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Health Insurance

New U.S. Department of State insurance requirements for J-1 exchange visitors took effect May 15, 2015.  This table shows the requirements.  All J-1 visa holders and their dependents (J-2 visa holders) must have health insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State minimum requirements.  See this helpful .  Highlights of these requirements, under the Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR 62.14) are:

ItemRequirements (effective 05/15/2015)

Medical benefits

$100,000

Repatriation of remains

$25,000

Medical evacuation

$50,000

Deductible per accident or illness

$500 maximum

*The University of Massachusetts campuses offer J-1 scholars and their J-2 dependents free-of-charge coverage of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation that meets the U.S. Department of State requirements.  This coverage will be reviewed with you when you arrive on campus and check in at the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC).

Under the new requirements, we are also asked to inform J-1 exchange visitors that they and any accompanying family may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act [22 CFR 62.14(a)].  More information will be provided on this part of the new requirements.

All J-1 visa holders must complete the ‌, sign it, and return it to the ISSC.

Currently new health coverage information for scholars is being developed.  More details will follow.  In the meantime, please visit the links to the right for information on other available plans.

J Visa CategoryMust Meet Department        Of State RequirementsMust Meet Massachusetts Requirements for Student Health InsuranceHealth Insurance
J-1 Scholars, Researchers, and Interns Yes No Medical Evacuation and Repatriation under AIG*
J-2 dependents

Must fulfill the same requirements of the family member holding a J-1 visa

Important notice

The links to the right offer some health insurance choices while we are developing our University of Massachusetts options.  UMass Dartmouth is not responsible for these plans.  Most of these plans do NOT cover prior health problems (pre-existing conditions).  Most of them are for travel/ accident insurance and offer minimal coverage and sometimes large deductibles.

Remember

  • Your health insurance coverage must meet U.S. State Department requirements for the J visa and must be in effect before you leave your home country.
  • If your insurance policy is based in your home country, some U.S. medical providers may require you to make full payment for services rendered and then later seek reimbursement from your insurance.  In this case you will be responsible for filing the paperwork directly with your insurer.

Health insurance is very expensive in the U.S.  Ask questions when choosing your plan:

  • what doctors or hospitals will accept the insurance plan you choose?
  • is your plan accepted as payment before you receive health care, or will you pay for the health care with your personal funds and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company?

Chinese Study Fellows (PDF)

PGH_Global  
Enrollment & Eligibility
Phone: 267-406-4190
Benefits, Claims, & Plan Information: 1-888-251-6253

Compass Benefits Group  
Email: jfleming@compassbenefits.com
Phone: 800-767-0169

HTH Worldwide Insurance Services 
Email:customerservice@hthworldwide.com
Phone: 877-424-4325

Taian International Health Insurance  
English   
E-mail: chris@taianfinancial.com  
Phone: 317-318-8259
Chinese
Phone: 317-318-8258 

International Student Insurance

Health Connector is a clearinghouse for insurance plans available in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Scholars who have been in Massachusetts long enough to establish residence may be eligible for some of them. Phone: 1-855-624-4584 

Mass.gov: Avoiding Immigration Scams

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