What is a J1 Visa?
A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors, and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange.
What is J1 health insurance?
The U.S department of state requires J1 Visa holders to get insured, and most U.S. institutions suggest that all international students registered to maintain health insurance. Some institutions require students to enroll in school insurance plans. Most institutions allow students who maintain alternate health insurance coverage that meets the minimum health insurance criteria to waive the school-sponsored student health insurance plan entirely.
Why do international students need health insurance?
While studying in the U.S., medical and psychological issues can arise at any time, sometimes without warning. The high cost of healthcare in the U.S. causes a potentially serious financial risk to students. Therefore it is necessary to maintain health insurance for U.S. visitors.
How to choose health insurance for J1 international students?
J1 Visa holders should pay attention to these elements when searching for your health insurance plan:
Age
The insurance premium will increase when the policyholder is older. International students under 30 are highly recommended to choose affordable alternative health insurance.
Provider Network
Provider networks will directly affect the convenience of seeking medical services and claim efficiency. Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, First Health, and Blue Cross Blue Shield are well-known provider networks in the U.S.
Health Insurance Coverage
J1 student insurance usually covers items such as college health center and emergency care. Generally, dental and Ophthalmology insurance are excluded from U.S. health insurance.
Customer Service Quality
Some well-known insurance companies provide 24/7, multi-language customer services. International students are recommended to choose insurance companies that provide high-quality customer services.
Is Tigerless J1 health insurance reliable?
Tigerless J1 health insurance uses Aetna network, which covers 50 states in the U.S. The coverages include general clinic services, preventive care and emergency care, etc. Tigerless has provided 24/7 online customer services and kept upgrading plans, aiming to meet the medical needs of international students.
Preventive Care
For certain products
Immunization
Annual Physical Exams
Mental Health
Physical Therapy
Eg. Qin purchased Tigerless J1 health insurance. Later he got the MMR immunization, which is required by the university and received a $500 bill. According to Tigerless, health insurance policy, the immunization fee will be covered by the insurance company.
General Clinic Services
Student Health Center
Specialist Clinic
Prescription
Eg. Lin purchased Tigerless J1 health insurance. After Lin arrived at school, he got migraines every month which cannot be cured by non-prescription drugs. Then he went to an urgent care clinic. The doctor diagnosed Wang with a tension headache. Lin went to a pharmacy and got prescription drugs. According to Tigerless health insurance policy, Lin should only pay $30 copayment of urgent care, 20% of the treatment fee, and $20 copayment of prescription drugs.
Emergency Care
Ambulance
Emergency Room
Hospitalization
Surgery
Eg. Liang purchased Tigerless J1 health insurance. Liang broke his leg during spring break. He was sent to the emergency room by an ambulance. The doctor gave him an X-ray examination. Liang was diagnosed with a thigh fracture and he got rehabilitation. Later he received a $45,000 medical bill. According to Tigerless health insurance policy, Liang should only pay $200 copayment, deductible from the insurance plan, and 20% of the remaining balance.
Before the purchase
When can I purchase J1 health insurance?
J1 international students should purchase alternative health insurance before waiver deadlines of your institutions.
When does the insurance plan become effective?
Our health insurance can be effective as early as the second day after your purchase.
Who is eligible to purchase J1 health insurance?
Valid J1 Visa holders are eligible to purchase Tigerless J1 health insurance.
Where can I check the meaning of insurance terminology?
Please click here and learn more.
Purchase process
What payment methods are accepted by Tigerless?
We accept payment through credit card, debit card, PayPal, WeChat Pay and Alipay.
Can I buy a plan on a monthly basis?
The coverage period of Tigerless health insurance plans start from 3 months and only accept one-time payment.
How to choose the coverage period?
You should select the coverage period that meets the requirements of their institutions.
Waiver process and Filing claim
How to finish the waiver process?
Please search the waiver instruction of your institution using the search bar on the top of the page.
Do Tigerless plans meet my school's waiver requirements?
Tigerless insurance plans meet all specific requirements of U.S. institutions, so our plans are the perfect substitutes for your school plan.
What if my waiver is denied?
Waiver applications might be denied for some reasons, such as incorrect personal information. If your waiver is denied, please contact our customer service for help.
School has approved my insurance waiver request. Why am I still charged for the school plan?
It usually takes 15-30 business days for your school to process the refund. If you have not received your refund after 30 business days, please contact your school for more information.
How can I file a claim?
In general, if you choose an in-network provider, you won't pay upfront for your medical expenses and will, therefore, avoid the reimbursement procedures. If you have to pay the full amount at the time of service, please collect all your bills/invoices and contact our customer service representative.
How can I find in-network doctors/hospitals?
You can get medical services in any medical institution. If you need to find in-network doctors/hospitals, please click here to search and make an appointment. Please contact us if you need further assistance.
