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)
- proof of two immunizations against varicella (chickenpox) -- or documented proof from a healthcare provider of having the disease, or documented laboratory evidence of immunity to the disease. (Unless born before January 1, 1980)
- proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test based on a chest x-ray or skin test (this is in addition to the BCG vaccine). Must be dated within 30 days of start of classes.
- if less than 22 years old and living on campus, proof of a meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) within the past 5 years.
Click here for further information and a certificate of immunization form.
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 if possible. Failure to submit this documentation may result in termination of student status.
Insurance Recommendations
According to DHS regulations, F-1 students are not mandated to have U.S insurance. However, it is important to remember: healthcare in the United States is expensive, so we strongly recommend purchasing a plan.
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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.
- International Student Insurance, Insubuy, and International Citizens Insurance are a few examples of companies you can compare when considering insurance.
365bet Boyd Health Services
English Language Institute students who pay the Program Services Fee may utilize 365bet’s Health Services facilities. This is not an insurance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Insurance
In the United States, health care is extremely expensive. International students are often surprised by how high doctor's bills can be. F-1 visa students must pay for their own health care costs; no discounts are offered.
Insurance is in place to provide partial coverage for most injuries or illnesses. It is not a full-coverage healthcare plan.
Partial coverage generally includes:
- both inpatient and outpatient coverage for emergency health care, including ambulance, emergency room visits, lab tests, and X-ray coverage, within limits described by the policy.
- both mental AND physical health coverage, for illness and injury beginning during the insurance coverage, within limits described by the policy.
- both medical evacuation AND repatriation coverage.
- while not an illness, pregnancy that begins while the student is insured is covered under the details and limits described by the policy.
Remember that this is emergency illness/accident coverage, and it does NOT cover eyeglasses, checkups, immunizations, or regular dentistry.
YES, your insurance may be cheaper, and it may cover some things that the school insurance does not; HOWEVER:
- International student insurance must have a provision that pays for your plane ticket home if you drop out of school due to illness or injury, or if you die. This kind of coverage is called “medical evacuation & repatriation”, and is required if you will be a student at Austin Peay State University. This is not a common benefit of other kinds of health insurance.
- International student insurance must cover from the first day of classes until the last day of exams; and the entire semester of coverage must be proven before registration. Outside insurance usually does not have terms that match the school calendar.