Ibrahim Gardner
International students in Massachusetts are required to have health insurance, and they may meet this requirement by enrolling in their institution's QSHIP (Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan). However, international students cannot waive the mandatory health plan with their own insurance plans, even if they have comprehensive coverage from their home countries. This is because the U.S. government does not pay for any medical expenses for international students, and it is a violation of immigration laws for certain visa types to accept public assistance. Therefore, international students must either purchase the university-sponsored health insurance plan or provide proof of comparable coverage under a U.S.-approved health insurance plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts state law requirement | All international students studying in Massachusetts are required to have health insurance |
| Mandatory student health plan | International students are automatically enrolled in their institution's QSHIP (Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan) |
| Cost | The cost of the health insurance is added to tuition |
| Waiver | International students cannot waive the mandatory health plan even if they have comprehensive international coverage |
| US health insurance plan | Students covered by a US health insurance plan through their parent or spouse may be eligible to waive the mandatory health insurance plan |
| Immunization form | All international students must comply with the Massachusetts immunization requirements |
| Counseling services | Counseling and health services are available to international students |
| Nursing facility care | Members with an immigration status of Non-Qualified Individual Lawfully Present may have services at a nursing facility covered if they meet financial requirements |
| Pregnancy | Pregnant noncitizens may be eligible for full MassHealth benefits while they are pregnant and for 12 months postpartum if they meet financial guidelines |
| Children | Children under age 21 who are Lawfully Present Immigrants or Nonqualified PRUCOLs may be eligible for a comprehensive MassHealth benefit if they meet financial guidelines |
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What You'll Learn
International students must have health insurance
International students in Massachusetts are required by state law to have health insurance. This is to guarantee a level of minimum health benefits, as medical treatment in the US can be costly. International students can meet this requirement by enrolling in their institution's QSHIP (Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan). This will be billed alongside tuition fees.
Students should be aware that the US operates a very different healthcare system to most other countries. Each person is responsible for paying for their own medical care, and the US government does not pay for any part of international students' medical expenses. It is also a violation of immigration laws for certain visa holders to accept public assistance. Therefore, it is very important for international students to have health insurance.
Students should also be aware that the US healthcare system is complex, and it is recommended that students familiarize themselves with their insurance policy's terminology and benefits. Students should know the meanings of terms such as deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, preferred provider, primary care physician, specialist, in-network, out-of-network, pre-existing condition, and referral. Students should also be aware of what their insurance covers, as they may have to pay for certain services themselves and then seek reimbursement from their insurer.
International students may be automatically enrolled in their institution's mandatory health plan. In some cases, this may be waived if the student is already covered by a US health insurance plan, such as through a parent or spouse. However, international insurance plans, travel insurance, and short-term limited duration plans are generally not accepted as comparable coverage. This is because they are often not filed or approved in the US, have limited benefits, and do not comply with state regulations or university requirements.
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Non-US insurance plans are often not accepted
Massachusetts requires full-time students to have health insurance, which guarantees a minimum level of health benefits. International students in Massachusetts can meet the state's health insurance requirement by being automatically enrolled in their institution's QSHIP (Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan), with the cost added to their tuition.
However, non-US insurance plans are often not accepted by universities in Massachusetts. This is because the US healthcare system is different from most other countries, with each person paying for their own medical care. This includes the cost of seeing a doctor, obtaining prescription medications, undergoing lab procedures, and hospital stays. Therefore, international students with non-US insurance plans are often required to purchase a US-based health insurance plan.
For example, at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, international students must enrol in the university's student health insurance plan unless they have comparable US-based coverage. The university does not consider foreign insurance or travel insurance as comparable coverage to waive the university health insurance plan. Similarly, at Salem State University, international students must purchase the Salem State student health insurance plan unless they are covered under a US health insurance plan through a parent or spouse.
In some cases, international students with comprehensive non-US insurance coverage may still be required to purchase a US-based plan. For instance, an exchange student at an American university with Dutch insurance covering all medical expenses in the US was not allowed to waive the mandatory student health plan. The university stated that the Dutch insurance was not based in the US and therefore could not be waived.
It is important for international students to understand the specific requirements and restrictions of their university's health insurance plan and seek alternative coverage if needed.
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Mandatory student health insurance plans
Massachusetts requires full-time students to have health insurance to guarantee a minimum level of health benefits. This includes international students, who may meet the state's health insurance requirement by automatically enrolling in their institution's QSHIP (Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan). The cost of this is added to tuition fees.
