As an Exchange Visitor in the United States, under a rule effective September 1, 1994, you must carry health insurance that meets or exceeds U.S. Department of State standards for yourself and your J-2 dependents for the full duration of your J program. Government regulations stipulate that if you willfully fail to carry health insurance for yourself and your dependents, your J sponsor must terminate your program and report the termination to the Department of State in Washington.
J students enrolled full-time at Georgia Tech are automatically enrolled in the Student Blue Health Insurance Plan. The Student Blue Health Insurance plan with BCBS is also available to J scholars and J Student Interns participating in programs at Georgia Tech.
Department of State Requirements:
The Department of State has basic MINIMUM requirements for the amounts of coverage a J-1 or J-2 Exchange Visitor must have for the duration of their J program.
1. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
2. Repatriation or remains in the amount of $25,000;
3. Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his/her home country in the amount of $50,000; and,
4. A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
The insurance policy must be underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating "A-" or above, a Standard & Poor's Claims-Paying Ability of "A-" or above, a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of "B+" or above, or such other rating services as the Department of State may from time to time specify. Insurance coverage backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country shall be deemed to meet this requirement.
University System of Georgia Board of Regents SHIP Requirements:
In addition to the federal insurance requirements, the University System on Georgia Board of Regents has a mandatory student/scholar health insurance policy (SHIP) that applies to all F and J students and scholars participating in programs at USG system schools.
1. Both accident and sickness coverage
2. Minimum benefit $250,000 per policy year
3. Provision for repatriation of remains of not less than $7,500*
4. Medical evacuation to one’s home country and family reunification of not less than $10,000*
5. A deductible of $500 or less and/or co-pay per individual, per year
6. In-patient and outpatient, mental and nervous disorder benefits
7. Prescription Drug Coverage
8. Pay benefits worldwide
Be aware that there are many insurance companies who promote they are US Department of State compliant. While these insurance plans may be cheaper than a SHIP compliant plan, it is because the cheaper insurance policies exclude common medical needs such as pregnancy, pre-existing conditions, well-care, or injuries that occur due to common activities. Only insurance that meets or exceeds the University System of Georgia SHIPrequirements will be approved and the BCBS Student Blue plan monthly premium will be lower than any plan you buy as an individual and meets the USG SHIP standards. You can review a variety of insurance policy options by visiting the NAFSA Marketplace.
It is dangerous to be in the United States without adequate health insurance. In many countries the government bears the expense of health care for its citizens, and sometimes even for visitors, individuals and families. In the United States individuals are responsible for these costs themselves. Since a single day of hospitalization and medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars, most people in the United States rely on insurance, and you should do the same. Insurance gives you access to better and more timely health care, and provides the only protections against the enormous costs of health care that are a reality in this country.
How Medical Insurance Works
When you pay health coverage, the money you pay (your premium) is combined with the premiums of others to for a pool of money. That money is then used to pay the medical bills of those participants who need health care. Your coverage remains valid only as long as you continue to pay your insurance premiums.
Once you purchase insurance, the company will provide you with an insurance identification card for use as proof of your coverage when you are seeking health care from a hospital or doctor. The company will also provide written instructions for reporting and documenting medical expenses (filing a claim). The company will evaluate any claim that you file, and make the appropriate payment for coverage under your particular policy. In some cases the company pays the hospital or doctor directly; in others the company reimburses the policy- holder after he or she has paid the bills.