Health Requirements

Immunization Requirements

It is a State of Tennessee requirement that all international students attending the university provide proof of two immunizations against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test. Click here for further information and a certificate of immunization form.

In addition, first time students must also complete a Health History form concerning meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B.

All of these documents are required at the time of registration. It is strongly encouraged that the student submit these documents with the initial application whenever possible. Failure to submit this documentation may result in denial of admission or termination of student status.

Insurance Requirement

In the United States, health care costs are extremely expensive. International students are often surprised by how very high a doctor's bill is for what seems to be a very simple treatment. You might also come from a country where healthcare costs are paid by the government, or where there are special rates for students. This is not the case in the U.S. - here, F-1 visa students must pay for their own health care costs.

To assist with part of those costs, F-1 visa students attending Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) schools are required to have "adequate medical and hospitalization insurance on themselves and any dependents who are also in the U.S. as a condition of admission before each semester of registration. This is not only university policy - it is a statewide policy for all schools.

We strive to keep students within the requirements of the law and making sure students meet the health insurance requirement is an important part of that goal. Adequate health insurance is defined as insurance equivalent to that provided through the TBR plan. This insurance must be maintained throughout enrollment.

Insurance may be purchased through the university; you may also purchase it separately but it should provide the same coverage, including "medical evacuation and repatriation" coverage should you need to return to your country. The insurance is in place to provide partial coverage for most injuries or illnesses suffered while students are enrolled. It is not meant to be a full-coverage healthcare plan; it is not a complete system of care. However, it is very useful for reducing the cost of most treatments that the average student may incur during their time in school.

ESL Institute students who pay the optional Program Services Fee (PSF) may utilize the APSU Health Services facilities. A $75 deposit will be collected at registration and held to offset charges at the Health Services office; any unused portion of the deposit will be returned to the student when they complete the ESL program. Students who have not paid the PSF will not have access to university health services; however, there are numerous clinics and health facilities in the Clarksville area from which to obtain needed services.

At your scheduled registration appointment with the ESL Institute you will be asked to present a copy of your health insurance policy (in English) including term of enrollment and verification of payment for the semester(s) you will be attending. If you do not have coverage at registration you will be enrolled in the TBR plan at that time and the cost will be added to your fees.

For details on the plan through the university, what it covers, what it does not cover, and how to file a claim, please check the insurance company website at http://www.studentinsurance.com/. You can also use this website to enroll for an international student insurance policy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Insurance

Follow this link for further details about health insurance requirements.
Visit http://www.studentinsurance.com/ to enroll in the plan available to Austin Peay students.

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