University of Central Florida Health Insurance Waiver Guide 2025

Introduction

As part of your journey abroad, it is necessary to have a valid health insurance plan that meets the university's standards. To simplify this requirement, UCF automatically enrolls students in its Student Health Insurance Plan every academic year.

However, students who already have a valid health insurance policy that meets UCF’s criteria may be eligible to waive the university insurance by submitting a waiver application. This guide provides a detailed explanation of who qualifies for the waiver, how to apply, and how third-party providers, such as Student Cover, can offer more affordable alternatives.

What is an Insurance Waiver?

A health insurance waiver allows eligible students to opt out of enrollment in university insurance if they have a private or family insurance plan that offers comparable or better coverage and fulfills the university waiver requirements.

While the university plans provide excellent benefits, they come at a high cost. It may not always be necessary if you already have a valid alternate plan.

Suppose your alternate insurance policy meets the university’s insurance fee waiver requirements. In that case, you can submit a health insurance waiver request to opt out of university insurance and avoid paying the associated premium.

At Student Cover, we help you navigate the process of waiving your university insurance plan. This blog will include instructions on accessing your current plan, meeting waiver deadlines, avoiding unnecessary penalties, preparing accurate documents, and submitting the waiver application on time. Our team ensures that students make well-informed decisions and stay protected, both financially and mentally, while studying abroad. Here are the plans that meet UCF’s health insurance waiver requirements.

Still in Doubt: If You Qualify for a Waiver?

To qualify, your plan must:

• Coverage Period – Must cover the entire time the student is enrolled, including annual breaks.
• Basic Benefits – 80% coinsurance for in-network care; 60% coinsurance for out-of-network care.
• Inpatient Mental Health – At least 80% coinsurance in-network, 60% out-of-network, with a minimum of 30 days per benefit period.
• Outpatient Mental Health – At least 80% coinsurance in-network, 60% out-of-network, with at least 30 sessions per year.
• Maternity – At least 80% coinsurance in-network, 60% out-of-network.
• Repatriation – At least $25,000 to return remains to the home country.
• Medical Evacuation – At least $50,000 to transport the student to their home country, with escort if needed.
• Deductible – Maximum $50 per visit at Student Health Center; maximum $100 per visit off-campus.
• Minimum Coverage – At least $100,000 per policy year for covered injuries or illnesses.
• Insurance Carrier Rating – Must meet U.S. federal rating requirements (22 CFR 62.14(d)).
• Inherent Perils – Cannot unreasonably exclude risks related to the student’s program of study.
• Claim Payment – Must be paid in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank.
• Language – Policy must be available in English.

Why Are Alternative Health Insurance Plans More Affordable?

University insurance plans are designed to provide extensive coverage with access to premium healthcare providers and services. However, this level of coverage often comes with a high cost, which may not be necessary for all students.

• Lower premiums: Annual costs starting from $900 to $1800, compared to $3,500+ for University Insurance.
• Smaller deductibles: In some plans, the deductible can be as low as $0, saving on out-of-pocket expenses.
• Nationwide provider networks: Coverage across the U.S. with telemedicine services included.
• Compliance with waiver requirements: Many of these plans are crafted to meet Central Florida’s waiver guidelines.

Comparative Cost Analysis

Note: It is advised 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 to Purchase Student Cover Health Insurance

• 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

How to Apply for UCF Health Insurance Waiver:

Here’s how to waive UCF’s insurance plan:

• Enroll in an alternative plan. Pick your alternative insurance (Student Cover) and complete the purchase process. When submitting a waiver, you must show proof of insurance, so you cannot waive before purchasing elsewhere.
• Visit the Student Health Service website: Go to https://studenthealth.ucf.edu/payments/intl/.
• Click the “Submit” button Find the button labelled “Submit” at the top right corner of the page.
• Complete the online waiver form Fill out all the requested information on the form and select “Purchasing Own Insurance” when asked about your insurance status
• Prepare your document You must combine your insurance confirmation letter and your insurance card (front and back) into a single PDF file. You can do this using a PDF editor or by contacting your insurance.
• Upload your combined document Submit the single PDF through the secure online portal, ensuring it is clear and legible. UCF Health Insurance Waiver Deadline and Coverage Period

What Happens After Submission?

• Approved? You’re exempt from UCF’s insurance charges.
• Rejected? You’ll have to buy the UCF plan or revise and resubmit your waiver.
• You can track your waiver status through the UCF waiver portal.

University of Central Florida Waiver Deadlines

UCF typically sets insurance waiver deadlines at the beginning of each semester:

• Fall- September 27, 2025

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

Need help completing the waiver or choosing the right plan?

Student Cover offers free personalised support:

•  Email: info@studentcover.in
• Contact number. +919650166773

FAQs

 Is UCF health insurance mandatory for all students?

Yes, especially for international students. However, a waiver is possible with qualifying alternative insurance.

What happens if my waiver is denied?

You must either correct the issue and resubmit or enroll in the university-provided plan.

How long does UCF take to process a waiver request?

Generally, 5–10 business days.

Does Student Cover offer UCF-compliant insurance?

Yes, Student Cover plans are designed specifically to meet UCF waiver requirements.

Will I get a refund if I was charged for UCF’s plan but my waiver is approved later?

Yes, if approved within the waiver period, you will receive a refund.

What documents do I need to submit with the waiver?

Proof of insurance, plan summary (benefits), and a waiver form.

How do I know if my alternative plan covers everything UCF requires?

You can consult Student Cover’s advisors for a pre-check of plan compliance.

Can I switch from UCF’s plan to Student Cover in the middle of the semester?

No, waivers are only accepted during the waiver window before the term starts.

Where can I find the official University of Central Florida health insurance waiver information online?

The most accurate and up-to-date waiver requirements, deadlines, and instructions are available on the official University of Central Florida 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 UCF Student Health Services website and your insurance provider’s policy materials before making any decisions.