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Health Insurance


HEALTH INSURANCE FOR EXCHANGE VISITORS

The US Department of State requires all J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents to carry health, repatriation and medical evacuation insurance during the period of time they are participating in the Exchange Visitor Program.  An Exchange Visitor’s visa status will be terminated if it is determined that the EV and accompanying dependents willfully failed to remain in compliance.

Exchange Visitors do not need to buy insurance prior to arrival in the US; however, they must have funds available to purchase it for themselves and their dependents after their arrival on campus. Payment must be made either with a credit card, personal check, money order or cashier’s check.

REQUIRED INSURANCE SPECIFICATIONS

UK's Minimum Health Insurance Criteria  
              Requirements are subject to change beginning 08/26/2013

  • Deductible may not exceed $500.
  • At least $200,000 in coverage per Injury or Sickness.($500,000 effective 8/26/2013)
  • At least $200,000 ($500,000 effective 8/26/2013) in coverage for essential benefits, including hospitalizations, doctor services, prescription drugs, rehabilitation and mental health services, pregnancy, and newborn care. A complete list of essential benefits can be found at: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/12/essential-health-benefits12162011a.html.
  • Coverage for preventative care at 100% in network including immunizations, physicals exams/screenings, and birth control. A complete list of preventive services can be found at: www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html
  • 80% of medical expenses must be paid by the insurance company.
  • Covered expenses related to pregnancy.
  • Pre-existing conditions cannot be excluded for any covered persons younger than the age of 19.
  • Insurance Company must have a phone contact within the United States.
  • Proof of coverage must be provided in English and U.S. currency only.
  • $10,000 coverage for medical evacuation (medical evacuation provides transportation to your home country in the event of a medical emergency).
  • $10,000 coverage for repatriation (repatriation provides transportation to your home country in the event of death).
  • Coverage must be in effect from the start to end date of each semester the student applies for a waiver: fall semester (August 26 – January 1); spring semester (January 1 - August 26).

Please note that the University of Kentucky insurance requirements exceed those of the Exchange Visitor Program. The requirements of that program are inadequate because they have not been updated in recent years and do not cover current medical costs.

If an Exchange Visitor has insurance from another source, it MUST meet ALL the required insurance specifications listed above. If non UK health insurance is used, a letter from the insurance company written on company letterhead is required that clearly states that all the required insurance specifications written above have been met with their health insurance plan. We cannot review insurance policies. Give this letter from the insurance company to your J-1 Advisor when you have your initial meeting. Only the insurance statement along with a completed health insurance waiver obtained from your J-1 Advisor will satisfy the health insurance requirement.

Upon arrival, UnitedHealthcare Student Health Insurance can be purchased independently online by following the instructions below.  If assistance is needed, please email Ms. Emily Duncan at Emily.duncan@uky.edu to make an appointment for assistance.  Coverage begins the day after enrollment.  A J-2 cannot purchase insurance separately from the J-1.

1. Visit www.ahpcare.com/uky

2. Click on “Enroll Online”, listed under “Enrollment”.

3. Follow directions to enroll yourself and/or any dependents.

4. Save confirmation e-mail sent within minutes of enrollment completion.

5. Insurance proof must be given within three days to the J-1 Advisor.

Below is a breakdown of costs per period.  You must pay for the entire period from the date you begin your program, even if it is near the end of the period.  For example, if you began your program on 10/27/2012, you would be required to pay for the entire 1st Period.

Please note:  Rates subject to increase beginning 08/26/2013.

                         Annual        1st Period         2nd Period      3rd Period          4th Period          5th Period
                         8/26/12-         8/26/12-            10/29/12-          1/1/13-              3/26/13-            6/11/12-          
                         8/25/13         10/28/12            12/31/12            3/25/13             6/10/13             8/25/13

J-1                     $1,641          $288                  $288                 $378                  $346                 $342                
Spouse             $4,366          $766                  $766                 $1,005               $921                 $852
Child                  $3,542         $605                   $605                 $794                  $728                 $673
All Children     $6,471          $1,135               $1,135              $1,489               $1,365              $1,265