WHAT AND HOW?
The Minnesota State system that governs all Minnesota state universities requires its students to be covered by international insurance during participation in education abroad and away programs. This includes Faculty-Led, Exchange, and Program Provider programs.
It is important that study abroad students maintain their regular, U.S. based insurance coverage while they are studying abroad, as this will ensure students will have full and continuing health insurance coverage throughout the duration of their experience. If you are an international student at Minnesota State University and are thinking about studying abroad, be sure to check in with the International Program Center to discuss how to handle insurance while you are on an abroad program.
Faculty-Led Programs
All participants participating in an international program, both students and faculty, will be enrolled in Minnesota State’s chosen international health insurance program, GeoBlue. The cost of this insurance is approximately $16.40 per week (as of June 2024). The International Program Center will place the health insurance order for the entire group. Within 48 hours after the order is placed, you will receive an email from your program director regarding your insurance ID card and other additional information regarding your GeoBlue insurance. Insurance amount will be posted to student account, and is due immediately upon receipt. You should print and cut out your insurance card to have on you during your duration overseas and download the GEOBlue app.
Independent Provider Programs
International insurance coverage is almost always included in the program fee students pay directly to their chosen education abroad and away program provider. Therefore, your chosen education abroad and away company will provide you with the appropriate international insurance coverage. If you have questions about insurance, please email or call your education abroad and away company advisor or program manager. If you do not believe you have international insurance coverage with your program provider, please contact an education abroad advisor to discuss the situation.
Exchange Programs
With some exceptions, students participating in Exchange programs with our exchange partners will also be enrolled in Minnesota State’s chosen international health insurance program, GeoBlue. The cost of this insurance is approximately $16.40 per week (as of June 2024), and is built into the total program fee students must pay to Minnesota State Mankato prior to departing the United States. IPC will place the health insurance order for students in this category and within 48 hours, you will receive an email from an IPC staff regarding your insurance ID card and other additional information regarding your GeoBlue insurance. Insurance amount will be posted to student account, and is due immediately upon receipt. You should print and cut out your insurance card to have on you during your duration overseas, and download the GEOBlue app.
In some situations, students on Exchange programs will also be eligible for National Health coverage in their host country. In these cases, we will still enroll you in Minnesota State BSU coverage with our preferred insurance provider as the GeoBlue insurance provides international specific coverage that National Health insurance may not, such as medical evacuation (from your host country to the U.S.), and repatriation of remains coverage.