Health Care

Mandatory Insurance Requirements

All J-1 holders and their dependents are required by the Exchange Visitor Program and the Department of Homeland Security regulations to have health insurance with specific minimum coverage requirements while in the United States.

Most health insurance in the United States is private which means that the exchange visitors must apply to a private company to obtain insurance, have an application approved, and make timely payments on the policy premiums in order to remain insured. Health insurance for individuals is significantly less expensive than coverage that includes family members.

The minimum coverage requirements specified by the Exchange Visitor Program of the Department of State addresses [22 CFR 62.14] a few very general features that a visitor’s health insurance policy must have and include: at least $50,000 per accident or illness; $7,500 for repatriation coverage; $10,000 for medical evacuation coverage; and a deductible not to exceed $500 for accident or illness. The insurance company contracted with must meet the required rating as stated in 22 CFR 62.14(c) of the federal regulations covering the Exchange Visitor Program. As part of the application process, upon request, a brochure describing the health insurance requirementspdf will be sent to applicants.

An exchange visitor who willfully fails to maintain insurance coverage while a participant in the Exchange Visitor Program, or who makes a material misrepresentation to the University concerning such coverage, shall be deemed to be in violation of these regulations and shall be subject to termination as a participant.

There are many other coverage conditions, coverage limitations and coverage exclusions not regulated by the Exchange Visitor Program which will be part of the insurance policy secured by the exchange visitor. It is extremely important before purchasing any policy to understand as much as possible about the policy and its conditions. For example, there are generally additional costs associated with policies that include eye examinations, eye glasses and dental work. It is advisable to have as many medical procedures or routine checkups as possible completed prior to leaving for the United States or be prepared to pay higher premiums for additional kinds of coverage.

While the University does not endorse any one particular insurer, the following insurance companies meet the required rating as stated in 22 CFR 62.14(c) and currently or previously have insured exchange visitors:

MEDEX Worldwide Travel Assistance & International Medical Insurance
8501 LaSalle Road, Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21284
USA

Toll-free telephone: 1.800.732.5309
Telephone: 1.410.453.6300
Fax: 1.410.453.6301
E-mail: info@medexassist.com
Web site: www.medexassist.com
 
HTH Worldwide
1 Radnor Corporation Center Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
USA

Toll-free telephone: 1.888.243.2358
Telephone: 1.610.254.8769
Fax: 1.610.293.3529
E-mail: customerservice@hthworldwide.com
Web site: www.hthtravelinsurance.com

Health Services

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all students living in a campus residence must be immunized against meningitis or sign a waiver indicating a preference not to do so. Information concerning inoculations recommended in the United States is available from the Health Services Office:

Health Services Office
Campus Center
Barbara Hannigan, RN, MSN
Telephone: 1.267.341.3262
E-mail: bhannigan@holyfamily.edu

The Health Services Office, Room G-7 is located in the Campus Center. A registered nurse is available to provide for students’ health needs. Services include first aid, blood pressure and temperature readings, pregnancy tests, nutrition counseling, health and fitness counseling, and referrals to local health provider agencies.