While you are in the United States, you will find that obtaining medical services, and using health insurance to help pay for those services, is different from what you are used to. In fact, the delivery of medical services, and it's complicated relationship to private health insurance in the United States, is different from anywhere else in the world. People who come to the United States often find that dealing with medical issues here can be both confusing, and costly.
Should You Buy Health Insurance Before Coming to UC Davis?
If you are considering purchasing private insurance before arriving at UC Davis, you will need to be sure that your coverage meets all of the current waiver criteria for international students. It is recommended that you compare any private insurance plan to the benefits available with UC SHIP. The price you pay to purchase insurance coverage is not the only thing to consider.
- Does the private insurance work in the Davis area?
- How much do you have to pay out of your own pocket before the private insurance pays anything for services?
- What's not covered by the private insurance plan?
Travel plans, reimbursement programs from your home country or home government, and plans owned, headquartered or operated outside of the United States do not qualify for to be used to waive enrollment in UC SHIP.
Arriving Early?
If you are planning to arrive in the United States before you begin school, a short-term travel plan may be useful to you to cover your health insurance needs until your UC SHIP coverage begins. UC SHIP coverage begins for UC Davis students on the first day of the term in which you begin school (first day of the quarter or semester).
Meeting J-1 and J-2 Visa Health Insurance Requirements
Federal regulations require all J visa holders to carry health insurance throughout the period of participation in the Exchange Visitor Program as a condition of maintaining legal status. The University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) meets all J visa health insurance requirements, including coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation.
Your automatic enrollment in UC SHIP will begin on the first day of the term in which you begin school. If you arrive in the USA before school starts, you may need to obtain short-term health insurance coverage to meet J visa requirements for that period.
Examples of Private Insurance for International Students That Meet the Current Waiver Criteria
International Student Insurance (ISO) - https://www.isoa.org/university_of_california_davis
- Offers plans designed for UC Davis students
PSI International Student Health Insurance - https://www.psiservice.com/plans.do
- Only the Platinum and Diamond Level plans offered by PSI satisfy the current waiver criteria
Student Medicover - https://www.smcovered.com/
- Offers plans designed for UC Davis students