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It is a longstanding university practice to require international students to purchase health insurance for their own well-being during their stay in the United States. Western Â鶹´«Ã½Ó¦Óà University contracted with GeoBlue as its exclusive health insurance provider for international students, effective in the fall of 2024. Communication about this change began in March 2024. Holds were placed on the accounts of students who had yet to purchase insurance in mid-September to remind them of the October 22 coverage deadline. 

The holds were lifted temporarily during the fall 2024 semester to allow students to register for classes. This was a one-time exception due to some confusion over the new coverage requirements. Holds will be reinstated in the spring for students who do not purchase a GeoBlue health insurance plan. The temporary lifting of holds does not change the university’s requirement that international students purchase GeoBlue health insurance. 

No, the requirement for health insurance remains in place. Requiring international students to purchase health insurance is a longstanding university practice. The cost of healthcare in the United States is very high. According to the , the average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is around $30,000; fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500. You must protect yourself from the high cost of healthcare by purchasing a plan with GeoBlue. 

No, lifting the hold does not permit cancellation of insurance. Unless there is a compelling reason, such as you plan to depart the United States or drop all your classes, requests to cancel GeoBlue will be declined. If you did cancel your GeoBlue coverage, you must attempt to reinstate it as soon as possible. GeoBlue allows you to so that you can be fully covered during your stay. 

Yes, requiring international students to purchase health insurance is a longstanding university practice. You must protect yourself from the high cost of healthcare in the United States by purchasing a plan with GeoBlue. Lifting the holds does not change the university’s requirement for health insurance. Failure to purchase health insurance will result in a HOLD on your account. This could prevent you from obtaining transcripts, diplomas or registering for future classes.

No, Western Â鶹´«Ã½Ó¦Óà University’s international student health insurance rules and regulations require all F-1 and J-1 students to maintain coverage with GeoBue for the duration of their time on campus. You need to remain enrolled in GeoBlue for the rest of the fall semester and for any future terms in which you are a student.