Healthcare & Medical Insurance

This section is divided into two sections: Medical Insurance & navigating the US healthcare system. 

Healthcare and health insurance are important aspects of your life here and require careful thought and planning. US government regulations require you to maintain adequate health insurance for yourself and your dependents. 

  • In the case of F-1 students, this is part of your general obligation to demonstrate financial ability to meet all of the costs of your stay at Penn.

  • In the case of J-1 Students, Scholars and Exchange Visitors, this obligation is a mandatory part of maintaining your status. For more details see below.

  • The cost of health care in the US is extremely high, often over $2,500 per day in some hospitals (covering room and board only).

  • International students and scholars are not eligible for financial assistance from Penn or the US government to pay medical bills.

  • In Philadelphia, you can feel confident about the quality of care you will receive. It is one of the top cities in the US for medical care. There are many excellent hospitals and teaching institutions here, among them the hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS).

  • The policies of Penn require that all students and scholars and accompanying family members have adequate health insurance coverage. 

  • Prior to departure, new students and scholars should also purchase travel insurance that will cover any medical expenses that may be incurred en route or in the early days of their stay in the US. 

  • Individuals who are resident aliens for tax purposes are subject to the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act. For more information, please see: www.nafsa.org/aca (free sign-up required)