alternate plans must meet UMF’s minimum requirements verified by the Office of Global Education.

Coverage PlansCostEffective Dates
Annual (12 Month)$3,157.00August 1 – July 31
Full Semester (6 Month)$1,323.00August 1 – December 31
Spring Semester/Summer Term (7 Month)$1,834.00January 1 – July 31
Summer Term (2 Month)$ 528.00June 1 – July 31

Minimum Required Levels of Coverage

  • Medical benefit of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
  • $50,000 to cover expenses associated with the medical evacuation;
  • $25,000 for the repatriation of remains
  • The deductible cannot exceed $500 per accident or illness.
  • Coverage of pre-existing conditions after a reasonable waiting period
  • Payment by the insurance company of at least 75% of the costs of medical care (the patient must not be required to pay more than 25% of medical care costs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s some helpful information for some commonly asked questions:

What if I need to use my insurance, but have not gotten my ID card?

You should enroll in the insurance plan as soon as possible. Insurance ID cards are available immediately upon enrollment through the student account (the only exception is if you are enrolling for the first time. Then you will need to create your student account and your cards will be available within 24 hours).

The UMF Student Health Center can verify your enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan and you can be seen and later present your ID card. Some doctor’s offices offer delayed billing, which means that you can visit the doctor and then pay the bill at a later time. When your proof of insurance cards arrive you can bring them to the doctor’s office and they will remove any charges that are covered by the insurance plan.  Be sure to discuss your situation with someone in the doctor’s office before your visit. In some offices delayed billing is not available. In those cases you must pay the full price for your visit. After you receive your proof of insurance cards, you can work with the insurance company to be reimbursed for the amount that should have been covered by the insurance plan.

If you need prescriptions you will have to pay the full price of the prescription. Then, after you receive your proof of insurance cards, you can work with the insurance company to be reimbursed for the amount that should have been covered by the insurance plan.

Why do I need to have health insurance?

American health care is very expensive and you must have appropriate insurance coverage. If you fail to obtain health insurance to cover your medical costs you will be responsible for paying your medical bills in full. Even simple medical procedures can amount to thousands of dollars.

Are exchange students required to have health insurance? And what is the process?

Yes. The US Government requires all exchange students to have minimum levels of coverage during their stay in the US. These requirements are listed above. All exchange students are enrolled automatically in the UMF International Insurance Plan for the full academic year. If you are an exchange student for only one semester at UMF, you can adjust the dates of your UMF insurance coverage by submitting the Request for Coverage Form link at the top of this page. Yearlong exchange students must have health insurance for the full year.

What if I have my own insurance?

Any alternate insurance plan must meet at least the Required Levels of Coverage listed above and the plan must be valid for the entire time that you will study at UMF. Please remember that you get what you pay for. Be sure to read the entire plan before choosing it. It may not cover important items that you may need such as ambulance services.

Anyone wishing to use an alternate insurance plan should fill out the Insurance Waiver through the insurance website (link provided above). If the request is approved, the charge for the health insurance plan will be removed from your UMF account.

Can I have health insurance for only one semester?

Only exchange students enrolling at UMF for one semester or students graduating in December can have health insurance coverage for less than one year. All other international students must have health insurance for the full year.

How do I know if my plan meets the minimum coverage levels?

Since the Office of Global Education does not employ anyone who specializes in insurance we are unable to assist in reviewing and approving insurance plans. Any questions should be directed to the insurance company that administers the plan.

When will I get my insurance ID cards?

During the enrollment period (dates TBD) you must fill out the enrollment request form (link to Gallagher Insurance website provided above). Within 48 hours of submitting the form you will receive an email in your @maine.edu account with instructions on how to access your ID card. You must make sure that you have a Maine address entered on your Student Center in your MaineStreet account, as your card will be mailed to you.

Where can I find information about other plans that meet the minimum requirements?

Online full medical insurance policies (non-supplemental) for F-1 and J-1 students meeting the above requirements can be purchased at iNext: Select the Royal 100 plan or Compass Care Plus 100.

Online full medical insurance policies (non-supplemental) for J-1 scholars meeting the above requirements can be purchased at ISO: Select the J-1 Exchange or J-1 Exchange Superior plan.

Are J-1 Exchange Visitors covered by the UMF international student health plan?

No, only J-1 exchange students will be covered by the UMF international student health plan. Certain other exchange visitors may be covered by the UMS staff/faculty health plan. However, because that plan does not meet the minimum requirements listed above, you will also need to purchase supplemental insurance to meet the above Department of State requirements.  Visit International SOS and select the International SOS Visitor USA membership.

Exchange Visitors not covered by the UMF staff/faculty health plan will need to purchase full medical plans that include the Department of State minimum coverages. Full medical policies (non-supplemental) can be can be purchased at ISO: Select the J-1 Exchange or J-1 Exchange Superior plan.

UMF Student Health Clinic

Location
Scott Hall, North Entrance
(the right-hand side of the building as you look from Main Street)

Hours
The UMF Student Health Clinic is open when University is in session during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Monday & Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday 9:30am – 4:00pm
Thursday & Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Visit the UMF Student Health Clinic website for more information.