Alternate Insurance Plans
For information on potential alternate insurance providers, please refer to the PDF in the quick links box at right.
General Information for All International Students
In order for a health plan to meet the mandatory health insurance requirement, the plan must have at a minimum:
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Coverage that allows the insured student to receive outpatient, emergency, specialist and inpatient care, diagnostic testing and procedures, and mental health inpatient and outpatient care, including alcohol and substance abuse treatment, in Atlanta, GA. (Please note: if medical care in Atlanta is limited to emergencies only, it does not meet this waiver criterion.)
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A deductible not greater than $2,500 per policy year. International students in J-1 status may not choose a plan with a deductible higher than $500 because of U.S. Department of State regulations (see below). If the annual deductible exceeds $2,500, the insured student must have an approved Healthcare Savings Account (HSA) that will allow the student to seek needed medical and mental health care when recommended by a healthcare provider and will cover all deductible expenses over $2,500.
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The insurance must be provided by an insurance company domiciled in the United States or by a foreign insurance company that has a U.S. domestic partner for purposes of billing.
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The insurance must provide coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains to the student's place of residence in his or her home country ($10,000 for evacuation, $7,500 for repatriation).
Federal Health Insurance Requirements for J-1 Exchange Students
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Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
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A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
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Part of a group benefits program offered to enrolled students by a designated sponsor
OR
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A health maintenance organization (HMO) that is federally qualified as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
OR
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A Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
OR
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Underwritten by an insurance company having an AM Best rating of "A-" or above. An Insurance Solvency International, LTD. (ISI) rating of "A-" or above, a Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of "A-" or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc Rating of B+ or above.