Cal State LA requires international students and exchange visitors to maintain appropriate health insurance coverage while participating in University programs. To provide consistent coverage and allow the University to verify that required insurance remains in effect, Cal State LA requires F-1 students and Cal State LA-sponsored J-1 students and scholars to enroll in the University-approved Gallagher health insurance plan, unless an approved government-sponsored insurance exception applies.
The insurance requirements for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors have different legal and regulatory foundations, but Cal State LA uses one approved insurance program to provide consistent coverage and administration for both populations.
One Required Cal State LA Insurance Plan
F-1 students and Cal State LA-sponsored J-1 students and scholars are required to purchase and maintain the Cal State LA-approved Gallagher health insurance plan.
Cal State LA does not waive this requirement simply because a student or scholar already has another insurance policy. Alternative coverage cannot normally be substituted for the required Gallagher plan, including:
- Another private U.S. health insurance plan
- Employer-sponsored insurance
- A parent or spouse's insurance plan
- Travel insurance
- Insurance purchased in the participant's home country
- Another international insurance policy
- Insurance provided through a private scholarship or sponsor
Limited exception for government-sponsored F-1 students: Some F-1 degree-seeking students whose official government sponsorship includes qualifying health insurance coverage may be eligible for an exception to the Gallagher requirement. The sponsorship and insurance documentation must be reviewed and approved by ISSO.
Unless ISSO has specifically confirmed that you qualify for this government-sponsored F-1 exception, you must purchase and maintain the Cal State LA-approved Gallagher plan.
Which Requirement Applies to You?
F-1 Students
Cal State LA requires F-1 students to purchase and maintain the University-approved Gallagher international student health insurance plan as a condition of enrollment unless an approved government-sponsored insurance exception applies.
Having another private insurance plan does not replace this requirement.
J-1 Students & Scholars
Federal Exchange Visitor Program regulations require J-1 exchange visitors to maintain qualifying health insurance.
Cal State LA-sponsored J-1 students and scholars are required to purchase and maintain the University-approved Gallagher plan unless ISSO has approved a qualifying government-sponsored insurance exception.
Why Does Cal State LA Require One Approved Plan?
International health insurance policies can vary significantly in benefits, exclusions, deductibles, provider networks, coverage periods, and other terms.
Requiring one University-approved plan gives Cal State LA a consistent way to verify that required health insurance coverage is in place and remains active throughout a student's or scholar's participation.
For J-1 exchange visitors, the required plan also provides a consistent mechanism for Cal State LA to ensure that participants maintain coverage meeting applicable federal Exchange Visitor Program insurance requirements.
F-1 and J-1 Requirements Are Different
Although Cal State LA generally requires both populations to use the approved Gallagher plan, the underlying requirements are different.
F-1 Students
The Cal State LA international student health insurance requirement is a University enrollment requirement. It should not be described as a separate federal F-1 or SEVIS health insurance requirement.
J-1 Exchange Visitors
J-1 exchange visitors are subject to federal Exchange Visitor Program health insurance requirements. Cal State LA requires its sponsored J-1 students and scholars to use the approved Gallagher plan, unless an approved government-sponsored exception applies, to support continuous compliance with applicable federal requirements.
Purchase the Required Gallagher Plan
Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk administers the Cal State LA-approved international health insurance plans.
The Gallagher/JCB website serves students and scholars from many colleges and universities. When you enter the site, you must identify Cal State LA, select the appropriate plan year, and then select the plan type that matches your Cal State LA status or program.
How to Purchase Your Cal State LA Health Insurance
Follow these steps carefully so that you are directed to the correct Cal State LA insurance portal and plan.
- Go to the Gallagher/JCB student insurance website.
On the homepage, find the section labeled "Students, Find Your School." - Enter your school.
In the school search field, enter Cal State LA. - Select your plan year.
Choose the plan year that corresponds to the period for which you need insurance coverage. - Select your plan type.
Gallagher will display several Cal State LA plan options. Select the option that matches your immigration status and Cal State LA program. Do not select a plan based only on price or coverage dates.
| If You Are... | Select This Gallagher 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 by ISSO to purchase only medical evacuation and repatriation coverage | Medical Evacuation and Repatriation |
Not Sure Which Plan to Select?
Do not guess. Your Gallagher plan selection should match your Cal State LA immigration status and program.
