Key Takeaways
- All full-time students are automatically enrolled in Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students unless they opt out with qualifying coverage.
- International students cannot waive this coverage.
- Enrollment and waiver must happen during strict timeframes.
- Coverage includes medical, dental, and vision through Wellfleet, Delta Dental, and EyeMed.
- Costs vary depending on dependents and level of coverage.
Introduction
Studying abroad is a dream for many students—but navigating health insurance in a foreign country can quickly turn that dream into a stressful experience. If you’re planning to attend Johns Hopkins University (JHU), understanding your health coverage options is crucial to ensuring your safety and peace of mind. The United States has one of the most complex healthcare systems in the world, and without proper insurance, even a minor medical visit can be financially draining. That’s why Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for students is designed to be both comprehensive and accessible—especially for international students, postdocs, and trainees. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students, from enrollment and waiver processes to coverage types and costs. Whether you’re a first-time undergraduate or a returning PhD candidate, this article will help you make informed decisions about your student health coverage.
Domestic Students
Domestic students who are enrolled full-time with at least one in-person course are automatically enrolled in the Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students plan, known officially as the JHU Student Health Insurance Plan. This automatic enrollment ensures that all full-time students have basic medical coverage. However, if you already have verifiable, comparable health insurance, you can submit a waiver to opt out. In addition to medical coverage, domestic students can choose to enroll in dental and vision insurance for an extra fee, making Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students flexible for different needs.
International Students with Visa Status
For international students on an F-1 or J-1 Visa, enrollment in Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students is mandatory. These students are automatically enrolled in the Wellfleet-sponsored student health benefits plan. Depending on your matriculation date, the effective coverage begins on August 1 or August 15. If you’re joining in the Spring semester, your coverage starts January 1. Given the high cost of medical care in the U.S., this requirement is in place to protect international students from unexpected healthcare expenses.
Important Enrollment Information
The fall open enrollment period for Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students begins July 1 and ends September 15. During this time, all full-time students with at least one in-person course are auto-enrolled into the medical insurance plan. For new spring students, open enrollment runs from December 1 to February 10, with an effective start date of January 1.
How to Enroll
To enroll in Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students, students must use the Academic Health Plans (AHP) portal. Access the portal by logging into the Student Information System (SIS), clicking on Personal Information, and selecting Insurance Benefits. From there, you’ll be redirected to the AHP website, where you can enroll and pay using a credit card or ACH payment. Enrollment is confirmed via email.
Additional Coverage Options
Full-time students and their dependents are also eligible to enroll in dental and vision plans through Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students. These plans are also accessed and managed through the AHP site. For updated options and more information, students should visit the Student Health Benefits Plan page or contact [email protected].
Eligibility Across Learners
Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students is not just for undergraduates. Graduate students, medical students, PhD candidates, visiting students, and trainees are all eligible. The Learner Benefits Plan is available to postdocs, interns, and residents, making it a comprehensive offering.
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
The Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students provides:
- Medical insurance through Wellfleet
- Dental insurance through Delta Dental
- Vision insurance through EyeMed
This trio ensures comprehensive coverage for nearly all student healthcare needs.
Insurance Requirements
All full-time, degree-seeking students with at least one in-person course must maintain health insurance coverage. Most are automatically enrolled in Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students unless they provide proof of comparable insurance and submit a waiver. International students on F-1 or J-1 visas are not allowed to waive this requirement.
In certain cases, a student’s department may cover the cost of their health insurance, which would show up as a credit in their SIS bill.
Enrollment & Waiver Dates
Students must enroll or waive coverage during the open enrollment periods. These are:
- House Staff and Postdocs: June 2 – July 15
- All Students: July 1 – September 15
Waivers must be submitted annually, even if there are no changes in your insurance information. Late waivers are not accepted.
Academic Student Waiver Periods
The waiver and coverage periods for Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students are organized by academic term:
- Early Fall (AAP, SAIS, Carey, SOM): August 1 – December 31 (Enroll/Waive: July 1 – September 15)
- Fall: August 15 – December 31 (Enroll/Waive: July 1 – September 15)
- Spring: January 1 – August 14 (Enroll/Waive: December 1 – February 15)
- Summer (New Students): July 1 – August 14 (Enroll/Waive: June 1 – August 14)
BSPH students follow a term-based schedule that includes four terms and a summer option.
Waiver Criteria
To waive out of Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students, your existing insurance must:
- Be ACA-compliant
- Cover emergency services, hospitalization, lab work, maternity, outpatient care, mental health, prescription drugs, preventive care, pediatric services, and more.
- Cover you in the state where you will reside during the semester.
- Stay active for the full academic year.
You’re also responsible for deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. The university’s plan has a $150 deductible and a $3,000 out-of-pocket max.
Provider Networks and Prescription Drugs
The Wellfleet medical plan, part of Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students, uses the Cigna network. For prescriptions, the plan partners with Express Scripts International (ESI), ensuring wide accessibility and low-cost options.
Cost of Coverage (2025-2026)
Here are the annual costs for Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students:
- Medical – Student only: $3,292
- Medical – Student + 1 Dependent: $6,584
- Medical – Family (2+): $8,227
- Dental – Student only: $223.80
- Dental – Student + 1 Dependent: $413.52
- Dental – Family (2+): $615.36
- Vision (all): $59
Postdocs have most costs covered by JHU.
East Baltimore Student Health & Well-Being Fee
For Bloomberg School of Public Health students, the Student Health & Well-Being (SHWB) health fee is $900 annually, billed as $225 per term. This fee is separate from Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students and grants access to on-campus medical and mental health services.
Conclusion
Johns Hopkins Health Insurance for Students offers a comprehensive, ACA-compliant plan for both domestic and international students, as well as postdocs and trainees. With mandatory enrollment for most student categories, easy access via the AHP portal, and options for medical, dental, and vision coverage, JHU ensures that all learners are protected.
