Temple University's Mandatory Health Insurance Policy for Non-immigrant Students In F-1 and J-1 Status
Welcome to Temple University! I hope your transition to Temple University and the city of Philadelphia is a pleasant and happy one. As you begin your preparation for joining our academic community, I would like to inform you of a very important step you must take. Temple University requires all new and continuing international students in both F-I and J-1 status to carry health insurance that meets certain minimum standards determined by the United States Department of State which are:
- A maximum deductible of $500 per accident or illness
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Medical evacuation benefits of $10,000 or more
- Payment of at least 75% of covered medical expenses
- Repatriation benefits of $7,500 or more
THIS MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE SEPTEMBER 1, 1996.
All students in F-1 and J-1 status will have the opportunity to enroll in the Low Option of Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan which provides health insurance coverage, as well as the International Group Services Plan which provides repatriation and medical evacuation coverage. By combining the features of both plans, you will be ensured adequate coverage as determined by the Department of State guidelines.
Each Fall and Spring semester, your student bill will carry a charge for health insruance. The charge varies each academicyear. The two six-month periods are September 1 through February 28 and March 1 to August 30. (Other options for mandatory health insurance will also be made available to students in F-1 and J-1 status.)
A student may submit a waiver request, which is available in the University's Benefits Office [Room 201 University Services Building, 1601 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 (TEL: 215.204.1321)]. With your request, you must provide proof of comparable coverage as defined by University guidelines. If you believe your current health insurance coverage meets the above requirements, please bring a copy of your plan (translated into English) so that Benefits may waive you from our insurance.
If you miss the waiver deadline, you will not be able to waive this requirement until the following semester, and you will be required to pay for the insurance. Please note that this Student Insurance Enrollment and Waiver Schedule is available from the Office of International Services.
Be sure to attend one of the enrollment sessions listed in your schedule whether or not you have health insurance. At the orientation sessions, you will either enroll in the Temple University Insurance Plan or present proof that you have comparable coverage.
The health insurance fee and the Health Services fee are two separate charges. You will also be charged a mandatory fee of $25 (accurate as of the writing of this letter) per semester for University Student Health Services, which includes such services as General Medicine Clinic, Women's Health Clinic, Allergy Clinic, Dermatology Clinic, free HIV testing, referrals to specialists, and a Self Care Center for minor ailments. Services are free or low cost, with some charges for medications or immunizations including fees for clinical laboratory work and elective physical examinations. Health insurance coverage pays for many services beyond those offered in the Student Health Services.
Health insurance coverage is mandated for all students in F-1 status. Dependents in F-2 status are not required to have health insurance unless they are enrolled in the University. However, we recommend that insurance be purchased for any dependents in F-2 status. Exchange visitors in J-1 status need to be aware that Department of State does mandate health insurance coverage for dependents in J-2 status. Fees for the health insurance coverage of a dependent will not be assessed on your tuition bill; it will be the student's responsibility to handle this fee separately through the Benefits Office [located in Room 201 University Services Building, 1601 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 (TEL: 215-204-1321)].
As students in non-immigrant status, you and your dependents are not eligible for federal aid from the U.S. government. You should also be aware of the fact that taking advantage of these U.S. federal funds may have a negative impact upon future applications for U.S. permanent residency.
This health insurance policy was enacted to minimize interruption of a student's studies that may result from the financial burden of unexpected medical expenses. Temple University joins a long list of comparable educational institutions that have enacted similar health insurance requirements for F-I and J-1 students. Further information on the mandatory health insurance requirement will be provided at the mandatory International Student Orientation. Should you have any questions regarding this requirement before your arrival to the University, please contact the Office of Benefits.
Best wishes for a successful and healthy year at Temple University!
Sincerely,
Martyn J. Miller, Ph.D.
Director
Office of International Services