International students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, for example, must enrol in the university student health insurance plan. The university does not consider foreign insurance or travel insurance as comparable coverage to waive the university health insurance. However, if covered by an embassy-sponsored health insurance plan, students must provide the Student Financial Services Office with their financial guarantee before the waiver deadline.
Students covered by a comparable health insurance policy via a family member or employer may request to waive the mandatory insurance. However, Massachusetts does not require schools to offer this option. To be considered comparable, the coverage must include reasonable comprehensive coverage of health services, such as preventive and primary care, emergency services, mental health services, and prescription drugs. These services must be reasonably accessible to students in the area where they attend school.
Students with an immigration status of Nonqualified Individual Lawfully Present, such as those with a valid nonimmigrant visa (e.g., F1) or employment authorization, may be eligible for limited MassHealth coverage. This provides emergency health services to people who, under federal law, have an immigration status that prevents them from accessing more services.
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MassHealth benefits for non-citizens
In Massachusetts, international students are required to have health insurance. They may meet the state's health insurance requirement by being automatically enrolled in their institution's QSHIP (Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan) with the cost added to their tuition.
MassHealth is the state of Massachusetts's Medicaid programme. Non-citizens with specific immigration statuses may be eligible for MassHealth benefits. These include:
- Qualified Non-Citizen Barred: Non-citizens who need nursing facility care may have a pathway to getting these services covered if they are found to be clinically eligible and meet financial requirements.
- Non-Qualified Individual Lawfully Present: This category includes people with valid nonimmigrant visas such as B1/B2 (tourism and work), J1 (exchange), or F1 (student) visas, or employment authorization documentation (I-766). Children under 21 in this category may be eligible for comprehensive MassHealth benefits, including hospital and doctor's visits, pharmacy, and behavioral health services.
- Non-Qualified Person Residing Under the Color of Law (PRUCOL): This category includes people who live in the United States with the knowledge and consent of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Children under 21 in this group may also be eligible for the same comprehensive MassHealth benefits as those in the Non-Qualified Individual Lawfully Present category.
- Pregnant non-citizens: Pregnant people in any non-citizen group may be eligible for full MassHealth benefits during pregnancy and for 12 months postpartum if they meet financial guidelines.
- Children under 19: Children under 19 who are non-citizens may be able to get the Children's Medical Security Plan (CMSP).
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Immunization requirements for international students
Massachusetts requires full-time students to have health insurance to guarantee a minimum level of health benefits. International students in Massachusetts can meet the state's health insurance requirement by automatically enrolling in their institution's QSHIP (Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan) with the cost added to their tuition.
International students at UMass Boston, including visiting scholars and foreign exchange students, are required to be immunized. All full-time undergraduate and graduate students under 30 years of age must submit immunization records. Students must provide proof of immunization compliance before the start of classes, and failure to do so will result in an academic hold.
The required immunizations for students at UMass Boston include:
- Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Questionnaire: All students are required to complete this, and students with a history of a positive TB test should complete the TB Clearance Form.
- Hepatitis B: Three doses or a combination of Hep A & B with a minimum of four weeks between the first and second doses and six months between the first and third doses. Alternatively, two doses of HEPLISAV-B for students over 18 years old.
- Influenza: CNHS students are required to have this vaccine annually.
- Men B vaccine series: Recommended for adolescents and young people aged 16-23 years.
- HPV vaccine: Protects against diseases and cancers caused by HPV.
Students may request exemption from any immunization requirement due to religious or medical accommodations under state and federal law. Medical exemptions must be documented by a student's doctor and show a contraindication for not receiving the vaccine. However, exemptions cannot be submitted for the TB Screening Questionnaire.
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Frequently asked questions
Massachusetts state law requires all international students studying in Massachusetts to have health insurance. International students in Massachusetts may meet the state's health insurance requirement by automatically being enrolled in their institution's QSHIP (Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan) plan, with the cost being added to tuition.
No, international students cannot waive the mandatory health plan. This is because health insurance plans marketed solely to international students are generally not filed and approved in the United States and have limited benefits with coverage periods that do not comply with the Massachusetts Student Health Insurance Plan Regulations.
Examples of companies that do not meet the insurance requirements include ISO, PSI, Student Medicover, Tokio Marine, and NYIS Insurance.
It is recommended that students living outside of New England consider enrolling in the UML-sponsored health insurance plan (SHIP). Most plans based outside of New England only cover emergency services outside of their coverage area.
The Massachusetts individual mandate for residents requires that all residents have health insurance. This is to guarantee a level of minimum health benefits to a demographic that would otherwise be unable to afford medical treatment through the American system.
