These are the four most frequently asked questions from International Students about insurance, and the answers to those questions.

What are the rules?

The Tennessee Board Of Regents is the state government agency that makes the rules that State Colleges and Universities must follow.

Called “TBR”, The Tennessee Board of Regents REQUIRES that F- and J- visa students purchase the official school insurance through the school's bursars office for Every Semester That The Student Is Enrolled For Classes.

Proof of school insurance is required BEFORE enrollment can be allowed.

What does this insurance cover?

The TBR official health insurance has partial coverage for most of the incidents described below:

• both inpatient and outpatient coverage for emergency health care, including ambulance, emergency room and laboratory & 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, check ups, immunizations or regular dentistry.

Please check a current insurance pamphlet for details! There are many exceptions, rules, and additional benefits!  

The insurance company rules are online: www.studentinsurance.com

What if I have found cheaper insurance elsewhere?

Yes, some insurance from off campus 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 the University of Memphis . 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.
• If the University of Memphis is investigated by the TBR, and any student is found to be un-insured at that time, the University would suffer severe penalties . Students may cancel outside insurance after purchase, which would leave them un-insured for part of the semester.

I heard that there are exceptions. I want an exception.

If you have a pre-existing condition, or you have purchased a medical evacuation & repatriation policy to add to your off-campus insurance, please gather your documentation and make an appointment in the International Students Office. Most requests are denied; there are almost no exceptions to this requirement.  

Don't you care that I'll not like it if you don't let me use my own insurance? I'll complain.

The Staff of the International Students Office would like to have good working relationships with all students. This includes keeping students within the requirements of the law. We apologize for any inconvenience, but the policy is not only administered by the University, but is required by the State of Tennessee.