Health Insurance Plans for Internationals - J Status
US Department of State regulations require J-1 professors and scholars to have health/medical insurance for themselves and any accompanying dependents in J-2 status for the entire time that they are in the USA as Exchange Visitors. Minimum insurance coverage must provide: benefits of $50,000 per person per year or accident; repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500; medical evacuation of the Exchange Visitor to his/her home country in the amount of $10,000; and a deductible limited to $500 per accident or illness.
The following are among other insurance companies that offer health insurance for international students and exchange visitors. The New School cannot endorse or recommend any company. You are not limited to these insurance companies, and it is recommended that you evaluate a number of companies to find the one that best meets your needs. Please note that exact premiums and costs can ONLY be dictated by the carrier. The cost of your coverage will depend on the plan type you choose, your health, the number of family members you wish to participate, etc. The cost of individual insurance will vary for each person or family, and can be determined only after you complete a request for a quote from the carrier.
The following is a list of sources you can contact to find an insurance plan that is right for you
Tips to Remember When Searching for Healthcare
Pre-Existing Conditions
This is a physical or mental condition (regardless of the cause of the condition) which has been recognized, diagnosed, and/or treated for a defined amount of time immediately prior to entering a new plan. If you make a claim during the first year of coverage, the plan may "look back" to see whether it was for such a condition. If so, the carrier may try to exclude coverage for services related to that condition. Each carrier has their own policies and procedures for pre-existing conditions; you will need to inquire when contacting the company for coverage.
Limited or Excluded Services
Excluded Services are medical conditions or treatments that are not covered by the insurance carrier. Limited Services are conditions or treatments that provide limited coverage. Review the policy to make sure it will cover services that best fit your needs. Many people make the incorrect assumption that every healthcare service is fully covered.
Lifetime/Per-Occurrence Maximums
Exchange visitors must have insurance that will pay at least $50,000 for each specific illness or injury (at least a $50,000 per occurrence maximum). Be aware that treatment for major illnesses can cost several times this amount.
What is the cost
When purchasing a health plan consider the amount of money you expect to spend. Evaluate the cost of the policy in relation to your healthcare needs. Some things to carefully consider are: premium payment, deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, covered medical expenses, exclusions, and pre-existing policies and procedures.
What healthcare providers are covered
Investigate what doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers are covered under the plan. Make sure that the types of providers you need are in your area and what steps you need to take before going to the hospital or getting specialty care. Find out if the plan covers medical care when traveling away from your residence or coverage area.
When seeking enrollment from any type of insurance carrier
Ask to review the full benefit package prior to making a commitment. Fully understanding your policy is your responsibility. Make sure the plans offer coverage for your immediate and anticipated healthcare needs. Verify that coverage is provided for chronic health conditions or disabilities you or a family member may have.
Other Places to Find Important Information
Variety of information about healthcare, including health insurance, diseases/conditions, health/wellness, and more
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Provides variety of information about healthcare including health plans, choosing and using a health plan, prescriptions, tips on choosing a doctor, quality of care, and more.
- United States Department of Health and Human Services
Provides information on diseases/conditions, health insurance, childcare, vaccines, Safety and wellness, Drug and food information, and more.
Please Note
It is your responsibility to fully investigate any plan or program prior to enrolling or making any decisions about your own health insurance. The New School is not liable for any loss or risk incurred as a consequence of the use of this information.
