It is important to pay attention to issues of your health prior to leaving your home country. 

University policy requires that international students and their accompanying dependents have valid health and accident insurance during their stay at Virginia Tech.  The university makes available insurance for all students and reimburses a percentage of the cost for graduate students who have Graduate Assistantships.  If a student wishes to purchase insurance from another source, they should have their insurance company complete an Alternative Compliance Form.

All students are required to prove that they have been given the appropriate immunizations against contagious diseases. Please have a doctor complete the Immunization form provided by the Schiffert Health Center.  If you are unable to have the form completed, please bring an official record of your immunizations that includes the dates on which you received the immunization.  The immunizations administered in your home country may vary from the requirements to enroll at Virginia Tech--please read the information thoroughly!

Insurance Requirements for International Students

University policy requires that international students and their accompanying dependents have valid health and accident insurance during their stay at Virginia Tech. All international students and their accompanying dependents must purchase health and accident insurance coverage before they can enroll at Virginia Tech.

Students are free to select a policy or insurer of their choice as long as the coverage meets or exceeds minimum university requirements. Minimum insurance policy requirements are as follows:

* If a Preferred Provider (PPO) network is provided, the PPO must offer adequate provider coverage within a 50 mile radius of Blacksburg.

* The deductible is not more than $300 per insured per policy year with a maximum of $600 per family per policy year. A deductible that is applied to each accident or illness is not acceptable.

* Major medical benefits of at least $50,000 per insured per policy year or major medical benefits of at least $200,000 maximum benefit per insured per accident or illness. This includes dependent coverage as well.

* Exclusions for pre-existing conditions may be no more restrictive than the following:

Pre-existing means:

"a condition that manifests itself during the six month period immediately preceding the covered person's effective date under the policy, or a condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within six months immediately prior to the covered person's effective date under the policy. A pre-existing condition will be covered under the Plan once an insured has been continuously insured under the Plan for at least 12 consecutive months. There should be no pre-existing condition requirement, which excludes coverage permanently under the policy."

* Inpatient mental health care is paid at least 80% for the usual and customary fees with a 30-day cap.

* Outpatient mental health - Minimum of 20 visits. 80% for visits 1-5, 50% for visits 6-20.

* Maternity benefits treated as any other illness under the plan.

* Inpatient/Outpatient Prescription Medication coverage (after co-pays) with a minimum of $1,000 per insured per policy year.

* The policy provides a minimum of $10,000 for "repatriation of remains" or "medical evacuation" to the home country.

* Benefits paid to a student or dependent under any plan prior to the student's initial policy effective date cannot be counted against the maximum benefit payable under the policy.

* Coverage is prepaid and continuous for a minimum of SIX months and effective through July 31. Coverage taken after February 1 must be prepaid and continuous through July 31.

Students are encouraged to purchase the university sponsored insurance plan. New and continuing students must have their insurance coverage established or verified by the Student Medical Insurance Office <mailto:smi@vt.edu> before they can register for classes. Students choosing an insurance plan other than the university sponsored plan must present a completed and signed/certified Alternative Insurance Compliance Form to the Student Medical Insurance Office in 110 Student Services Building. For further information you can contact the office by phone at 540 231 6226 or 540 231 6303. Proof of insurance must be provided by all international students at the beginning of each academic year.