Indiana University of Pennsylvania International Student Insurance

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), located in the city of Indiana, Pennsylvania, was established in 1875. It was founded as the Indiana Normal school, a training school for teachers. All classes were held in one building. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania gained ownership of the school in 1920. In 1927, its name changed to the State Teachers College at Indiana, and it gained the right to grant degrees. The school became Indiana State College in 1959 and adopted official university status and its present name in 1965. Today, IUP enrolls more than 12,000 students and counting each year. Its colors are crimson and gray, and its athletic nickname is the Crimson Hawks.

IUP operates three satellite campuses in Punxsutawney, Northpointe, and Pittsburgh East, all in Pennsylvania. The Punxsutawney school is the home of the nationally recognized IUP Academy of Culinary Arts. 

On Campus

Noteworthy campus features include the Orendorff Music Library, featuring music monuments, collected editions, scores, sound recordings, and CDs; the Allegheny Arboretum; the University Museum, featuring exhibitions celebrating regional history; and John Sutton Hall, the original school building that today houses administrative offices and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable Alumni

Noteworthy IUP alumni and attendees include Chad Hurley, co-founder and CEO of YouTube; NASA astronaut Patricia Robertson; author Gawdat Bahgat; journalist Nellie Bly; and actor Jimmy Stewart.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania International Student Insurance Requirements

Indiana University of Pennsylvania advises that all visa holders need to purchase health insurance due to the high cost of medical expenses in the United States. For this reason, the school requires all visa holders, regardless of the visa category that is held, to have health insurance for the duration of their stay or the program duration. It is recommended to contact the Office of International Education to confirm the health insurance requirements prior to purchase.

Exchange Visitors

IUP states those J-1 Exchange visitors and their accompanying dependents are required to obtain and maintain health insurance that meets the federal regulations of the U.S. Department of State. It’s also required that the plan meet additional requirements, such as: may require a waiting period for any pre-existing condition which is reasonable as determined by current industry standards; includes provision for co-insurance that doesn’t exceed 25% co-insurance for covered benefits per accident or illness; and doesn’t exclude benefits for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange visitor’s program.

International Students

IUP states those international students on F-1 or J-1 visas, plus their accompanying dependents, are required to obtain and maintain health insurance. IUP does state that students are required to provide proof of health insurance to the Office of International Education during student orientation. Students must have coverage that meets the minimum limits of coverage. It is not specified as to what they are. However, it is stated that students would be responsible for all costs related to physical and mental health expenses. Although it’s not specifically mentioned, the J student visa holders and their accompanying dependents are required to meet the federal limits of required by the U.S Department of State.

Additional Requirements 

Furthermore, IUP does mention that J visa holders should have additional requirements, and this may also apply to all international students and dependents. They are listed as: may require a waiting period for any pre-existing condition which is reasonable as determined by current industry standards; includes provision for co-insurance that doesn’t exceed 25% co-insurance for covered benefits per accident or illness; must cover mental health; and doesn’t exclude benefits for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange visitor’s program.

Please contact our office for further information. This information is subject to change.