University of California - Irvine

University of California, Irvine International Student Insurance

The University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) is one of the most prestigious universities in the Association of American Universities. It has been consistently ranked as one of the top 10 universities for academics, career prospects, value for money, diversity, and campus life. 

In 2019, Forbes ranked UCI as the best public university in terms of value of education. It is also a sought-after destination for international students from all over the globe. 

University of California, Irvine Academic and Research Opportunities 

The breadth of academic programs available to domestic and international students at UC Irvine is astounding. The university has world-renowned programs in law, engineering, and medical sciences. It is also an ideal transfer school for students looking to move from a community college to a four-year university. 

The most popular academic programs at UC Irvine include: 

• Arts
• Biological Sciences
• Business
• Engineering
• Humanities
• Information & Computer Sciences
• Law
• Social Sciences
• Medicine
• Nursing

The university also boasts excellent research programs, state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, and an excellent faculty. These factors combine to make for a fulfilling and rewarding academic experience. 

Health Risks for University of California, Irvine International Students 

Irvine, situated in Orange County, California, is an idyllic location for international students. The city is safe, well-connected to regional metropolitan areas, and conveniently close to the stunning Pacific coastline. In fact, UC Irvine was voted the best university for beach lovers in 2019. 

It is also a short drive from Los Angeles or San Diego, which are great weekend getaways for students. 

UC Irvine’s location in the Greater Los Angeles Area ensures that international students will never run out of fun and exciting things to do. However, along with those activities come greater risks. The Pacific Ocean can have strong currents and rough waves, and the hot California sun can damage your skin if you spend too much time at the beach without sunscreen. 

Away from the sun and surf of the beach, there are other risks to keep in mind. Southern California can experience poor air quality due to pollution, which can aggravate asthma and other breathing issues. Of course, a big cause of that pollution is SoCal’s famously heavy traffic. Students should be extremely careful crossing or walking near roadways, as drivers may not always follow traffic laws. 

Cover Your Risks with Health Insurance for University of California, Irvine

Health insurance is an essential component of studying abroad. As an international student or exchange visitor at UC Irvine, you are required to have sufficient health insurance. 

International Student Health Insurance for University of California, Irvine - FAQs 

Do international students need health insurance before joining University of California, Irvine?

All international students (holders of F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 visas) must have adequate health insurance coverage before beginning their program at UC Irvine. 

UC Irvine has specific guidelines regarding what must be covered by medical insurance for international students and exchange visitors. Read the insurance requirements below to make sure you understand what coverage your insurance must provide, and contact UC Irvine to confirm this information before making a purchase. 

What’s the need for University of California, Irvine health insurance for international students?

Healthcare is famously expensive in the U.S., even for minor procedures and treatments. Most people simply cannot afford to pay for medical expenses out of their own pocket. Therefore, it is essential to have an insurance plan in place that can provide financial protection in case of an unexpected illness or injury. 

While you can take certain steps, such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, to reduce your health risks, it is impossible to completely eliminate them. Even the healthiest individuals get sick from time to time, and something as simple as a slip or fall while walking to class could land you in the hospital. With insurance in place, you won’t have to worry about an unplanned health issue wrecking your finances. Instead, you can concentrate on your studies, and enjoy student life at UC Irvine. 

How to find the best student health insurance for University of California, Irvine?

UC Irvine automatically enrolls all registered undergraduate and graduate students in the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). However, you can apply to waive this coverage if you are covered under another health insurance plan that meets UC Irvine’s waiver criteria. Please reference the Insurance Requirements section below for more details. 

If you are electing to waive this coverage, or you are attending UC Irvine on a visa that requires you to purchase alternate insurance for yourself or your dependents, you’ll first want to verify that the coverage meets all requirements set forth by the university, and your visa status. You can do this by referencing the information in the Insurance Requirements section below, and by contacting the UC Irvine International Center. 

Once you have verified your specific insurance requirements, you can compare several plans that meet them. Pay attention to their differences in premium costs, levels of coverage, out-of-pocket maximums, and the amount you would likely have to pay yourself in several different treatment scenarios. Using this information, you can choose the plan that offers the best combination of coverage and affordability for your needs.