All F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents in the US are required to have health insurance. The University of Maine System offers a comprehensive benefit plan. We recommend that students choose this plan but students may waive the UMS plan if they have an alternate plan that meets our criteria (criteria listed below) and they can provide documents showing proof of such coverage.
Click here to access the Gallagher portal which includes information about the plan (in the “Plan Details” section). Students will also use the portal to enroll in the plan or to waive the plan (in the “Plan Summary” section).
The deadline for waivers is October 1 for fall and March 1 for spring.
Click here to learn more about health insurance and the US healthcare system.
Health Insurance Enrollment Options:
Enroll in UMS plan: Click here to enroll. Login with your UMS/UMF login information. You must be enrolled in classes to login.
Waive the UMS insurance by submitting alternate plan information: Click here to waive plan. You must complete the waiver request form which includes information about your alternate plan before the deadline ( October 1 for fall and March 1 for spring). No waiver requests will be accepted after the deadline. If you miss this deadline you will be charged for the UMS plan. NOTE: You must verify with the Office of Global Education that your plan meets the minimum requirements. Options for plans that meet the minimum requirements can be found below in the FAQ section.
Auto-charge for UMS plan: If you do not request a waiver by the deadline, the insurance charges will automatically be added to your UMF account and you will then need to enroll in the UMS plan and be expected to pay.
Minimum Required Levels of Coverage
- Medical benefit of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
- $50,000 to cover expenses associated with the medical evacuation;
- $25,000 for the repatriation of remains
- The deductible cannot exceed $500 per accident or illness.
Cost for the UMF insurance plan for the upcoming academic year (subject to change):
Coverage Plan |
Cost |
Effective Dates |
| Annual (12 month) | $3,157.00 | August 1 – July 31 |
| Fall Semester (5 month) | $1,323.00 | August 1 – December 31 |
| Spring Semester/Summer Term (7 month) | $1,834.00 | January 1 – July 31 |
| Summer Term (2 month) | $528.00 | June 1 – July 31 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What if I need to use my insurance, but have not gotten my ID card?
- Why do I need to have health insurance?
- Are exchange students required to have health insurance? And what is the process?
- What if I have my own insurance?
- Can I have health insurance for only one semester?
- How do I know if my plan meets the minimum coverage levels?
- When will I get my insurance ID cards?
- Are J-1 Exchange Visitors covered by the UMS international student health plan?
What if I need to use my insurance, but have not gotten my ID card?
You should enroll in the insurance plan as soon as possible. Insurance ID cards are available immediately upon enrollment through the student account (the only exception is if you are enrolling for the first time. Then you will need to create your student account and your cards will be available within 24 hours).
The UMF Student Health Center can verify your enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan and you can be seen and later present your ID card. Some doctor’s offices offer delayed billing, which means that you can visit the doctor and then pay the bill at a later time. When your proof of insurance cards arrive you can bring them to the doctor’s office and they will remove any charges that are covered by the insurance plan. Be sure to discuss your situation with someone in the doctor’s office before your visit. In some offices delayed billing is not available. In those cases you must pay the full price for your visit. After you receive your proof of insurance cards, you can work with the insurance company to be reimbursed for the amount that should have been covered by the insurance plan.
If you need prescriptions you will have to pay the full price of the prescription. Then, after you receive your proof of insurance cards, you can work with the insurance company to be reimbursed for the amount that should have been covered by the insurance plan.
Why do I need to have health insurance?
American health care is very expensive and you must have appropriate insurance coverage. If you fail to obtain health insurance to cover your medical costs you will be responsible for paying your medical bills in full. Even simple medical procedures can amount to thousands of dollars.
Are exchange students required to have health insurance? And what is the process?
Yes. The US Government requires all exchange students to have minimum levels of coverage during their stay in the US. These requirements are listed above. All exchange students are enrolled automatically in the UMF International Insurance Plan for the full academic year. If you are an exchange student for only one semester at UMF, you can adjust the dates of your UMF insurance coverage by submitting the Request for Coverage Form link at the top of this page. Yearlong exchange students must have health insurance for the full year.
What if I have my own insurance?
Any alternate insurance plan must meet at least the Required Levels of Coverage listed above and the plan must be valid for the entire time that you will study at UMF. Please remember that you get what you pay for. Be sure to read the entire plan before choosing it. It may not cover important items that you may need such as ambulance services.
Anyone wishing to use an alternate insurance plan should fill out the Insurance Waiver through the insurance website (link provided above). If the request is approved, the charge for the health insurance plan will be removed from your UMF account.
Can I have health insurance for only one semester?
Only exchange students enrolling at UMF for one semester or students graduating in December can have health insurance coverage for less than one year. All other international students must have health insurance for the full year.
How do I know if my plan meets the minimum coverage levels?
Since the Office of Global Education does not employ anyone who specializes in insurance we are unable to assist in reviewing and approving insurance plans. Any questions should be directed to the insurance company that administers the plan.
When will I get my insurance ID cards?
During the enrollment period (dates TBD) you must fill out the enrollment request form (link to Gallagher Insurance website provided above). Within 48 hours of submitting the form you will receive an email in your @maine.edu account with instructions on how to access your ID card. You must make sure that you have a Maine address entered on your Student Center in your MaineStreet account, as your card will be mailed to you.
Where can I find information about other plans that meet the minimum requirements?
Online full medical insurance policies (non-supplemental) for F-1 students and J-1 students/scholars meeting the above requirements can be purchased at iNext: Select the Royal 100 plan or Compass Care Plus 100.
Are J-1 Exchange Visitors covered by the UMF international student health plan?
No. Certain exchange visitors will be covered by the UMS staff/faculty health plan. However, because that plan does not meet the minimum requirements listed above, you will also need to purchase supplemental insurance to meet the above Department of State requirements. Visit International SOS and select the International SOS Visitor USA membership.
Exchange Visitors not covered by the UMF staff/faculty health plan will need to purchase full medical plans that include the Department of State minimum coverages. Full medical policies can be can be purchased at iNext: Select the Royal 100 plan.
UMF Student Health Clinic
Location
Scott Hall, North Entrance
(the right-hand side of the building as you look from Main Street)
Hours
The UMF Student Health Clinic is open when University is in session during the Fall and Spring semesters.
- Monday & Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
- Wednesday 9:30am – 4:00pm
- Thursday & Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Visit the UMF Student Health Clinic website for more information.
How to use the Student Health Center
Contact to schedule an appointment – Call: 207-778-7200 or email: umf.healthclinic@maine.edu
UMF’s Student Health Clinic provides a full range of primary health care services, including care for acute illness or injury, help in managing chronic health problems, and preventive health care. Visit this Student Health Clinic website for information regarding fees. Students never have to pay up-front for services; they may have any charges added to their student account.