HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS- Questions & Answers

Are international students required to have health insurance? 

Yes.  As a part of the University of Hawaii system, Leeward Community College requires all international students with F-1 visas to prove they have health care insurance during their enrollment.  There is no universal health care system in the United States and health care is extremely costly.  The health insurance requirement guarantees international students affordable access to the United States health care system.

I am a new international student coming to Leeward Community College.  When should my health insurance coverage begin?

It is recommended that you have health insurance from the first day you arrive in the United States.  If you come to the United States without health insurance, you will not be allowed to register for classes until you provide proof of health insurance covering a minimum of your first session or semester.

do international students need health insurance coveage during summer and winter breaks? 

International students are advised to have continual coverage while they are in the United States, including summer and winter breaks.  While health care coverage during breaks is not mandatory, continual coverage of health insurance guarantees access to health care system, even when school is not in session.  If a student does not have health care coverage during summer and winter breaks and they need medical attention, their out of pocket expense could cost thousands of dollars. 

How does the Leeward Community College monitor health insurance for international students? 

Leeward Community College will put an "insurance hold" on your student record to monitor the dates of your health insurance coverage.  This "insurance hold" reflects the date your health coverage expires. You will not be allowed to register for classes if your health insurance has expired or will expire during the semester in which you must register.  It is important that you know the dates of your health insurance coverage to avoid insurance holds on your student record.

Does Leeward Community College recommend a health insurance plan? 

Leeward Community College endorses an International Student Health Plan administered by a company called HTH Worldwide- http://www.hthstudents.com/. This plan meets all of the requirements of health insurance coverage required for International Students enrolled in the University of Hawaii system.  This insurance plan is called "Global Student USA Preferred" and a detailed description can be found on the website.  All management of your health insurance plan, including initial enrollment, payments, renewals and searches for doctors and pharmacies can be done via the HTH student website.  As of October 1, 2009, the student rate for insurance coverage is $108.00 USD per month.

Can I use an insurance plan from my home country? 

While Leeward Community College will accept an alternative insurance, you must provide a detailed plan description (translated in English) to verify your insurance plan complies with the University of Hawaii system requirements.