Health Insurance for J-1 Scholars & Interns

All J-1 exchange visitors are required to have health insurance while in the United States. Unlike many other countries, which bear the expense of health care for its residents, individuals in the U.S. are responsible for these expenses themselves. A single day of hospitalization can cost thousands of dollars. A good insurance policy gives you access to excellent medical facilities and provides protection against the enormous costs of health care.

Insurance Requirements

The U.S. Department of State requires that J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents have sickness and accident insurance for their entire stay in the USA. I medical cross green icon

f the J-1 or J-2 visitor spends time outside of the USA during the period of the program, health insurance must still be in place for the entire duration of the program. Minimum coverage must provide medical benefits ($100,000 per accident or illness), a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness, expenses associated with the medical evacuation to the home country ($50,000), and repatriation of remains ($25,000). Email Susan Tripp with any questions about the requirements.

Insurance must be in effect by the program start date on the DS-2019 or you will be required to purchase the campus plan.

The Cal Poly International Student and Scholar Health Insurance Plan

Cal Poly has negotiated a reasonable and comprehensive health insurance policy for international scholars. It may be purchased online at United Healthcare Student Resources. This plan includes a medical assistance rider to cover emergency medical evacuation to the home country and repatriation of remains.

If Cal Poly will be providing you with a medical insurance plan, you may purchase just the Global Travel Plus plan to cover emergency medical evacuation to the home country and repatriation of remains. The cost is $120 per person per year for 2026-2027.

All accompanying dependents must also have insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State Requirements.

How much does the medical insurance cost?

Find rates and enrollment and coverage documents at http://www.uhcsr.com/calpoly. The premium cost for the 2026-27 policy year is $167 per month. You must purchase coverage before your program starts and the coverage period must be for the entirety of your program. If you program end date is after the policy end date, you can purchase continuing coverage as soon as enrollment opens for the next policy year.

What You Will Pay

The monthly premium which you will prepay for the length of your stay (see link above)
A $100 deductible per policy year (waived at an in-network doctor’s office)
A $10 copay when you go to an in-network doctor’s office
No copay, after deductible, when using an in-network urgent care facility
A $10 copay for an in-network urgent care physician office visit
A $250 copay after deductible if you go to an in-network emergency room (waived if you are admitted to a hospital)
A $10 copay for generic prescription medications, $20 for tier 2 medications, and $40 for tier 3 meidcations
Out-of-network coinsurance if you do not use an in-network provider covered around 20%
Full amount for any services not covered by insurance

See full plan provision in the Scholars Insurance Flyer

What does it cover?

The plan includes coverage for health care, mental health care, emergency family travel, medical evacuation and repatriation, and accidental death and dismemberment.

Information on rates and how to use the plan and details of plan coverage can be found on uhcsr.com/calpoly.

Cal Poly Scholars Plan Summary
Cal Poly Scholars Plan Certificate

How do I enroll?

Please follow these enrollment guides:

Cal Poly Scholar Medical Insurance Enrollment Guide - Full medical plan which includes Global Travel Plus emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage
Click here to enroll in just Global Travel Plus - Emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage only

Are vision and dental services included?

The medical plan includes coverage for vision correction (eyeglasses, contact lenses) but not vision exam. Dental services for patients over 19 years of age is not covered, (unless related to an injury). If you wish, you may purchase your own vision and dental insurance. Be aware of waiting periods on dental plans. You may also visit calpoly.myahpcare.com  to find optional dental and vision plans.

Immunizations

There are no immunization or health tests required to purchase the Cal Poly International Health Insurance plan.

There are no general immunization requirements to apply for a J-1 or F-1 visa, or entry to the USA. Check with your local U.S. embassy or consular office abroad where you are applying for your visa.