Additional Insurance Information for J Visa Holders

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

LSU-sponsored J-1 students and their J-2 dependents are required to have medical health insurance which meets all mandatory requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of State and the University. J-1 student and their J-2 dependents will automatically be enrolled in the LSU health insurance plan as it meets all requirements.

• LSU-sponsored J student visa holders and their J-2 dependent(s), if applicable, are required to have adequate medical health insurance for the entire duration of their program, including all dates between semesters. 
• Proof of other approved medical health insurance is required and must be submitted to International Student Services by the insurance provider. International Student Services will contact those LSU-sponsored J students who have submitted an online waiver when it is time for the insurance providers to submit proof of insurance. After receiving proof of insurance, International Student Services will verify whether or not the medical health insurance plans meet U.S. Department of State and University requirements and have the appropriate coverage dates. This review is in addition to the online insurance waiver portal submission; therefore, this process could take time. Fee bill credits to student accounts will not appear until verification is complete. 
• Reminder: If you extend Academic Training (J-1 off-campus work authorization), you must extend your medical health insurance policy and repatriation/medical evacuation benefits in order to remain in lawful J status. 

Health insurance benefit requirements

J-1 students and their dependents may choose to get their own health insurance. However it must meet the criteria below.

• Medical and accident coverage up to $100,000 per accident or illness and the policy is not an aggregate plan.
• 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.
• 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.

This policy is underwritten by an insurance corporation having:

• 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
• a Moody's investor service rating of A3 or above

OR

• backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country
• co-insurance provisions will be permitted requiring exchange visitor to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness.

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

Health insurance waiver process for J student visa holders

If a J-1 student and their dependents wishes to waive the university Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), the waiver must be submitted by the semester deadline.

When proof of other approved medical health insurance is submitted by the waiver deadline, the charges for the LSU policy will be credited. It is estimated that it will take approximately 10 business days for the credit to appear on the student account. F and J students who wish to request to waive LSU SHIP will need to submit their online insurance waiver requests via the UHC/Gallagher website. To request the waiver, follow the steps listed below. 

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