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 ().  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 . Students must complete the waiver each semester. Email questions to insurancewaiver.grads@unlv.edu.

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 Services 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 . 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.

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 insurancewaiver.grads@unlv.edu.

J-1 Requirements

All J-1 exchange visitors are required to maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of their program in the U.S. This health insurance must meet certain federal regulatory minimums, including the following: 

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per person per accident or illness;

  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;  

  • Expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000.

  • Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Eligible for UNLV Health Insurance (PEBP)

J-1 Exchange Visitors who are eligible to enroll in health insurance benefits through UNLV (PEPB) must choose between either the Low Deductible PPO or the HMO through PEBP. In addition to signing up for one of these two PEBP plans, you will also be responsible for purchasing a separate plan that specifically covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Below you will see information for two different companies that provide these plans; please choose one of these plans when you need to renew your medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. 

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Only Plans

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NOT Eligible for UNLV Health Insurance (Including J-1 Non-Degree Students)

Through June 30, 2025, ISSS will be able to accept the J-1 compliant plans from either or . We will not be able to accept any other plans, including international plans.

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

These plans start at approximately $39/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.

If you extend your J-1 exchange visitor program past June 30, 2025, you will be required to purchase health insurance through the UNLV AHP plan for both yourself and any J-2 dependents for the extension period. Additional information about the UNLV AHP plan, including estimated costs, will be available in the coming months.

UNLV J-1 Degree Seeking Students

All degree-seeking students at UNLV, including J-1 students, will be automatically enrolled in the UNLV student health insurance plan which meets these minimum requirements.