Health care is very expensive in the United States. International students and scholars and their family members cannot rely on any government assistance with medical expenses, as few states approve even partial Medicaid to nonimmigrants. 

Overall, international students and scholars are fully responsible for their medical costs unless they are covered by health insurance. If you or a member of your international community does not have insurance and needs medical care, that person will be responsible for paying the full cost of their care. 

It is important to have health insurance with coverage effective as soon as possible after arrival to protect your well-being. It is generally impossible to wait until you are sick or hurt to purchase insurance. 

You can find more information on key insurance terms on our Understanding Insurance page. 

The 2026-2027 plan will be provided by Aetna. The plan starts on August 1, 2026. 

Starting around September 1, you can create an account with Aetna through their app or on their website. Learn more about Aetna coverage here. You can also request printed copies for in-person pickup. 

Dental coverage is not part of your student insurance plan, but you can  purchase your own through Delta Dental. 

2026-2027 Plan Documents and Benefits

• 2026 - 2027 Washington State University - International SBC (PDF)
• 2026 - 2027 Plan Design and Benefits Summary (PDF)- Plan-specific information on services the plan covers, deductibles, premium rates, enrollment and waiver deadline dates, plan limitations, and more.
• 2025 Aetna Pharmacy Drug Guide: Advanced Control Plan - Aetna (PDF)

The benefits listed below are for WSU International Students, Graduate Assistant Students, and Health Sciences Students who choose to opt in.

• One routine eye exam each academic year (August 1st Through July 31st) covered at 100%.  There is no deductible or copay.
• $200 hardware benefit each academic year.  Hardware includes eyeglass frames, eyeglass lenses, contact lenses, and prescription sunglass lenses.
• Medical eye appointments in the CHS Vision Clinic are covered at 100%.  Deductible does not apply.

If receiving care outside of Cougar Health Services Vision Clinic:

• 1 routine eye exam each academic year covered up to $100.00.
• $200 hardware benefit each academic year.
• Medical eye appointments are subject to a $300 deductible.

Note: Definitions of bolded insurance terms below can be found on our Understanding Insurance page.

The 2026-2027 plan is a preferred provider organization plan, or “PPO.”  It provides a higher level of coverage when covered medical expenses are received from healthcare providers who are part of the plan’s network of “preferred providers.” The provider network for this plan is "Choice. "

The plan also provides coverage when covered medical expenses are obtained from health care providers who are not preferred providers, known as “out-of-network providers.” However, a lower level of coverage may be provided when care is received from out-of-network providers, and you may be responsible for paying a greater portion of the cost.  

To receive the highest level of benefits from the plan, you should obtain covered services from preferred providers whenever possible.

The best place to start is at your campus health center. If you need additional help or resources, please use Provider Search or Teladoc (PDF)* for 24/7 response.

If you’ve paid out of pocket for a medical expense, you can request reimbursement.

If the Provider does not file the claim directly with Aetna Student Health, then you can file the claim by submitting an Aetna Claim Form along with an itemized bill and proof of payment (if you paid for the service) immediately after treatment to us. Always retain copies for your records.

All customer service inquiries, including Provider network questions, should be directed to Aetna Student Health. Visit the Contact Us page to call or email.

Your insurance benefits include access to many different services to support your health and well-being, including: 

• Teladoc: A 24-hour telehealth service that connects you with a board-certified physician via phone or video chat for a consultation, diagnosis, and treatment—a great option for WSU Pullman students to use on evenings, weekends, or holidays when our medical clinic is closed! This service also provides national virtual counseling that lets you get the help you want, the way you want it. You can access psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors via ongoing text communications, live chat, phone, video, or groupinars. 

• Well-being Resources

  Aetna is committed to supporting you in your pursuit of holistic well-being and putting you at the center of your care. Well-being is more than just staying physically healthy, mental health is just as important. We want to give you the tools to keep your whole being healthy.

  • Physical Health
  • Emotional Health
  • Depression & Anxiety
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Stress
  • Eating Disorders
  • Substance Use

  • LGBTQ Resources
  • Relationship and Sexual Violence
  • Financial Health
  • Purpose
  • Character Strengths
  • Social Connectedness

Please review the 2026-2027 ISHIP Rate Table for specific information on costs for students, spouses/partners, and dependents. Printed copies of this document are available upon request.

Only students who fit into one of the following criteria may be exempt from enrollment in the international student health insurance plan: 

• Students enrolled in a medical insurance plan sponsored by a United States employer of themselves or a family member (parent, spouse/partner) 
• Students enrolled at WSU but conducting research outside of the United States 

If you feel you meet one of these criteria, please send your request to cancel your insurance to student.insurance@wsu.edu. Please provide proof of coverage and/or your reason that you might be exempt.

Spouses, domestic partners, and children may be enrolled at your request. The enrollment/cancellation deadline is the 13th day of classes for the fall and spring semesters and the 5th day of classes for the summer sessions.

Dependent enrollment must be completed every semester.

Enroll your dependents in a medical plan. You’ll need your school-issued student ID number.

Aetna customer service can provide a translator to be on calls with students and the customer service representative. 
Call 1-877-480-4161 and request Language Assistance.

International students who begin their studies during the summer session can enroll in summer medical insurance until the fall semester begins. You can see the forms and rates for Summer 2024 on the enrollment form.

To locate tax forms, log into your Aetna account, select "Messages" and look in the "Letters and Communications" tab.