Who Needs Coverage

West Virginia University’s first priority is its students. We want them to be healthy, happy, and successful in and out of the classroom. In order to ensure that our students have access to the quality healthcare they need, when they need it, and as a measure to protect them from high, unexpected healthcare costs, all domestic students at West Virginia University and WVU Tech (and Potomac State beginning Fall 2026*), enrolled in 6 or more credit hours and international students enrolled in 1 or more credit hours are required to carry health insurance coverage. This decision was made with great care by our Student Health Advisory Committee. Eligible students who do not have an approved waiver on file for the academic year are automatically enrolled in the WVU-sponsored Aetna student health insurance plan. 

Please remember to bring a physical copy of your insurance card with you when seeking services at WVU Student Health or any other healthcare provider. Healthcare providers will require your insurance information prior to receiving treatment. The WVU Student Insurance Office does not share your health insurance information with any healthcare providers, including WVU Student Health.

NOTE FOR PSC STUDENTS: Effective Fall 2026, Potomac State College students are subject to WVU's student health insurance requirement. All domestic students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours and all international students at PSC are required to carry health insurance that meets the University's waiver criteria.  PSC students who have health insurance that meets the waiver criteria may submit a waiver during the designated waiver period. The Fall 2026 Waiver will open June 1. Students without an approved waiver on file will be automatically enrolled in the WVU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) administered by Academic HealthPlans.