Learn more about Ohio University's student health insurance requirement and the health insurance policy.
Health Insurance
Ohio University requires all students, both domestic and international, to carry health insurance that meets University requirements while enrolled at OHIO.
All students are automatically enrolled in the University's student insurance policy once they register for courses, and the premium (the cost of the policy) is added to their bursar bill. Students who obtain sufficient coverage elsewhere can file for a waiver of the University policy. Students should carefully read the waiver requirements before purchasing an alternate policy.
Please note: ISSS is not involved in the evaluation, billing, or waiver processes. To learn more about the student health insurance, please visit the Student Health Insurance webpage.
OHIO Student Health Insurance
Learn more about Ohio University's student health insurance requirement and the health insurance policy, access enrollment information, review frequently asked questions and learn how to submit a waiver.
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Insurance FAQs
Review the student insurance FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions such as, "how do I get a physical insurance card?"
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Student Insurance Waiver Information
Learn more about waiving the OHIO student health insurance plan, including dates and deadlines for waiving coverage.
Frequently Used Insurance Terms
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Premium
The premium amount is what you pay to purchase the insurance coverage.
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Deductible (Paid Through Co-Pay)
The Deductible is the amount that you must pay out of your own pocket before the insurance company will begin paying towards any covered expenses. The deductible affects how much money you will pay to the doctor or hospital.
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Co-Insurance
Co-Insurance is the percentage that the insured person pays after the deductible is paid. For example, if co-insurance equals 20 percent, then the insured person pays 20 percent and the insurance company pays 80 percent.
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Expenses
The costs for services such as surgery, hospitalization, x-rays, prescription drugs and/or laboratory tests; expenses are defined in the individual insurance contracts.
How To Use Insurance
When you arrive for an appointment with a provider, the reception staff will ask for a copy of your insurance card. Depending on your insurance, they may also ask for a co-pay, which is a fixed amount you must pay for an individual service unless you have met your insurance plan deductible.
It is also possible that your insurance will not cover all costs related to your visit, surgery or medical procedure. This may mean that you will receive a bill following your visit. If you do not understand your bills you can ask the provider (e.g. your doctor, urgent care, the hospital) or your insurance company. In the event that you need additional help or need further clarification you can reach out to Ohio University's Student Insurance Office by sending an email to studentinsurance@ohio.edu.
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Understanding Insurance
If you would like to learn more about how insurance works in the U.S., the International Student insurance website has some helpful information and videos.
J-1 Scholar Health Insurance Requirements
Federal J visa regulations require all J-1 and J-2 visa holders to carry health insurance for the entire duration of their program.
Please note: If you are an Ohio University benefits eligible employee, contact Greg Fialko (fialko@ohio.edu) in the Ohio University Human Resources Office to enroll in the J-1 compliant plan.
Insurance Options for J-1 Scholars
Visiting scholars who are not eligible for Ohio University employee benefits have three options for purchasing insurance:
1) Purchase the Ohio University Student Insurance Plan
To purchase the Ohio University student insurance plan, you will need to work directly with the student insurance office on campus.
2) Purchase a J-1 Exchange Visitor Policy From a Known External Company
In lieu of the Ohio University student insurance plan, you may choose to purchase a J-1 Exchange Visitor policy from an external company. ISSS recommends working with a well-known company, such as:
- IMG-Patriot Exchange Program
- ISO Insurance-J-1 Exchange Plan
- International Student Insurance-Student Secure Plan
- Tokio Marine-StudentSecure Plan
Please note that Ohio University is not affiliated with and does not endorse these companies.
3) Purchase an External Policy That Meets Minimum Requirements
If you do not wish to purchase the Ohio University student insurance or one of the alternate suggestions in option 2, you may elect to find and purchase another external insurance policy that meets the minimum Federal J visa regulation requirements.
Insurance Coverage Requirements
If you choose to purchase a J-1 Exchange Visitor policy from one of the companies suggested in option 2 or if you find another company on your own, the policy must meet the minimum J visa regulation requirements.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|
| Medical benefits (per accident or injury) | $100,000 |
| Repatriation of remains | $25,000 |
| Medical evacuation | $50,000 |
| Maximum Deductible (per accident or illness) | $500 |