International Visitors holding a J-1 visa and their dependents are required by the U.S. Department of State to have health insurance that satisfies federally mandated J Scholar Visa Insurance Requirements. These individuals must provide proof of health insurance through the Office of International Services (OIS) within 30 days of the start date indicated on their immigration documents. OIS will define for the Visitor what documents and other proof is required to satisfy this requirement. As a Visitor on a J-1 visa, the individual must be certain that his or her health insurance coverage meets the following requirements:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
International Visitors traveling on a different visa type must provide assurance of health insurance to the host department prior to arrival at the University of Pittsburgh.
For international Visitors who do not have medical insurance, the following websites contain information about different plans that can be purchased. Please note that UPMC health plans meeting J-1 visa standards require an additional policy through a company called Assist America for repatriation and medical evacuation coverage. UPMC has a healthcare concierge available to assist Visitors with determining eligible UPMC health plans and with obtaining repatriation and medical evacuation coverage through Assist America.
- Federal Marketplace [LINK]
- UPMC Marketplace [LINK]
- UPMC Marketplace Concierge: 1-877-563-0292
- Assist America [LINK]
- Health Insurance Options via Office of International Services [LINK]