International Students
International students* are automatically enrolled in Student Blue. Wake Forest University requires all students to be enrolled in a health plan that is filed and approved in the U.S. and compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Plans marketed solely to international students are often not filed and approved in the U.S. or compliant with the ACA and do not meet the Wake Forest University insurance requirements. GBG Insurance, HDL Global Specialty, ISO, PGH (United), PSI, Student Medicover, and Tata AIG are examples of companies that do not meet the waiver requirements. Travel and Sickness Plans will not be accepted. Plans that meet the requirements are generally plans offered through US employment or purchased through the local state marketplace.
International students with F or J visas may request a waiver by submitting their insurance plan to University Health Plans for review.
*Excludes online-only students
The exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa category is provided for persons who are approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the U.S. under provisions of U.S. immigration law. This means that before you can apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a J visa, you must first apply, meet the requirements, and be accepted for one of the Exchange Visitor Program categories through a designated sponsoring organization. If you are accepted as a participant in an exchange program, the sponsor will provide you with the information and documents necessary to apply for the J visa to enter the U.S.
The visa is issued to people who will be participating in an educational or cultural exchange program.
The F visa is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university, or to study English at a university or language institute.
F-1 Student Visa General Information: The United States welcomes foreign students to American language schools, high schools, universities, and other institutions of higher education. Thousands of learning institutions are approved by the USCIS to accept foreign students as full time students.
For the basics on US Visas, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/.
*Visa information provided by travel.state.gov, a service of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Student Blue Coverage Information
In the event of an unforeseen injury or illness where emergency evacuation is determined to be MEDICALLY NECESSARY for you to be transported under medical supervision to the nearest HOSPITAL or treatment facility for treatment, or to be returned to your place of residence for treatment, BCBSNC will arrange for and pay for reasonable expenses incurred for the transport up to the benefit maximum. Transportation shall be made via the most direct and economical route. Covered land or air transportation includes, but is not limited to, commercial stretcher, medical escort, or air ambulance.
- Transport services, including proper medical supervision during transport, are only eligible for payment if arrangements are made through BCBSNC by calling 1.800.810.2583 (within the United States) or through BlueCard Worldwide by calling 1.804.673.1177 (international arrangements).
- If these services are not pre-approved and arranged in advance through BCBSNC or BlueCard Worldwide, services will not be covered. Medical services received prior to and after medical evacuation are subject to all coverage requirements and limitations under this health benefit plan.
- If you disagree with a MEDICALLY NECESSITY determination, see What If You Disagree With Our Decision? in the Member Guide.
In the event of an injury or illness resulting in death, all reasonable expenses incurred for preparation and return of the remains to the country/state of residence will be covered up to the benefit maximum ($8,000). Services are only eligible for payment if arrangements are made through BCBSNC by calling 800.810.2583 (arrangements within the US) or through BlueCard Worldwide by calling 804.673.1177 (international arrangements). If services are not arranged through BCBSNC or BlueCard Worldwide these services will not be covered. For limitations and exclusions see the Member Guide.
For insurance definitions such as co-payment and deductible, access review this Glossary of Terms.
U.S. Mailing Address
A U.S. mailing address is required for mailing of the insurance ID card, as well as any claims and/or benefit information. If you do not have a U.S. mailing address, you may enter the following Student Health Insurance Office address:
Your name
P.O. Box 7312
1834 Wake Forest Rd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
Once you have established a U.S. mailing address, please contact University Health Plans to change your address. Failure to update your mailing address with UHP will result in you not receiving claim reimbursements, an insurance verification letter, and tax forms.
