International students and scholars should be aware that waiver requests are rarely approved. Insurance plans from outside the United States typically do not meet Auburn University's mandatory health insurance requirements, which require coverage that is equal to or greater than the university-sponsored plan.
To qualify for a waiver, the alternative insurance must be U.S.-based and provided through an employer, parent, spouse, or an embassy-sponsored plan. In limited exceptional circumstances, international students, scholars, and their dependents may request a waiver by submitting the waiver request form.
All graduate students who receive a Graduate Assistantship (GA), Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA), or Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) are required to maintain health insurance coverage and are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), as outlined in their offer letter.
Students may opt out of SHIP by submitting a waiver request by the deadlines listed below and demonstrating that their alternative coverage provides benefits that are equal to or greater than those offered by SHIP. A subsidy to help offset the cost of insurance will be automatically applied to eligible students' accounts. Students who waive SHIP coverage are not eligible to receive this subsidy.
Insurance charges will be applied to students' e-bills and refunded if a waiver request is approved. For scholars, insurance fees are collected at the time of enrollment following their arrival. Consult with the Office of International Programs (insurance@auburn.edu) for details.
How do I request a waiver to opt out of health insurance?
- Waiver portal opens 07/15 and closes 09/15 for academic year for current & incoming students
- Waiver portal opens 01/15 and closes 03/15 for spring/summer for new students
- Waiver portal opens 04/15 and closes 06/15 for summer semester for new students
- Please note that if your waiver is approved in fall, it is applied for the entire academic year, to include spring and summer semesters.
- Please be aware that a new insurance waiver request form must be completed at the beginning of each new academic year. If a waiver was completed for fall semester, this will be automatically applied to spring/summer semester.
- Students who waive out of the SHIP will NOT be eligible for the university subsidy provided by Graduate School.
- Students who waive out of the insurance but wish to re-enroll at a later date may optionally do so at any time by contacting the insurance department.
Please contact the Health Insurance Office at 334-844-5035 or email us at insurance@auburn.edu if you need any assistance with the waiver process.
How will I know if my waiver request is approved?
After selecting the "Submit Waiver" button, you will receive an on-screen confirmation that your waiver request has been submitted. You will also receive an automated email confirming receipt of your submission and advising you to allow time for the verification process.
Please allow up to seven business days for Auburn University to receive verification from BCBS of Alabama, process your waiver request, and remove the insurance premium charges from your e-bill.
