U.S. federal government regulations requires all J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors to have sufficient health insurance for the entire duration of the J-1 program.

Insurance coverage must include sickness and accident insurance, as well as medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. EVS staff will determine what is considered acceptable proof of coverage per all federal requirements.

It is the J-1 exchange visitor’s responsibility to maintain valid health insurance for themselves and any J-2 dependents at ALL times between the program start and end dates printed on the Form DS-2019.

Any willful failure by the J-1 exchange visitor to maintain valid health insurance will result in the termination of their J-1 program.

During the J-1 program, the J-1 exchange visitor and/or any active J-2 dependents must maintain valid health insurance even if they are physically located outside the United States. Failure to do so will result in loss of J-1/J-2 visa status and the possible termination of their J-1 program.

Below is a list of pre-approved health insurance plans. UFIC highly recommends these plans as we work closely with these companies and will be able to provide additional assistance if there any issues. If an exchange visitor selects one of these plans, they may simply submit a copy of their insurance ID card(s) as proof of coverage.

If an exchange visitor wants to select an insurance provider that is not listed below, they must submit to UFIC proof that the insurance plan meets all UF and J visa requirements. Exchange visitors must have the provider print, in English, confirmation of the following information: insured exchange visitor’s name and date-of-birth, coverage beginning and end dates, and dollar amount ($ USD) of coverage for specified categories listed on the EVS insurance verification form. Confirmation must be provided for the J-1 exchange visitor and any J-2 dependents (if applicable).

If an exchange visitor cannot provide proof of health insurance through the non-pre-approved provider, they are required to purchase one of the pre-approved plans and submit proof of purchase/coverage to UFIC.

The required insurance coverage must be purchased for a minimum of a 90-day period. Exchange visitors whose J-1 status/program will be <90 days may purchase insurance on a month-by-month basis until the end of their program.

If an exchange visitor is eligible and chooses to enroll in a State of Florida health insurance plan, they are still required to purchase insurance coverage for themselves and any J-2 dependents until the State of Florida plan’s coverage is active.

NOTE: State of Florida plans do not meet the medical evacuation and repatriation requirements, so exchange visitors must purchase a supplemental policy that provides appropriate coverage for the duration of their program.

Additionally, while State of Florida standard PPO and HMO are acceptable plans for J-1 exchange visitors, the high deductible HMO and PPO do not meet visa requirements and are not acceptable plans.

If an exchange visitor is eligible and chooses to enroll in either GatorGradCare or GatorCare Options health insurance, they are still required to purchase insurance coverage for themselves and any J-2 dependents until the GatorGradCare/GatorCare Options coverage is active.

NOTE: Exchange visitors must check with their host department to determine if they are eligible for GatorGradCare or GatorCare Options. These plans do meet all insurance requirements, so exchange visitors do not need to purchase any supplemental policy unless this coverage does not apply for the entire duration of their J-1 program as noted on the Form DS-2019.

Please send all insurance confirmations or questions to mquinones@ufic.ufl.edu.

Insurance policies must meet the following requirements
  1. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness, as of January 1, 2015;
  2. Mental/Nervous Conditions Expense Benefit and Alcohol & Drug Abuse Expense Benefit:
    1. Benefits are provided for psychotherapeutic treatment and psychiatric counseling and treatment for an approved psychiatric diagnosis.
    2. Benefits are for both inpatient mental health treatment in a hospital or approved facility and for outpatient mental health treatment.
    3. Benefits are provided for inpatient and outpatient services including diagnosis, detoxification, counseling, and other medical treatment rendered in a physician's office or by an outpatient treatment department of a hospital, community mental health facility, or alcoholism treatment facility.
    4. So long as the facility is approved by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals or certified by the Department of Health.

Inpatient Expense: Up to a minimum of 40 days.
OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER: Inpatient expense up to a minimum of 40 days.
80% coverage for in-network and 70% coverage for out-of-network.

Outpatient Expense: Up to a minimum of 40 visits.
OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER: Outpatient expense up to a minimum of 40 days.
80% coverage for in-network and 70% coverage for out-of-network.

  1. Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
  2. Medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000;
  3. A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness (also may include a 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions and 25% co-payment);
  4. Policy shall not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange program in which the exchange visitor participates;
  5. Any insurance policy secured to fulfill these requirements must meet minimum insurance solvency rating:
    1. Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A" or above, a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above;
    2. Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country; OR
    3. Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor; OR
    4. Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;
  6. Must be acceptable in all medical facilities.

 

Pre-approved Companies and Plans for J-1 Scholars: Accident and Illness Insurance

International Student Protection (ISP)

1-877-738-5787
Acceptable Plans: Trail Blazer, UF Scholar Trail Blazer Plan (1 month minimum).
Has a level of maternity coverage. J-1 exchange visitor must be ensure also. With a 6-month waiting period for any pre-existing conditions. May cover J-2 dependents alone ONLY under the Patriot Plan (1 month minimum).

PSI - Professional Service, Inc.

1-888-789-4488
PSI offers Gold and Platinum plans to J scholars and their dependents

SCI - Scarborough Company Insurance, Inc.

1-352-377-2002
Scholar/Faculty Insurance Plan (1 month minimum).
Has a level of maternity coverage. J-1 exchange visitor must be ensure also.
Who can answer questions about UF United Healthcare plan or assist with enrollment: Wood, Kim kim.wood@hubinternational.com

NOTE: EVS is no longer accepting Seven Corners, Visit, and Inbound insurance policies.

Supplement - The insurance listed below can only be used as a supplement to a policy that does not provide medical evacuation and repatriation (e.g., those who are eligible for UF benefits).

ISP BETA Scholastic

111 John Street, Suite 750
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 1-212-693-3717
Toll Free: 1-877-738-5787
Fax: 1-212-693-4753
Email: info@intlstudentprotection.com

Please send all insurance confirmations to mquinones@ufic.ufl.edu.