Even receiving minor medical care in the U.S. is expensive. In order to keep unexpected costs involved with receiving medical care in the U.S. for a sickness or emergency low, all Georgia Tech F and J visa holders are required to have health insurance. Georgia Tech students will see the insurance premium for the "mandatory" plan assessed to their student account each semester of enrollment in classes. Upon arrival to the U.S., J Exchange Visitors are eligible to enroll in the "voluntary plan" available to the Georgia Tech students and scholars not required to enrolled in the mandatory plan.
F & J Mandatory Student Insurance
OIE strongly encourages all F and J students to visit the Stamps Health Services site that has the most current information on GT Student Blue plan administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Each semester F and J students are enrolled, the insurance premium will be applied to the student account. Students will then either need to complete the on-line enrollment process or on-line waiver process to expedite the insurance ID card mailing or ensure the insurance premium charge is removed from the student account. A list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding eligibility, price, plan coverage, and instructions on how to apply for a waiver of the insurance is also available on the Stamps Health Services. If you have questions about insurance claims, please contact:
Jennifer White, Medical Billing Supervisor, Student Health Services, at: jennifer.white@health.gatech.edu
The insurance waiver site is located at: www.studentinsurance.com
The waiver process is facilitated by Blue Cross Blue Shield, so if you have questions, contact the company directly.
J Visiting Scholar and J Student Intern Insurance
Each J Scholar or J Student Intern is responsible for finding an insurance plan that meets the Department of State requirements and will cover the J-1 and any J-2 dependents for the entire period of stay in the U.S. If you decide to purchase an insurance policy in your home country prior to arrival, you must be prepared to provide a copy of the policy summary in English in order to complete the J check-in with the OIE and have your J-1 record validated.
Exchange Visitors who do not provide evidence of health insurance in the check-in process, will be sent a link to an on-line enrollment form to begin enrollment in the voluntary plan available to Georgia Tech students. The insurance can be purchased up front for a minimum of two months and then renewed monthly for the full period of the J Exchange Program.
Questions about enrolling in the voluntary plan or the monthly premiums should be directed to info@oie.gatech.edu
Detailed information about the voluntary plan including a summary of benefits can be viewed from the insurance section of the Stamps Health Services site.