The Department of State (DOS) requires that ALL J-1 Exchange Visitors (J visa type) have medical insurance in effect for themselves and any dependents in J-visa status for the duration of their stay in the United States. Details found in the Code of Federal Regulations [22 CFR 62.14].
Mandatory Insurance Requirements
Minimum Coverage
Health insurance policies must meet the minimum benefit requirements set by the U.S. Department of State per [22 CFR 62.14]
- medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
- repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
- expenses associated with medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000; and
- a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
Additional Terms
A policy secured to fulfill the insurance requirements shall not have a deductible that exceeds $500 per accident or illness, and must meet other standards specified in the regulations.
Exchange Visitors, and any accompanying spouse and dependent(s), also may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.
Maintenance Insurance
Willful failure on the scholar's part to maintain the required insurance will result in the termination of his/her exchange program.
Employees
Faculty or Staff Positions
Faculty or Staff positions: Faculty or staff may be eligible for insurance from Saint Leo University. Scholars should review their offer of employment to determine whether or not insurance coverage will be offered. Employees can log into http://icubabenefits.org to view and select their benefits and also can view benefits on the https://intranet.saintleo.edu.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Additional insurance coverage will be necessary to satisfy U.S. Department of State requirements, namely Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation and additional coverage to reduce the per accident or illness deductible. Employees and Scholars must purchase this supplemental coverage, as it is not included in the Saint Leo University employee coverage.
Non-Employees
The Saint Leo University Student Health Insurance
All undergraduate students will be automatically enrolled in the Saint Leo University Student Health plan. This plan meets DOS minimum requirements. Scholars may use the Student Health Center for treatment, and the plan can be used to pay for medical treatment at off‐campus medical institutions.
Learn More About Health Insurance
If you have outside insurance, it must meet the DOS minimum requirements and be a US based insurer, but you can fill out a waiver for the insurance for a short period of time at the beginning of the semester.
Forms and Documents
Health Insurance for J-1 Exchange Visitors (PDF): The information on this page listed as a PDF with a listing of companies that provide health insurance policies specifically for international visitors to the United States.
J-1 Visiting Scholar Insurance Verification Form (PDF): All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to enroll in insurance which meets the stated insurance requirements and submit this form upon arrival at Saint Leo University. As a part of the J or F Visa, health insurance is required. Find more information on the health insurance at Saint Leo and the costs associated.
The Health Center is on campus and available to assist the Saint Leo Community. Please visit the Health Center page for contact information and the services they offer.
Center for Global Engagement (CGE) Office
Location: Student Activities Building (SAB), suite #221
Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
Phone: (352) 588-8442
Fax: (352) 588-8509
Email: global@saintleo.edu
Resources
Welcome Guide
International Student Handbook
How to Apply for BridgeUSA (J-1 Exchange Visitor Program)
Instructions for J-1 Visa Application