International Students Health Care & Insurance Coverage

  1. Admissions & Aid
  2. International
  3. International Students Health Care & Insurance Coverage

The United States does not have a national health care system. Health care costs can be prohibitive for even minor illnesses or accidents. While many other countries bear the expense of health care for their residents, individuals in the United States are responsible for these expenses themselves. A good health insurance policy gives you access to excellent medical facilities and provides protection against the enormous costs of health care.

All international students in F-1 or J-1 status are to maintain adequate health insurance while attending Holy Family University and for the duration of stay in the United States. Review the details of the insurance plan, especially the effective dates. If you arrive in the US before the effective date of the insurance plan it will be necessary to buy supplemental insurance to cover the uninsured period. Make every effort to be insured during your entire stay in the US including vacation quarters and after graduation, if you stay for a period of Optional Practical Training or Academic Training.

All international students living in university housing must have health insurance coverage.

The following insurance providers meet requirements established by the United States Department of State to currently insure F-1 and J-1 visa holders. These providers are just suggestions and by no means limit the F-1/J-1 visa holders from purchasing medical insurance from other qualifying providers.

Holy Family University assumes no responsibility for the choice of insurance provider selected by the F-1/J-1 visa holder or the quality of service the provider gives to the insured visa holder.

Health Regulations and Immunizations

Under Pennsylvania state law, all students living in university-owned or operated housing are required to submit proof of a one-time meningococcal vaccination, or submit a signed waiver. The Pennsylvania Department of Health also recommends that all students born after 1957 show proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and Hepatitis B.

Every full-time undergraduate student admitted to Holy Family University is required to complete the Health Packet provided by Health Services. The packet contains a Demographic Form and a Health Form to be completed by the student. It also includes a Physical Form and an Immunization Form to be completed by the student's Health care Provider. The immunization Form contains the Meningitis Response Form for all students who live in University housing.

J-1 Visa Holders

All J-1 visa holders and their dependents are required by US federal law to have sickness and accident insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, in effect for the duration of your exchange visitor program. The US Department of State has amended insurance coverage figures which become effective May 15, 2015.

Effective May 15, 2015
Medical Benefits $100,000
Repatriation of remains $25,000
Medical Evacuation $50,000

The new rule also adds the following regarding the insurance requirement
"Sponsors must inform all exchange visitors that they, and any accompanying spouses and dependent(s), may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act." [22CFR 62.14 (a)]

Willful failure to carry insurance is a violation of federal law and could result in immediate termination of J-1 status.