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Healthcare & Insurance Requirements
Due to the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., all students are required to have health insurance that meets the university's coverage requirement. All scholars are required to have insurance that meets the Department of State requirements.
For information about seeking healthcare in the U.S. and a list of providers, see below.
Student Health Insurance
The university requires all full-time undergraduate and graduate students, including F-1 and J-1 international students to have health insurance coverage throughout the entire school year as a condition of enrollment. Although health insurance is not required for family members in F-2 status, ISSP highly recommends all family members have insurance coverage.
W&M-Sponsored Student Insurance Plan
Every academic year, students must either elect to enroll in or waive out of the W&M-sponsored Student Insurance Plan. If you already have health insurance, you may be able to obtain a waiver by applying to the Student Health Center. All health insurance must meet the university's coverage requirement.
For questions about insurance, contact Trista Sikes, Student Insurance Coordinator at the Student Health Center, at (757) 221-2978.
Scholar Health Insurance
Federal law requires that everyone in J-1 and J-2 status maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in the U.S. Regardless of immigration status, due to the high cost of medical care in the U.S., it is important to have health insurance coverage for oneself and any dependents.
Minimum Federal Requirements for Health Insurance for People in J-1 and J-2 Status
- Accident/illness coverage of at least $100,000 per incident
- Repatriation coverage of at least $25,000
- Medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000
- Per incident deductible of not more than $500
- The policy must be underwritten by an insurance carrier with an AM Best rating of A- or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd (ISI) rating of "A-I" or above, a Standard and Poor's Claims Paying Ability rating of "A-" or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of "B+" or above
Health Insurance for Employees in J-1 or J-2 Status
Insurance options for William & Mary full-time employees can be found on the Human Resources website. Full-time employees must see Human Resources to select a plan and request a letter confirming coverage.
If you are insured under a W&M employee health insurance plan, you must ensure it meets the minimum federal requirements, and must purchase additional medical evacuation and repatriation coverage that meets the federal requirements. International SOS and Global Travel Plus and are two companies that offer this coverage. With Global Travel Plus, the Extended Stay option may be necessary for coverage over 90 days.
Other Insurance Options
These are some insurance providers used by previous scholars:
- Aetna
- AIG
- Allianz
- Anthem
- Compass Student Insurance
- DIANins
- Hanwha Insurance
- International Medical Group
- International SOS
- International Student Insurance
- ISO
- Seven Corners
- TaiAn International Health Insurance
- United Healthcare
- WorldTrips
Selecting a Plan
Selecting an insurance plan can be challenging and some plans provide better coverage than others. You may wish to consider:
- How to use the insurance - some plans are reimbursement only, and others coordinate billing with medical providers. Not all insurance plans will be accepted locally.
- Coverage amounts. You may wish to consider purchasing plans that offer coverage beyond the minimum.
- What is covered and/or excluded. You may wish to confirm if pre-existing conditions (i.e. health conditions that you have already been diagnosed with) and/or pregnancy are covered, or if a plan covers dental or vision care.