Health Insurance
The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa requires international students to have sufficient health insurance coverage throughout their program of study. Students can enroll in the UH Student Plan, which is endorsed by the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, or provide proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan that provides the required minimum coverage. More details on both options are provided below. It’s also recommended to review the International Student Services FAQ on Health Insurance.
How health insurance works in the U.S.
Health insurance helps cover doctor, hospital, and medical expenses if you are injured or become ill while studying in the United States. Many healthcare providers will require proof of health insurance before offering care. In essence, health insurance offers financial protection against unexpected health-related expenses and ensures timely access to medical care. For more information, we encourage you to watch this informational video from International Student Insurance, available in 9 languages (by click on the “CC” icon in the video). Note: This company is not endorsed or recommended by UHM or MIX; the video is provided for educational purposes only.
Purchasing an insurance plan
UH Student Plan:
International students can enroll in the UH Student Plan, provided by The Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA). Information about the benefits, premiums, and the application form is available on HMSA’s Student Health Plan website. If you choose this plan, you must select Option #2 or #4, as they include required medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
Other health insurance plans:
If you decide not to enroll in the UH Student Plan, you must choose a health insurance plan that offers the following minimum levels of coverage required by the University of Hawai’i.
| Type of Coverage | Specific level of coverage required by UH |
| Comprehensive medical coverage | At least USD $100,000 per accident or illness |
| Inpatient/outpatient medical & mental health coverage | No less than 75% of usual/customary charge (UCC) |
| Repatriation (of remains) coverage to your home country | At least USD $25,000 |
| Medical evacuation coverage to your home country | At least USD $50,000 |
| Deductible per accident or illness | At most USD $500 |
| Waiting period for pre-existing conditions | No longer than 6 months |
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Important: Do not purchase a plan until you are sure it meets the University of Hawai’i’s minimum requirements and your individual needs.
Below is a list of plans that may meet the requirements. Note that MIX does not endorse or recommend any specific plan and cannot review plans on behalf of students:
GeoBlue Health Insurance for University of Hawai’i at Mānoa F-1 Students
- The Geoblue plan is offered at a low cost and provides great health benefits with access to the best network of providers in the state of Hawai’i. The GeoBlue student health insurance coverage includes medical, prescription drug, mental health and nervous disorders, and pre-existing conditions coverage, along with laboratory, medical evacuation, repatriation, and accidental death and dismemberment benefits. GeoBlue offers access to an elite network of providers (Blue Cross/Blue Shield), the same network as the state sponsored HMSA plan, at a lower cost. It also includes access to innovative mobile and online tools, the convenience of telemedicine tools, and exceptional customer service.
- For a comprehensive overview of the current plan, click here: GeoBlue Plan for University of Hawai’i at Mānoa F-1 students 2024-25 (PDF).
You may also purchase health insurance plans from your home country, provided they meet the minimum coverage required by the University of Hawai’i. If you choose an external provider (including those listed above), have them complete the F-1 Student Health Insurance Student Acknowledgement & Insurance Provider Certification Form to certify that your plan meets the required coverage. The provider must not modify the form or omit any required information, or it will not be accepted.
What to do after purchasing an insurance plan
Submit evidence of coverage to the Student Health Insurance Office (SHIO). Please visit SHIO’s page on How to Receive Insurance Clearance for more details on the process. You will be notified within 1-3 business days if your health insurance is approved, denied, or if further information is needed. For any questions, contact SHIO at shio@hawaii.edu.
Proof of health insurance coverage must be provided to SHIO no later than one month before your program start date.
