Health Insurance at A-State
Health insurance is a mandatory and very important part of an international student's academic journey at A-State. This is not only a requirement for F-1/J-1 students, but also a necessary layer of protection that helps you be more proactive when you need medical care, use health services, or handle health situations that arise while studying in the US.
Health insurance policy for international students
All F-1/J-1 international students at A-State must enroll in the university's international health insurance program. This is a mandatory requirement as part of preparing for admission and maintaining your studies in the US.
Insurance helps students access necessary medical services while studying at A-State, while also helping reduce financial risk if health issues arise.
What you should know first
Before coming to the US, international students should understand how insurance works at A-State so they can be more proactive in planning their finances and using medical services when needed.
Insurance is mandatory
- F-1/J-1 students must enroll in the university's international health insurance program.
- This is part of the preparation process before the semester begins.
- If insurance is not completed, students may run into issues during the registration step.
Cost is charged per semester
- A-State currently estimates insurance costs at approximately $570–$650 per semester.
- There is also a health screening fee of $90.
- Students should also budget an additional $250 or so for vaccine/lab fees or other medical costs that may arise.
Payment before registration
- Insurance needs to be handled during the pre-arrival/arrival stage.
- This fee is usually attached to the student's student account.
- Because of this, you should include insurance in your financial planning from the very beginning.
Not every service is fully covered
- Insurance helps reduce medical costs, but some services may still require out-of-pocket payment.
- Lab tests, immunizations, or certain procedures may incur additional charges.
- Students should ask in advance if they want to know whether a specific service is fully covered.
The most important thing: complete your insurance before registering for classes
For international students at A-State, health insurance is not just paperwork to check off a list, but part of the admission preparation process and a practical requirement for you to complete the necessary steps before starting a new semester.
How will you be enrolled in insurance?
F-1/J-1 students will follow A-State's international insurance track. Insurance enrollment is processed by semester, so you should monitor your student account and follow the university's guidance during the arrival period.
Automatic enrollment based on visa status
- If you are an F-1/J-1 student at A-State, you will follow the university's international insurance track.
- You do not need to find an alternative insurance plan to use in place of A-State's program.
- If anything is unclear about the coverage period or coverage term, you should ask the university's insurance office.
Dependents
- If you have a dependent accompanying you, check the enrollment process early as soon as you are eligible.
- Each term may have a specific processing window for dependent coverage.
- It's best to take care of this early to avoid missing the insurance enrollment deadline.
Costs and payment methods
Estimated costs
- International health insurance is currently estimated by the university at approximately $570–$650 per semester.
- The health screening fee is currently $90.
- In addition, students should budget for vaccine/lab costs and other medical expenses if they arise.
How to pay
- Insurance usually appears on the student account as one of the items to be settled before the new semester.
- Students should closely follow payment instructions during the pre-arrival and arrival period.
- If the term is not showing correctly or the insurance charge is not yet visible, you should contact the relevant office right away to check.
How do you use your insurance when you need to see a doctor?
Bring your insurance card
- When visiting the Student Health Center or another medical facility, you should always bring your student ID and insurance card.
- This is a very important habit for international students using the US healthcare system for the first time.
- If a digital version is available, save it on your phone so you have it when needed.
When might you be charged extra?
- Some services such as lab tests, immunizations, or certain procedures may incur additional charges.
- In some cases, costs may be billed directly to your student account.
- Because of this, students should ask in advance if they want to know the expected cost of a specific service.
Copay, deductible, and cost-sharing
- In the US healthcare system, you may need to share part of the cost for each visit or treatment.
- This is normal for many health insurance plans.
- If anything is unclear, you should read the benefit summary or call the insurance plan's customer service.
When you receive a bill or notice of debt
- Don't ignore a bill just because you think you already have insurance.
- Keep your EOB, receipts, and all documents from the provider so you can easily cross-check them.
- If something seems unusual, contact customer service or the relevant office for prompt assistance.
Frequently asked questions about health insurance
Are international students required to purchase A-State's insurance?
How much does insurance currently cost?
How will I be enrolled in insurance?
What should I bring when I go for a medical visit?
What should I do if I receive a bill or notice of debt?
Would you like more detailed guidance on health insurance before coming to A-State?
Contact the Vietnam Office of Arkansas State University for further support on insurance, payment, health screening, and other important preparation steps before enrollment.
This page was translated from Vietnamese and is being reviewed by our admissions team.
Updated August 22, 2026