Health and Accident Insurance

All F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant students are automatically enrolled in the health and accident insurance policy offered by Hofstra University, and this policy meets government regulations. The fee for international health and accident insurance is approximately 400 USD per semester.

Hofstra’s Health and Accident Insurance is offered through Gallagher Koster. From their website, you can download the plan brochure, learn more about the discounts and wellness services available to you, get your questions answered through a live chat, and print your insurance ID card. For more information about the Health and Accident Insurance Policy, please visit: www.gallagherkoster.com/hofstra

Medical care for students is provided at the on-campus Health and Wellness Center. The Hofstra University Wellness Center focuses on providing holistic oriented health care. This would include initial diagnosis and treatment of injuries and/or illnesses, and appropriate follow-up for most short-term illnesses. Providers are experienced in treating common medical problems seen on college campuses and are advocates of a wellness approach to health care, which empowers patients to become partners in managing their health needs, through education and knowledge. As the Health and Wellness Center will help you with communicating medical bills to the insurance company, it is recommended that you visit the Health and Wellness Center before making an appointment to an outside medical facility. 

Health and Accident Insurance Waiver

Students may submit an application to get the insurance waived. To apply for a waiver:
1.)    Fill out the Health and Accident Insurance Waiver Form.
2.)    Provide a hard-copy of your insurance policy in English as well as proof of your coverage (a copy of your insurance card). 
3.)    Within this copy of the plan, please take a highlighter and mark where in your plan it states that it meets the following:
        a.    Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness;
        b.    Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500;
        c.    Expenses associated with medical evacuation of the student to his or her home country in the amount of at least $10,000;
        d.    A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
        e.    A policy underwritten by an insurance carrier with either:
                1.     an AM Best rating of "A-" or above;
                2.     an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd (ISI) rating of "A-I" or above;
                3.     a Standard and Poor's Claims Paying Ability rating of "A-" or above;
                4.     or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of "B+" or above.
4.) This form and all supporting documentation must be submitted to the Office of Multicultural & International Student Programs by the end of the second week of classes.  Requests for waivers submitted after this date will be refused.

Any plan not meeting the above criteria will be denied.

Students who want their insurance waived must reapply every academic year.
If the waiver is granted, it is the student’s responsibility to maintain the required coverage as stated by U.S. government regulations. Hofstra University will not be responsible for any costs, losses or damages incurred by the student or his/her dependents caused by a student’s failure to maintain the required coverage.