The Medical Evacuation and Repatriation option is not the standard comprehensive health insurance plan for F-1 students or J-1 students and scholars. Select that option only if ISSO has specifically instructed you to do so.
- Click "View My School Portal."
Gallagher will direct you to the Cal State LA insurance portal associated with the plan year and plan type you selected. - Log in or create your Gallagher account.
If this is your first time using the portal, follow Gallagher's instructions to create your account. Returning users can log in to their existing account. - Review the plan and coverage period.
Before purchasing, confirm that the plan displayed matches your Cal State LA category and that the coverage period is appropriate for your enrollment or program. - Complete your enrollment and payment.
Enter the information requested by Gallagher and complete the insurance purchase through the portal. - Keep your confirmation and insurance information.
Save your enrollment confirmation and maintain access to your Gallagher account. You will use the insurance information provided through the plan when accessing covered health care.
After You Purchase
Gallagher transmits your enrollment information to Cal State LA so that the University can verify your required insurance coverage. This process is not immediate.
F-1 students with an international student insurance registration hold should allow 48–72 hours after purchasing the Gallagher plan for the enrollment information to be received and processed and for the insurance hold to be cleared.
Please do not contact ISSO immediately after purchasing your insurance. If the insurance-related hold remains on your account after 72 hours, contact ISSO for assistance.
F-1 Student Health Insurance
F-1 students at Cal State LA are required to purchase and maintain the University-approved Gallagher international student health insurance plan unless ISSO has approved a qualifying government-sponsored insurance exception.
Having another private health insurance policy does not replace the Cal State LA Gallagher requirement.
The Requirement Applies Even If You Have Other Insurance
Unless an approved government-sponsored exception applies, the Gallagher requirement includes F-1 students who:
- Have private U.S. insurance
- Have insurance through a parent or spouse
- Have employer-sponsored insurance
- Have insurance purchased in another country
- Have coverage provided through a private scholarship or sponsor
- Participate in intercollegiate athletics
- Receive an athletic or other University scholarship
Additional insurance coverage may be maintained, but it does not replace the required Cal State LA Gallagher plan unless ISSO has specifically approved the government-sponsored insurance exception.
Government-Sponsored Insurance Exception
A student whose official government sponsorship includes qualifying health insurance may be eligible for an exception to the Gallagher requirement.
The exception is not automatic. ISSO must review the student's official sponsorship and insurance documentation and confirm that the exception has been approved.
Until ISSO confirms the exception, the student remains subject to the Cal State LA Gallagher insurance requirement.
Insurance and Registration
ISSO places an international student insurance registration hold on F-1 student accounts to ensure that the University's health insurance requirement has been satisfied before registration.
After you purchase the required Gallagher plan, Gallagher sends your enrollment information to Cal State LA electronically. Please allow 48–72 hours after your purchase for the information to be received and processed and for your insurance hold to be cleared.
You do not need to send ISSO your Gallagher purchase confirmation or contact the office immediately after purchasing your plan. If your insurance hold is still on your account after 72 hours, contact ISSO so that we can review your record.
Students approved for a government-sponsored insurance exception must follow the ISSO instructions provided for documenting their qualifying coverage and clearing any applicable insurance-related hold.
Cal State LA Does Not Offer a General Insurance Waiver
Cal State LA does not individually review private domestic or international insurance plans as substitutes for the required Gallagher plan.
The limited exception for approved government-sponsored coverage is separate from a general insurance waiver and must be confirmed by ISSO.
J-1 Student & Scholar Health Insurance
Cal State LA-sponsored J-1 students and scholars are required to purchase and maintain the Cal State LA-approved Gallagher health insurance plan for the applicable period of their J-1 program unless ISSO has approved a qualifying government-sponsored insurance exception.
Private domestic or international insurance policies cannot ordinarily be substituted for the required Gallagher plan, even when another policy appears to provide comparable or greater medical benefits.
Federal J-1 Insurance Requirements
Federal Exchange Visitor Program regulations require J-1 exchange visitors to maintain insurance that provides at least:
- $100,000 in medical benefits per accident or illness
- $25,000 for repatriation of remains
- $50,000 for expenses associated with medical evacuation to the exchange visitor's home country
- A deductible of no more than $500 per accident or illness
Federal regulations also establish standards concerning the organization underwriting the insurance coverage.
