Health Insurance and Medical Matters
Be sure to bring medical records for yourself and all accompanying family members. These are required if you are interested in taking any classes. Day care facilities and elementary and secondary schools also require medical records for all participants.
If you require any specific medications, please bring enough to last approximately one month until you are able to access health care here to get new prescriptions.
Since most health insurance policies do not cover the cost of eye exams, eyeglasses, or dental work and those services are very expensive in the U.S., it is advisable that you have this work done before leaving home.
Health Insurance
The U.S. Department of State requires the following health insurance minimum coverage amounts for Exchange Visitors and their dependents for the entire period of their J-1 program.
J-1 Health Insurance Requirements:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- Medical evacuation expenses to home country in the amount of $50,000
- Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
Health care in the U.S. is very expensive. Most health insurance policies rarely pay for 100% of the expenses. Health insurance can also be expensive. It is each J-1 scholar's responsibility to research and select the health insurance plan that meets their individual needs while also meeting the above minimum requirements for a J-1 visa holder.
Before selecting a plan, please do your research carefully, write down any questions you have, and talk with a representative from the company to ensure all of your questions are answered and so you know what the plan covers, what it does not cover, and that it satisfies the minimum requirements for your visa type. International Students and Scholars have found International Student Insurance to be a quality provider of health insurance plans tailored to the needs of international scholars on a J-1 program at UM with varying options and levels of coverage for J visa holders. Click the link below to review their options if interested and be sure to contact them directly if you have questions.
Staying healthy is essential to your academic success and adequate insurance ensures you get the care you need to maintain good health. Unexpected medical bills can also threaten your ability to complete your program objective if you are uninsured or have inadequate coverage.
UM Student or Employee Health Insurance
J-1 Scholars are not eligible to enroll in the UM student insurance. In some cases, Scholars at the 猎奇重口 are eligible to enroll in a 猎奇重口 faculty health insurance policy. In order to be eligible for this, scholars must meet BOTH of the following conditions:
- Must be receiving their payment as a UM employee through the UM Payroll department
- Must have an appointment at UM that is 6 months or longer (.5 FTE)
Finances
You should plan to arrive with enough money to cover your expenses for the first few weeks. International Students and Scholars can help you establish a bank account and help you with other financial matters after you arrive.