International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5246 USA
(269) 387-5865

Health Insurance and Services

Sindecuse Health Center
Located on the main campus, WMU's Sindecuse Health Center offers convenient, cost-saving services with an experienced staff dedicated to maintaining and improving patient health.

Western Michigan University (WMU) contracted with GeoBlue as its health insurance provider for international students for the 2025-2026 academic year. GeoBlue offers a single, comprehensive plan designed to meet your health care needs, regardless of age or preexisting conditions. GeoBlue cannot deny you coverage or increase your premium based on any health issues you had prior to enrollment. GeoBlue also meets the coverage requirements established by the U.S. Department of State for exchange visitors and international students on J-1 or J-2 visas.  

Beginning in the fall of 2025, insurance costs will be incorporated into your WMU tuition and fees. There are many benefits to this approach. It will simplify both the enrollment and payment process and also eliminate a need for registration holds. This change will ensure that all international students are covered from the start of the academic year.  

The cost of health care in the United States is very high. The average cost of a 3-day hospital stay in the United States is around $30,000; fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. International students, scholars or dependents who are in the U.S. on temporary, non-immigrant visas, such as F or J, must protect themselves from the high cost of health care by purchasing health insurance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Western Michigan University partners with Gallagher, a global insurance broker, to identify the best insurance provider for our international students each year. GeoBlue was selected based on several key factors, including its comprehensive coverage, $0 deductible and the low premium.

If you are here with your family, whether to purchase GeoBlue for your dependents will be influenced by the status of your visa. Dependents of J-1 visa holders must enroll in Western's selected health insurance plan through GeoBlue, or through an approved provider to meet the U.S. Department of State’s requirement for minimum coverage, as defined on the DS-2019 form. We strongly encourage all other dependents, including those with F-2 visas, to be fully covered during their time in the United States due to the high cost of health care. International Student and Scholar Services Insurance Coordinator Tiedra Robertson can help you explore insurance options for your family. Contact her at (269) 387-5804 or @email.   

Yes, a benefit to incorporating insurance coverage into your WMU tuition and fees is that you can be on a payment plan with the university. 

Yes, requiring international students to purchase health insurance is a longstanding university practice. Western Michigan University’s international student health insurance rules and regulations require all F-1 and J-1 international students to maintain coverage with GeoBue for the duration of their time on campus. After graduation, it is not necessary to maintain GeoBlue coverage. However, we strongly suggest you have health insurance throughout your tenure in the United States to protect yourself from the high cost of medical care, especially in the case of a medical emergency. 

Yes, if you have insurance that is equal or better than GeoBlue, it is possible to get a waiver. However, WMU’s GeoBlue policy is competitive, and it is unlikely you will find adequate coverage in your home country or in the United States at a lower cost. Exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis through a waiver review process. To submit a waiver request, email a copy of your current health insurance policy to GeoBlue at @email. GeoBlue will review your policy and notify Western of its decision. If your alternative insurance is declined, you will be required to  enroll in Western's chosen GeoBlue plan. All waiver decisions are made by GeoBlue, not WMU. 

Additional Enrollment Links and Information: 

Should you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to Insurance Coordinator Tiedra Robertson at (269) 387-5804 or @email. 

Enroll Today

GeoBlue allows you to purchase your health insurance now so that you can be fully covered during your stay in the United States.
Enroll in GeoBlue

Campus Health Care Services

A doctor.

Located on the main campus, WMU's Sindecuse Health Center offers convenient, cost-saving services with an experienced staff dedicated to maintaining and improving patient health. Services include:  

  • Evaluation and treatment for a variety of illnesses and injuries.
  • Preventive health check-ups.
  • Periodic health monitoring.
  • Health education opportunities that enhance individual and community well-being. 

Community Health Care Services

A doctor looking at an x-ray.

You can also visit an urgent care center in the area for non-emergency healthcare needs. Be sure to bring you insurance ID card with you.  

Emergency Health Care Services

Two doctors looking at the results of a brain scan.

Area hospitals also provide excellent care. Hospital emergency care is necessary when you have a life-threatening situation, such as severe chest pain, bleeding that cannot be stopped, traumatic head injury or severe shortness of breath. 

In case of a life-threatening emergency, dial 911, and an ambulance will be sent to your location.