Review U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program Information
Gallagher Is Required Even If You Already Have Insurance
Cal State LA does not individually evaluate private domestic or international insurance policies as substitutes for the University-approved plan.
A J-1 student or scholar may maintain additional insurance coverage if desired, but additional coverage does not replace the required Gallagher plan unless ISSO has approved a qualifying government-sponsored insurance exception.
This uniform approach allows Cal State LA to verify that required coverage is continuously maintained throughout the J-1 program.
Government-Sponsored F-1 Students
Some F-1 degree-seeking students are officially sponsored by their government and receive health insurance coverage as part of that sponsorship. These students may be eligible for an exception to the Cal State LA Gallagher insurance requirement.
The exception is not automatic. ISSO must review the student's official government sponsorship and insurance documentation and confirm that the coverage satisfies Cal State LA's requirements.
Until ISSO confirms the exception, the student remains subject to the Cal State LA Gallagher insurance requirement.
Insurance and Registration
ISSO places an international student insurance registration hold on F-1 student accounts to ensure that the University's health insurance requirement has been satisfied before registration.
After you purchase the required Gallagher plan, Gallagher sends your enrollment information to Cal State LA electronically. Please allow 48–72 hours after your purchase for the information to be received and processed and for your insurance hold to be cleared.
You do not need to send ISSO your Gallagher purchase confirmation or contact the office immediately after purchasing your plan. If your insurance hold is still on your account after 72 hours, contact ISSO so that we can review your record.
Government-sponsored F-1 students whose insurance exception has been approved by ISSO should follow the instructions provided for documenting their qualifying coverage and clearing any applicable insurance-related hold.
Cal State LA Does Not Offer a General Insurance Waiver
Cal State LA does not individually review private domestic or international insurance plans as substitutes for the required Gallagher plan.
The limited exception for qualifying government-sponsored F-1 students is separate from a general insurance waiver and must be approved by ISSO.
J-1 Student & Scholar Health Insurance
Cal State LA-sponsored J-1 students and scholars are required to purchase and maintain the Cal State LA-approved Gallagher health insurance plan for the applicable period of their J-1 program.
Private domestic or international insurance policies cannot be substituted for the required Gallagher plan, even when another policy appears to provide comparable or greater medical benefits.
Federal J-1 Insurance Requirements
Federal Exchange Visitor Program regulations require J-1 exchange visitors to maintain insurance that provides at least:
- $100,000 in medical benefits per accident or illness
- $25,000 for repatriation of remains
- $50,000 for expenses associated with medical evacuation to the exchange visitor's home country
- A deductible of no more than $500 per accident or illness
Federal regulations also establish standards concerning the organization underwriting the insurance coverage.
Review U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program Information
Gallagher Is Required Even If You Already Have Insurance
Cal State LA does not individually evaluate private domestic or international insurance policies as substitutes for the University-approved plan.
A Cal State LA-sponsored J-1 student or scholar may maintain additional insurance coverage if desired, but additional coverage does not replace the required Gallagher plan.
This uniform approach allows Cal State LA to verify that required coverage is continuously maintained throughout the J-1 program and satisfies applicable Exchange Visitor Program insurance requirements.
J-2 Dependents
Federal Exchange Visitor Program insurance requirements also apply to spouses and children accompanying a J-1 exchange visitor in J-2 status.
J-1 participants are responsible for ensuring that each J-2 dependent has qualifying insurance coverage for the period required under the Exchange Visitor Program.
Follow the insurance instructions provided by ISSO regarding coverage for accompanying J-2 dependents.
Maintaining Insurance Is a J-1 Program Requirement
J-1 students and scholars must maintain required insurance coverage during the applicable period of participation.
Failure to maintain insurance required by the Exchange Visitor Program can constitute a violation of J-1 program requirements.
Contact ISSO immediately if your Gallagher coverage or approved government-sponsored coverage has ended, been interrupted, or does not cover the full required period.
Cal State LA Student Health Center
The Student Health Center provides medical, mental health, health education, and other health-related services to eligible Cal State LA students.
For eligible enrolled students, many basic services are supported through the Student Health Services Fee paid as part of University fees. Some services, medications, laboratory work, supplies, or specialty services may have additional charges.
