Mandatory International Health Insurance 2026-2027
MiraCosta College requires F-1 students to maintain health insurance while studying in the United States. MiraCosta College offers a group health insurance plan for eligible F-1 students. International students purchase the insurance directly through the insurance provider's website at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.
Spring 2027 Health Insurance
- Coverage period: February 1, 2027 – July 31, 2027
- Spring 2027 insurance fee: $1,365.96
- Payment Deadline: January 29, 2027
The deadline to purchase health insurance or submit an approved waiver for both new and continuing students is January 29, 2027.
* Please note that a non-payment hold will be placed on your SURF account until you either:
- Pay for the required international health insurance, or
- Submit an approved health insurance waiver with proof of qualifying alternative insurance.
The hold will be removed after the International Office receives and processes your payment or approved waiver documentation.
Important insurance documents (2026-2027)
Please review the Member Guide carefully for information about covered services, benefits, copays, exclusions, and other plan provisions.
How to Purchase Health Insurance
To purchase your required international health insurance, go to the Canvas Health Insurance page.
Follow the instructions on the Canvas page to complete your enrollment and payment.
Can I Use My Own Health Insurance?
Yes. If you have health insurance through another provider, you may request a waiver from the MiraCosta College group health insurance requirement.
Your alternative insurance plan must meet MiraCosta College's minimum coverage requirements and must be approved by the International Office.
Minimum Coverage Requirement
Your alternative insurance plan must provide:
- At least $300,000 in sickness or accident benefits per occurrence
- No lifetime maximum for hospitalization, maternity, and mental/behavioral health benefits with patient care
- At least $25,000 in repatriation benefits
- At least $50,000 in medical evacuation benefits
- Meeting these minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee approval. The International Office must review and approve the plan.
How to Request an Insurance Waiver
To request approval of an alternative health insurance plan:
- Download and complete the Insurance Waiver Request Form.
- Provide proof of your alternative health insurance. Make sure your documentation includes detailed coverage information in English.
- Email the completed waiver form and insurance documentation to iip@miracosta.edu. Please submit your waiver request by the applicable insurance deadline.
Health Insurance FAQs
- Do I have to purchase health insurance?
Yes. F-1 students are required to maintain qualifying health insurance while studying at MiraCosta College in the United States. - What if I don't have a Visa or Mastercard?
Please contact the International Office at iip@miracosta.edu for assistance. - What is the deadline to purchase health insurance?
For Spring 2027, the deadline for both new and continuing students is January 29, 2027. You must either purchase the required insurance or submit documentation for an approved alternative insurance plan by the deadline. - What happens if I don't pay by the deadline?
A non-payment hold will be placed on your SURF account until you provide proof of qualifying insurance to the International Office. Once your insurance payment or approved waiver documents have been received and processed, the International Office will remove the hold. - What does the international health insurance plan cover?
Please review the 2026–2027 Member Guide for detailed information about covered services, benefits, copays, exclusions, and limitations.
How to Use Your Health Insurance
Whenever possible, start by contacting MiraCosta Student Health Services for assistance. Student Health Services can provide basic medical and mental health services and help direct you to appropriate care.
If you need urgent medical care, you can visit an urgent care center that participates in your insurance plan's PPO network. The following urgent care facilities are within BlueCross BlueShield network:
- Carbon Health Medical Group of California Pc
2484 Vista Way, Suite 2484A
Oceanside, CA 92056
415-200-2099 - Scripps Clinic Medical Group
2205 Vista Way, Suite 130
Oceanside, CA 92054
760-704-5630 - Tri City Surgery Center Urgent Care Clinic/center
2023 W Vista Way, Suite E
Vista, CA 92083
760-941-8152 - Concentra Urgent Care
3910 Vista Way, Suite 106
Oceanside, CA 92056
760-944-6046 - Optum
2910 Jefferson St, Suite 100/102
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-729-7186 - Coastal Family Urgent Care
6260 El Camino Real, Suite 101
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-448-6650
Important: Before visiting an urgent care center, doctor, or other healthcare provider, please check the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Provider Directory to confirm that the provider participates in your plan's network.
Provider participation can change, so we recommend checking the directory before each visit.
Safety and Security Tips
As an international student in the United States, it is important to understand local laws and take precautions to protect yourself.
Alcohol and Driving
- The legal drinking age in California is 21.
- It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Never drive after drinking alcohol.
- Never provide alcohol to anyone under 21.
Marijuana
California law permits marijuana use under certain circumstances; however, marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law. F-1 students should be aware that federal law may apply to their immigration status and should consult the International Office if they have questions.
Firearms and Ammunition
International students should be aware that federal and state laws may restrict or regulate possession, purchase, transportation, shipping, receiving, or use of firearms and ammunition. This can include activities at shooting ranges.
If you have questions about how a particular activity may affect your immigration status, contact the International Office before participating.
Protect Your Personal Information
Never give personal information—such as your Social Security number, bank account
information, credit card number, address, or other sensitive information—to someone
you do not know or trust.
If someone unexpectedly asks you for money or personal information, do not provide
it.
If you receive a suspicious phone call, email, or message, contact the International
Office or another trusted campus resource for assistance.
Stay Safe
When traveling to unfamiliar places:
- Pay attention to your surroundings.
- Listen to advice from trusted local students, staff, and community members.
- Trust your instincts.
- Be cautious when accepting invitations from people you do not know.
- If you are uncomfortable, it is okay to say “No.”
- Avoid being alone with someone you do not know or trust.
- If you feel threatened or are in immediate danger, call 911.
