J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for Scholars & Student Interns
The U.S. Department of State requires J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 dependents to have medical insurance that meets minimum requirements (see below) during the validity dates of Form(s) DS-2019. ISSS recommends that you have medical insurance from the time you enter the U.S. until the day you leave the U.S.
The willful failure to carry the required medical insurance for yourself and, if applicable, your dependents, or material misrepresentation of insurance coverage will result in the termination of your J program and legal status in the U.S.
Learn about the U.S. medical system at the following websites and read the brief introduction below:
You cannot purchase Medical Evacuation & Repatriation (MER) coverage from a U.S. company until you enroll in university medical insurance. The University of Colorado does not endorse or take responsibility for insurance coverage purchased through these providers. You can choose a different insurance.
The CU university insurance coverage ends on June 30 every year. In early May employees receive information about “Open Enrollment” for medical insurance and other benefits for the period of time beginning July 1.
Be sure to re-enroll by the Open Enrollment deadline to continue University medical insurance coverage. See the University Benefits Page for more information on University Insurance: http://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
You must purchase medical insurance that meets the standards below for yourself and all J-2 dependents. If you will not have insurance from your home country that meets the requirements, here are some insurance companies that provide policies that meet the J requirements. The University of Colorado does not endorse or take responsibility for insurance coverage purchased through these providers.
*Unfortunately, some insurers are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with sanctioned countries (a current list is here) due to US or EU Sanctions laws. If you are unable to purchase insurance from the companies listed above due to your citizenship and the current US sanctions, these companies may have options. Contact ISSS if you need assistance.
To international students and scholars visiting the United States, the US health care system might seem impossibly complicated and confusing. This is because the US health care system is impossibly complicated and confusing; most US citizens don't even fully understand it. The following is a short guide to help you to better understand the US health care system, so you will be fully prepared for your stay in the United States.
The term refers to a variety of insurance policies, ranging from those that cover the costs of doctors and hospitals to those that meet a specific need—like vision or dental coverage. When most of us talk about health insurance, however, we refer to the kind of plan that covers doctor bills, surgery and hospital costs. Just like car or home insurance, you pick a health insurance plan and agree to pay a specific rate, or premium, for that policy. In return, the insurance company agrees to pay a specific percentage of your medical expenses for a specific list of medical services (covered services).
In return for your premium, the insurance company agrees to share the cost of covered medical services with you. Those services are listed in your policy along with your out of pocket cost for each service—copay, a deductible or coinsurance. Not all medical services are covered by health insurance plans; the ones that aren’t are called exclusions and limitations and they are listed in the policy brochure.
Health insurance is an umbrella term; there are different kinds of health insurance products to cover different kinds of healthcare needs. Medical health insurance benefits may include preventive care and benefits for illnesses and accidents, either in or out of the hospital. For other healthcare needs, you may need other types of insurance like: Dental insurance: covers your oral health and usually includes regular cleanings and things like cavities. Vision insurance: covers your eyes’ health and can include coverage for glasses or contacts.
Most insurance companies have negotiated discounts with doctors and facilities. Payments by your insurance company are usually based on these discounted rates and those doctors and facilities are called in network. Because it saves the insurance company (and you, the insured!) money, you are rewarded for seeking care in network or with preferred providers with a lower out of pocket cost and lower overall cost of care. On the flip side, if you choose to use an out of network doctor or facility, you’re still covered, but the copay, coinsurance, deductible and other benefits may be different than when staying in network. Be sure to read that policy carefully so you know what to expect!