All international scholars on J-1 visas, non-immigrant status, are required by Federal law to carry minimum levels of health and accident insurance for themselves and their families for the length of their J status and for the duration of their appointments at UCSB. Proof of insurance coverage must be maintained in the department files.
Effective January 1, 2007, all Postdoctoral Scholars will automatically be enrolled in the current PSBP AD&D policy, even if they waive Medical, Dental, and/or Vision coverage. The AD&D plan provides unlimited medical evacuation benefits as well as $7,500 in repatriation coverage. This means that Postdoctoral Scholars will no longer need to enroll in a separate repatriation and evacuation plan to meet immigration requirements.
Garnett-Powers & Associates also offers a plan for the dependents of the international Postdoctoral Scholars. The plan is offered separately from the PSBP and is underwritten by the American International Group (AIG).
The plan will include $10,000 each of medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, which meets the J-2 visa requirement. The rate will be a flat $2.70 per month for the entire family.
Questions about the J-1 visa requirements and options available to UCSB J participants and sponsoring departments should be directed to the Office of International Students & Scholars, extension 2929.
J-1 Scholars have various options for insurance:
- Enroll in PSBP Medical, Dental, and Vision plans and be automatically enrolled in Standard Life AD&D insurance which includes the appropriate level of repatriation and evacuation coverage as required for J-l visa holders.
- Purchase insurance from a private carrier before arrival in the United States and provide proof of insurance for the duration of their J status and appointment at UCSB. Proof of insurance must be maintained in the department’s file.
- Provide written documentation that the scholar’s home institution, government, or external funding agency will provide insurance coverage meeting Federal requirements for the duration of their J status and appointment at UCSB. Proof of insurance must be maintained in the department’s file. Scholars sponsored by Fulbright through the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) and the Education Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) will have this insurance provided by CIES or ECFMG.
- Even if a J-1 Scholar opts out of PSBP Medical, Dental, and/or Vision, by way of coverage through a private carrier or other external source, s/he is still automatically enrolled and covered in the Short-Term Disability, Life and AD&D plans.