International Students & Scholars
International Student & Scholar Health Insurance
Understand the Cal State LA insurance requirement, choose the correct University-approved plan, purchase coverage, and know where to go for medical care and insurance help.
Start Here
One Required Cal State LA Insurance Plan
Cal State LA requires F-1 students and Cal State LA-sponsored J-1 students and scholars to purchase and maintain the University-approved international student and scholar health insurance plan through Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk.
Having another private, employer, parent or spouse, travel, home-country, international, or privately sponsored insurance policy does not normally replace the required Cal State LA plan.
Degree-Seeking Students
F-1 Students
The Cal State LA insurance requirement is a University enrollment requirement. It is not a separate federal F-1 or SEVIS insurance requirement.
Some officially government-sponsored F-1 students whose sponsorship includes qualifying health insurance may be eligible for an exception after ISSO review and approval.
Exchange Visitors
J-1 Students & Scholars
J-1 exchange visitors are subject to federal Exchange Visitor Program insurance requirements. Cal State LA uses the University-approved plan to administer and verify required coverage for its sponsored J-1 participants.
J-1 students and scholars should follow the Cal State LA plan instructions that apply to their J-1 program category.
Do Not Purchase a Different Plan Because It Looks Similar
Cal State LA does not individually evaluate private domestic or international policies as substitutes for the University-approved plan. If you are unsure which plan option applies to you, use the plan-selection guide below rather than guessing.
Purchase Your Coverage
Choose the Correct Cal State LA Plan
Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk operates the enrollment portal for Cal State LA's approved international student and scholar insurance program. The portal serves many universities, so selecting Cal State LA, the correct plan year, and the correct plan type matters.
Find Cal State LA
Open the Gallagher student insurance portal and use Students, Find Your School to search for Cal State LA.
Select the Plan Year
Choose the plan year that corresponds to the period for which you need insurance coverage.
Select Your Plan Type
Choose the option that matches your Cal State LA immigration status and program. Do not select based only on price or dates.
Enroll & Keep Confirmation
Complete the enrollment and payment process, then keep your confirmation and access to your Gallagher account.
Plan Selection
Which Plan Type Should You Select?
Select the plan type that matches your Cal State LA status or program.
| If You Are... | Select This Plan Type |
|---|---|
| F-1 undergraduate degree-seeking student | International Undergraduate Students (F1) |
| F-1 graduate degree-seeking student | International Graduate Students (F1) |
| J-1 exchange student | Exchange Students (J1) |
| J-1 visiting scholar | Visiting Scholars (J1) |
| Semester in Los Angeles non-degree student | Semester in LA (SiLA Non-degree seeking) |
| F-1 participant purchasing coverage for Optional Practical Training | OPT |
| Participant specifically instructed to purchase only medical evacuation and repatriation coverage | Medical Evacuation and Repatriation |
Not Sure Which Plan to Select?
Do not guess. The Medical Evacuation and Repatriation option is not the standard comprehensive plan for F-1 students or J-1 students and scholars. Select it only when Cal State LA has specifically instructed you to do so.
Know Your Requirement
F-1 and J-1 Requirements Are Different
Both populations use the University-approved insurance program, but the legal and administrative basis is different.
F-1 Student Health Insurance
F-1 students must purchase and maintain the University-approved international student health insurance plan as a condition of enrollment.
Additional private insurance does not replace the Cal State LA requirement.
Government-Sponsored F-1 Exception
A degree-seeking F-1 student whose official government sponsorship includes qualifying health insurance may be eligible for an exception. The exception is not automatic. ISSO must review and approve the official sponsorship and insurance documentation.
J-1 Student & Scholar Health Insurance
Cal State LA-sponsored J-1 students and scholars must purchase and maintain the University-approved international student and scholar health insurance plan for the applicable period of their J-1 program.
Private domestic or international insurance cannot be substituted for the required University-approved plan.
J-2 Dependents
Federal Exchange Visitor Program insurance requirements also apply to accompanying J-2 spouses and children. Follow the insurance instructions provided by Cal State LA for accompanying dependents.
After You Purchase
Allow Time for Cal State LA to Receive Your Enrollment
Gallagher transmits enrollment information to Cal State LA electronically. The process is not immediate.
F-1 students with an international student insurance registration hold should allow 48–72 hours after purchasing the required plan for the information to be received and processed.
Still Have an Insurance Hold?
Do not contact ISSO immediately after purchasing. If the insurance-related hold remains on your account after 72 hours, contact ISSO so your record can be reviewed.
Getting Medical Care
Know Where to Go When You Need Care
The Student Health Center and the University-approved insurance plan serve different purposes.
Student Health Center
The Student Health Center provides medical, mental health, health education, and other health-related services to eligible Cal State LA students.
Many basic services are supported through the Student Health Services Fee. Some services, medications, laboratory work, supplies, or specialty services may have additional charges.
Medical Care Away From Campus
When care is needed outside the Student Health Center, use your current insurance plan information and provider network to locate participating medical providers.
Review plan benefits, network participation, deductible, copayment, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs before non-emergency care.
Immunizations Are Separate
Enrollment in the required insurance plan does not satisfy Cal State LA immunization, tuberculosis screening, or other health-documentation requirements.
Those requirements are managed through the Student Health Center, not through Gallagher.
Medical Emergency?
If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately. Do not delay emergency care because of questions about insurance coverage or cost.
Important Distinction
The Student Health Center Is Not Your Health Insurance Plan
The Student Health Center provides campus-based health services to eligible students. The University-approved insurance plan provides coverage according to the terms of the policy, including eligible medical care received outside the University.
The Cal State LA Student Health Center does not bill or accept health insurance for its services. Student Health Center eligibility and fees are administered separately.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
I already have excellent health insurance. Do I still have to purchase the required Cal State LA plan?
Yes, unless ISSO has approved the applicable government-sponsored F-1 exception. Private domestic or international insurance does not replace the University-required plan.
My government scholarship provides health insurance. Do I still need the Cal State LA plan?
Some officially government-sponsored F-1 students whose sponsorship includes qualifying health insurance may be eligible for an exception. ISSO must review and approve the sponsorship and insurance documentation before the exception applies.
Is health insurance a federal F-1 visa or SEVIS requirement?
No. Cal State LA's F-1 health insurance requirement is a University enrollment requirement. This is different from the federal Exchange Visitor Program insurance requirement that applies to J-1 exchange visitors.
Does paying the Student Health Services Fee give me health insurance?
No. The Student Health Services Fee supports eligible campus health services. It is separate from the required international health insurance plan.
Does the Student Health Center accept the required insurance plan?
The Student Health Center does not accept or bill health insurance. Eligible students receive many basic services through the Student Health Services Fee, although some services or items may have additional charges.
I purchased the required plan but still have an insurance registration hold. What should I do?
Allow 48–72 hours after purchase for Gallagher enrollment information to be received and processed. If the insurance-related hold remains after 72 hours, contact ISSO.
Where can I find the current cost and benefits of the required plan?
Insurance premiums, benefit details, and coverage periods can change. Use the current Cal State LA information available through the Gallagher portal rather than relying on an older premium or benefit amount.
Need Help?
Questions About the International Insurance Requirement?
Insurance Requirement & Enrollment
Contact the International Students and Scholars Office for questions about the Cal State LA insurance requirement, insurance-related registration holds, Gallagher enrollment verification, or an F-1 government-sponsored insurance exception.
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4053
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170
Medical Care & Health Requirements
Questions about medical care, appointments, immunizations, tuberculosis screening, or Student Health Center services should be directed to the Student Health Center.