Because the government does not pay for a person’s medical care in the U.S. and because the cost is so high, the University of Hawai’i requires all international students to have health insurance. (Students from the Compact of Free Association nations are exempt from this University requirement, but see the page near the end of this section for more information if you are from a Compact nation.) If you become ill or injured and do not have health insurance, it could prevent you from continuing your education because of the financial costs. The University requires students to have health insurance to help you stay in school and be successful, even if you get sick. The health insurance plan must meet certain requirements, including covering the cost of medical evacuation to your home country and the return of your body to your home country if you die in the U.S.