Introduction

LSU-sponsored J-1 students and their J-2 dependents (if applicable) are required to have medical health insurance which meets all mandatory requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of State and LSU.

The LSU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is provided by Gallagher Student Health/United Healthcare and meets all requirements. J-1 student and their J-2 dependents are automatically enrolled in LSU SHIP. Additional items of note:

• Adequate medical health insurance must be maintained for the entire duration of the J program, including all dates between semesters. 
• J-1 students who extend Academic Training (J-1 off-campus work authorization) must extend their medical health insurance policy and repatriation/medical evacuation benefits to remain in lawful J status. 

Click here for more details about the LSU SHIP.  

Health Insurance Requirements for J Students

J-1 students and their dependents (if applicable) are required to have medical insurance coverage with the following minimum benefits, per U.S. Immigration regulations [22 CFR 62.14] and LSU. 

• Medical and accident coverage up to $100,000 per accident or illness and the policy is not an aggregate plan.
• A minimum coverage of $25,000 repatriation of remains to home country. Pre-existing conditions related to deaths (including suicide) are covered and is in force during entire stay in the U.S.
• Minimum coverage of $50,000 medical evacuation to home country. Pre-existing conditions are covered and is in force during entire stay in the U.S.
• Maximum deductible of $500 per accident/illness. For multiple party plans, $500 per person.
• Policy must cover office visits for non-emergency and emergency visits and this policy is not emergency care only.
• A U.S. representative physically located in the U.S. with a U.S. telephone number /contact who acts on behalf of the insurance company.
• Maternity visits must be paid as any other health condition.
• Co-insurance provisions will be permitted requiring exchange visitor to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness.
• This policy is either underwritten by an insurance corporation having at least one of the following:
  • an A.M. Best rating of A- or above;
  • a McGraw Hill Financial/Standard and Poor's Claims ability rating of A- or above;
  • a Weiss Research, Inc rating of B+ or above;
  • a Fitch Ratings, Inc. of A- or above; or
  • a Moody's investor service rating of A3 or above.

              OR

• is backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country.

To learn if your private health insurance meets the requirements, please speak with the insurance company directly.

Health Insurance Waiver Process

J-1 students may request a waiver of the LSU Student Health Insurance Plan (LSU SHIP) if the student provides proof of a private medical health insurance plan that meets U.S. Department of State requirements and LSU's plan requirements. To request the waiver, follow these steps to submit the request by the waiver deadline. 

1. Go to www.gallagherstudent.com/lsu-batonrouge. 
2. Follow the login instructions. 
3. Click Waive under Plan Summary. 
4. Gather your health insurance information. 
5. Follow the instructions to complete the form. 
6. Submit the J-1 Student and J-2 Dependent Proof of Health Insurance Verification to isshealth@lsu.edu. 

Please note that processing time is 7-10 business days. If the waiver is approved, the charges for the LSU policy will be credited to the student's account after approximately 10 business days. 

If the private health insurance plan does not meet all requirements, students and dependents will remain enrolled in LSU SHIP.