F-1 Requirements

All UNLV F-1 degree seeking students are required by UNLV to be enrolled in a health insurance plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This is the same requirement for all domestic degree seeking students at UNLV. Typically, students will be automatically enrolled in a qualifying health insurance plan that is ACA compliant. Travel insurance plans do not meet the health insurance plan requirements.

If you are covered by an existing health insurance plan and you think your plan meets the health insurance requirements, you can complete an F-1 Health Insurance Waiver. Students must complete the waiver each semester. Email questions to SHI@unlv.edu.

F-1 Health Insurance Waiver

Health Insurance Application for Students on Optional Practical Training

While students on OPT will not be required to have health insurance while on their OPT, International Student and Scholar Compliance strongly recommends that students do maintain health insurance coverage while they are working in the U.S. as medical costs can be quite expensive here.

Students on OPT have three options for health insurance:

  1. Coverage through their employer

    1. If available, this may be the most cost effective option as usually the employer will pay for at least some of the premiums

  2. Health insurance through the Affordable Care Act

    1. If health insurance is not available through a student’s employer, students can purchase their own health insurance plan through the government healthcare website. There students can compare costs and plan coverages to see which one fits their needs best.

  3. Health insurance through UNLV

    1. Students can repurchase the same health insurance plan that they had through UNLV. The cost may be higher for this plan though, but it is an option. More information can be found at the link below.

OPT Health Insurance Application

Additional Questions

If students have any questions regarding health insurance coverage while at UNLV, they can find more information on the UNLV Student Health Insurance page or email Ellen Bolt at SHI@unlv.edu.

Beginning July 1, 2025, ISSC will ONLY be able to accept one of two approved third-party health insurance plans. You must enroll in either ISO (Superior Version only) or Seven Corners (Choice version only). Please be sure you are selecting and enrolling in the correct level of plan; lower level plans from these approved companies will not be accepted. We will not be able to accept any other plans, including international plans or plans from another third-party provided.

Please upload documentation that shows your/your J-2 dependents enrollment in one of these two approved plans within the Medical Confirmation request in the OISS Portal. This documentation is required before ISSC can validate your arrival to the US with the Department of State.

These plans start at approximately $89/month per person. Please note that these J-1 specific plans may not include coverage for all medical needs and expenses. It is your responsibility to review the plan information and determine which plan meets your/your family's needs. Please reach out to the insurance provider directly if you have any questions about the plan coverage and cost.