The Student Health Center Is Not Your Gallagher Insurance Plan
The Student Health Center and your Gallagher insurance serve different purposes.
The Student Health Center provides campus-based health services to eligible students. Gallagher provides health insurance coverage according to the terms of the Cal State LA-approved insurance 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.
Using the Student Health Center
Eligible students can use the Student Health Center for many routine medical and health needs, including primary care, preventive services, laboratory services, immunizations, health education, and mental health services.
Student Health Center
Phone: 323-343-3300
Medical Care Away From Campus
When medical care is needed outside the Student Health Center, use the current Gallagher plan information and provider network to locate appropriate medical services.
Health insurance plans may treat primary care, urgent care, emergency care, specialists, hospitals, pharmacies, and other services differently. Out-of-pocket costs may also vary depending on the type of service and provider.
Before Using an Outside Medical Provider
- Review your current insurance plan benefits.
- Use the insurer's provider search to locate participating providers.
- Confirm that the provider participates in your insurance network.
- Bring your insurance information with you.
- Review any applicable deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket costs.
Provider networks and insurance benefits can change. Always use the current insurance plan information rather than relying on an older list of clinics, hospitals, or benefit amounts.
Medical Emergency?
If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.
Do not delay emergency medical care because of questions about insurance coverage or cost. Insurance and billing issues can be addressed after immediate medical needs have been handled.
Insurance Is Separate From Immunization Requirements
Enrollment in the Gallagher insurance plan does not satisfy Cal State LA immunization, tuberculosis screening, or other health-documentation requirements.
Required immunization and screening records are managed through the Student Health Center, not through ISSO or Gallagher.
Review Immunization & Screening Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
I already have excellent health insurance. Do I still have to buy Gallagher?
Yes, unless ISSO has approved a qualifying government-sponsored insurance exception. Private domestic or international insurance does not replace the University-required Gallagher plan.
My government scholarship provides health insurance. Do I still have to purchase Gallagher?
Government-sponsored students or scholars whose official sponsorship includes qualifying health insurance coverage may be eligible for an exception to the Gallagher requirement.
ISSO must review and approve the government sponsorship and insurance coverage before the exception applies. Do not assume that government sponsorship automatically removes the Gallagher requirement.
Is health insurance a federal F-1 visa or SEVIS requirement?
Cal State LA's F-1 health insurance requirement is a University enrollment requirement. It is different from the federal Exchange Visitor Program insurance requirement that applies specifically 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 Gallagher international health insurance plan.
Does the Student Health Center accept Gallagher insurance?
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 Gallagher but still have an insurance registration hold. What should I do?
Gallagher sends enrollment information to Cal State LA electronically, but the process is not immediate. Please allow 48–72 hours after purchasing your Gallagher plan for the information to be received and processed and for your insurance hold to be cleared.
You do not need to send ISSO your purchase confirmation or contact the office immediately after purchasing coverage. If the insurance-related hold remains on your account after 72 hours, contact ISSO so that we can review your record.
I selected Cal State LA on the Gallagher website. Which plan type should I choose?
Select the Gallagher plan type that matches your Cal State LA status:
- F-1 undergraduate: International Undergraduate Students (F1)
- F-1 graduate: International Graduate Students (F1)
- J-1 exchange student: Exchange Students (J1)
- J-1 visiting scholar: Visiting Scholars (J1)
- Semester in LA: Semester in LA (SiLA Non-degree seeking)
- Optional Practical Training: OPT
If you are unsure which plan applies to you, contact ISSO before purchasing. Do not guess or select Medical Evacuation and Repatriation unless ISSO has specifically instructed you to purchase that option.
Where can I find the current cost and benefits of the Gallagher plan?
Insurance premiums, benefit details, and coverage periods can change. Use the current Cal State LA information available through Gallagher rather than relying on an older premium or benefit amount.
Who should I contact about the insurance requirement?
Contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for questions about the Cal State LA international insurance requirement, an insurance-related registration hold, Gallagher enrollment verification, a government-sponsored insurance exception, or J-1 insurance compliance. Questions about medical care, immunizations, or Student Health Center services should be directed to the Student Health Center.
Questions About the International Insurance Requirement?
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
California State University, Los Angeles
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4503
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170
For questions about medical care, appointments, immunizations, or Student Health Center services, contact the Cal State LA Student Health Center .