Health Insurance

Please contact your Admissions or Exchange Advisor to enroll in the USD SHIP.

Coverage Dates: August 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027

Premium: Approximately $2,100

J-1 students and visiting scholars may choose to waive the USD health insurance requirement with a comparable insurance plan only if this plan includes ALL of the following features and is submitted to the USD Office of International Students and Scholars at least 45 days prior to the student's arrival:

• Effective throughout the semester/academic year
• Maximum dollar coverage of at least $100,000 per illness or injury (not the same as $100,000 maximum benefit)
• Include outpatient care (doctor visits, outpatient surgery, etc.)
• Include hospitalization
• Repatriation for at least $25,000
• Medical evacuation for at least $50,000
• Cost of deductible, if any, does not exceed $500 per accident or illness

J-1 students and visiting scholars who wish to waive must also submit a copy of their health insurance certificate in English, which explicitly states that the requirements above are included. A letter from the insurance company would also be acceptable (please refer to this sample). Individuals who fail to do so at least 45 days before the date of their arrival to USD will automatically be enrolled in the USD SHIP.

Alternative Health Insurance Plans: Please review this list of insurance companies that have been used by former USD international students to waive the USD SHIP. Since we are not affiliated with any of these companies, we make no guarantee for their services. This list was assembled solely for the consideration of students who wish to waive the USD SHIP.