MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & EXCHANGE VISITORS
Obtaining and maintaining medical insurance during your stay in the United States is vital if you are an international student because the cost of treating even relatively minor medical problems is extremely expensive in the United States. For F-1 students, (and their dependents), it is strongly recommended that you purchase medical insurance to protect you while studying in the US. There are some provider's brochure available in the International Student Office, but you may want to use an Internet search engine to research companies that provide medical insurance to international students and compare their services and prices.
The City College Wellness and Counseling Center has many resources for students seeking health insurance.
While some insurance providers are listed in our section "Links to Resources" on this website please understand that we do not endorse any particular provider, nor do we accept any gifts or remuneration for listing these providers. The providers listed are examples and we strongly suggest you visit the Wellness and Counseling Center or research medical insurance providers on the Internet.
Remember to carefully compare services and understand the full charges before agreeing to any service. Buyer beware.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Insurance
The U.S. Department of State requires that all Exchange Visitors (J-1 Status) maintain insurance for themselves and their dependents (J-2 status) to cover the entire duration of their stay in the United States. For complete details about insurance policies, pick up a provider's brochure (available in the International Student Office) and contact the insurance company directly or click on the "Links to Resources" tab on this website to connect with insurance providers.
Please note that United States Department of State regulations require that the insurance must provide medical benefits of at least $50,000.00 per accident or illness, repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500.00, expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000.00 and a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
Please note that failure to obtain sufficient medical insurance coverage is a violation of your J-1 or J-2 Exchange Visitor status that could result in the United States Department of State terminating your participation in the program.
