Stanford University Health Insurance Waiver Requirements [2025–2026 Guide]

Introduction

Stanford University requires all registered students to have adequate health insurance coverage to ensure access to necessary medical services during their academic journey. Students are automatically enrolled in Stanford’s health insurance plan, unless they actively waive it by demonstrating proof of comparable coverage. While the university's health insurance plan offers comprehensive benefits, it is also significantly more expensive compared to alternative plans available in the market.

Suppose you’re an international student looking to save thousands of dollars without compromising on coverage. In that case, you should consider applying for a health insurance waiver and opting for a provider like Student Cover, which offers Stanford-approved, affordable alternatives.

What is a Health Insurance Waiver?

An insurance waiver is a formal request submitted to the university to opt out of its default health insurance plan (in this case, Cardinal Care). To successfully waive the plan, your existing health insurance policy must meet Stanford’s coverage criteria, including access to care near campus, coverage for pre-existing conditions, mental health services, and emergency care.

If your plan qualifies and you submit the waiver form before the deadline, you will not be billed for Cardinal Care. Otherwise, you will be automatically enrolled and charged for the full academic year.

Still in Doubt: If You Qualify for a Waiver?

To waive Cardinal Care, your health plan must meet the following requirements:

• The plan must provide coverage for the Essential Minimum Benefits as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) with no annual or lifetime maximums.
• Contains no exclusions or waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.
• Covers 100% of Preventive Care as defined by the PPACA.
• Offers prescription drug coverage.
• Offers coverage for non-emergency as well as emergency care.
• Has an annual deductible of $2,500 USD or less. Students holding a J Visa are required to have a $500 deductible or less. (This is in line with the U.S. State Department guidelines.)
• Covers inpatient and outpatient medical care in the San Francisco Bay Area (with a strong preference for access to providers at Stanford University Medical Center if you will be studying in the Stanford vicinity).
• Covers inpatient and outpatient mental health care in the San Francisco Bay Area (with strong preference for access to Stanford University Medical Center and/or Sutter Health providers).
• Covers the entire academic year (September 1 through August 31). You may not have gaps in coverage.
• All policy documentation must be in English and monetary values expressed in U.S. dollars.
• Has an annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum of $9,200 USD or less.

You will need to have an electronic copy of your health insurance ID card ready to submit with your waiver request.

Why Are Alternative Health Insurance Plans More Affordable?

University plans like Cardinal Care often include:

• Broader provider access across the U.S.
• Subsidies for on-campus services.
• Administrative costs and policy add-ons are not needed by every student.

Alternative plans like those from Student Cover are more affordable because:

• They are tailored specifically for student needs.
• Operate on a group coverage basis, spreading costs across many students.
• Use preferred provider organisations (PPOs) to keep costs down.
• Eliminate unnecessary extras while still maintaining Stanford waiver compliance.

How to Purchase Student Cover Health Insurance

Getting started with Student Cover is simple:

• Visit: www.studentcover.in
• Under the insurance tab, click on student health insurance 
• Enter your university
• Start the enrollment process
• Create your account using your WhatsApp number to receive the OTP
• Fill in the required information
• Upload your documents 
• Submit, and you will be directed to the payment link
• Make a payment, and a policy will be provided to your email

Comparative Cost Analysis

Note: It is best to check the policy wording or the plan brochures for all the above figures, as they may change according to the student’s age, semester, and the plans offered. For more accurate information, visit the university website mentioned below in the FAQs

How Do Stanford Students Stay Covered with Student Cover?

Student Cover is a leading provider of Stanford-approved alternative health insurance plans, offering:

• Full coverage is accepted for waiver submission.
• 100% cashless network with U.S. hospitals and urgent care clinics.
• 24/7 telemedicine and emergency helpline.
• Mental health support, lab services, diagnostics, and more.
• Option to include vision and dental coverage.
• Digital ID cards, mobile claim tracking, and easy support.

How to Apply for the Stanford Health Insurance Waiver 

• Start your graduate application and complete the following pages.* Save but do not submit your application.
• Personal Background
• Program Selection
• Experience
• Academic History
• Test Scores (if applicable)
• *Note: You will continue to have access to make changes to these pages after you submit your fee waiver request.
• Open the Fee Waiver Request Form.
• Select the School-Based Waiver option. You are asked to respond to the following supplemental question:
• Please describe (in 250 words or less) your financial need for an application fee waiver and how your life experiences, identity, research interests, perspectives, and character have shaped your past and potential contributions to the program to which you are applying.

You are notified via email when your request is approved or denied. If your request is approved, the fee waiver is automatically applied to your account, and you are not prompted to pay the application fee to submit your graduate application.

Stanford University Waiver Deadlines

You must submit your waiver request before the deadline for your enrollment term. If you miss the deadline, Cardinal Care fees will remain on your student account for the entire academic year.

Note: For more accurate information, visit the university website mentioned below in the FAQs

If you’re unsure about which plan to buy or how to submit the waiver:

• Student Cover provides free expert support for Stanford students.
• Get personalised assistance with plan selection and document submission.

Contact Student Cover:

• Email: info@studentcover.in
• WhatsApp: +91 9650166773

FAQs 

Is health insurance mandatory at Stanford University?

Yes, all registered students must have health insurance coverage.

What is Stanford’s default health care plan?

It is the university-sponsored student health insurance plan.

Can I waive the Stanford health care plan?

Yes, if you have a qualifying alternate insurance plan, you can apply for a waiver.

When is the deadline to waive health care for Autumn Quarter 2025?

The waiver deadline is September 15, 2025.

What requirements must my insurance plan meet to qualify for a waiver?

It must offer comprehensive U.S.-based coverage, including care near Stanford.

Are Student Cover plans accepted for waiver at Stanford?

Yes, World Elite and World Elite Plus meet Stanford’s waiver criteria.

How much can I save with Student Cover’s plan?

You can save up to 70%.

Where do I submit my health care waiver?

You must submit it via the Stanford Access Portal.

What happens if my waiver is denied?

You will be enrolled in Stanford’s health care plan and charged for the full academic year.

What documents are required for waiver submission?

You need your insurance ID card and Certificate of Coverage.

Is the waiver process the same for international students?

Yes, all students follow the same waiver process regardless of nationality.

Does Student Cover offer help with the waiver process?

Yes, they provide free expert support for Stanford students via email and WhatsApp.

Where can I find the official Stanford University health insurance waiver information online?

The most accurate and up-to-date waiver requirements, deadlines, and instructions are available on the official Stanford University Student Health Services website. Students should always verify details there before applying.

Disclaimer: We are not comparing or recommending one insurance plan over another. We are merely providing informational options so you can make an informed decision. Plan costs, coverage, and eligibility rules vary by student age, semester, provider, and plan year. To ensure accuracy, always verify the latest information via the official Stanford Student Health Services website and your insurance provider’s policy materials before making any decisions.