It is important to purchase medical insurance to cover you from the day you arrive in the United States. The information should be in English, and must indicate that the insurance meets the minimum State Department requirements for J-1 visitors. Y ou must pay for your insurance before coverage will begin. You will not be covered by insurance until you complete an insurance application, pay your premium, and have your application accepted by the insurance company. Only J-1 Students may enroll in American University's health insurance plan.
Several options follow.
In choosing an insurance policy, you should consider many factors, not simply the minimum stipulated by the State Department. After you have paid the deductible, the insurance company usually only pays a percentage of your medical expenses. This is called the coinsurance. Be aware that treatment for major illneses can costs several times that amount. Most insurance policies do not cover certain conditions.