Student Policies
University Policy Number 6002
Subject: Health Insurance Requirement for International F-1 & J-1 Visa Students
Responsible Parties:Student Health Insurance Office and Student Health Services
Procedures: Not Applicable
Related University Policies: Not Applicable
I. SCOPE
Student health insurance policies and procedures herein are applicable to all George Mason University international students on either an F-1 or J-1 visa.
II. POLICY STATEMENT
The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear outline of George Mason University’s requirement of all F-1 and J-1 visa students to have adequate health insurance. George Mason University automatically enrolls all international F-1 and J-1 visa students in the University selected health insurance plan. International students have the option of exempting out of the University selected health insurance plan if they meet all the criteria outlined in the Application for Exemption.
III. DEFINITIONS
F-1 visa: F-1 visas are issued by the U.S. Government to non-immigrants admitted to accredited schools and colleges approved by the US government to admit non-immigrant students. F-1 visa-holders are required by the Federal Government to document sources of financial support sufficient to cover all educational and personal expenses while in the United States. F-1 applicants must also meet eligibility criteria set-forth by the school or college which admits them.
J-1 visa: J-1 visas are issued by the U.S. Government to non-immigrants participating in programs that promote cultural exchange. J-1 visa holders are required by the Federal Government to maintain health insurance while in the United States. Minimum health insurance requirements do apply. J-1 applicants must also meet eligibility criteria set-forth by the private sector, or government program, sponsors.
I-20: The I-20 is a United States Department of Homeland Security document that is issued by colleges, universities, and vocational schools to non-immigrant students or prospective students. It outlines Federal and University requirements that must be met by the applicant for the issuance of an F-1 student visa or change of immigration status to F-1. In addition to specifying the program of study to which the named non-immigrant has been admitted, the I-20 also lists the expected length of the academic program, the educational objective, the estimated cost of the program (including tuition/fees, housing, food, books, and other costs) and the source(s) of support documented by the student or prospective student to cover those expenses. [Because George Mason University requires that all international students have health insurance that is at least equivalent to the health insurance offered by Mason, the estimated insurance premium is listed under “other expenses” on page 1 of every I-20 issued by the University. All students and prospective students document funds sufficient to cover the premium cost prior to the University’s issuance of the I-20. The student’s signature on the I-20 (required prior to visa-issuance) is his or her acknowledgement and acceptance of the insurance requirement.]
OIPS: The Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) at George Mason University is responsible for, among other things, University student immigration matters. Staff in OIPS include a “Principal Designated School Official” and several “Designated School Officials,” a “Responsible Officer” and several “Alternate Responsible Officers,” individuals trained and authorized by the US federal government to sign immigration documents for F-1 students and J-1 Exchange Visitors.
Application for Exemption from Automatic Coverage in the International Student Health Insurance Policy: The Student Health Insurance Office offers international F-1 and J-1 visa students the option of waiving enrollment in the University selected student health insurance plan. If a student has insurance coverage that meets all criteria outlined in the Application for Exemption, they may request an exemption. A copy of the Application for Exemption can be found at http://shs.gmu.edu/insurance/international.php. The Office reserves the right to review insurance policies to verify that criteria is met. The exemption is only valid for the academic year in which it is granted. Therefore, students must reapply for an exemption each academic year. Students are responsible for timely submission of their Application for Exemption to the University. The Insurance Office at Student Health Services posts the guidelines at http://shs.gmu.edu/insurance/international.php.
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES
Student Health Insurance Office
- Choosing a Health Insurance Plan: The Office annually reviews and selects a comprehensive, yet affordable, health insurance plan that strives to meet the needs of all Mason students, both international and domestic.
- Aiding Students: The Office assists all students seeking advice about health insurance. The Office helps to explain benefits offered by the student health insurance. The Office works to educate students about healthcare coverage and options; encouraging students to become smart health care consumers.
- International Students:
- In conjunction with OIPS and Student Accounts, the Office automatically enrolls all international F-1 and J-1 visa students in the University selected health insurance plan. Additionally, the Office offers international students the option of exempting out of the University selected health insurance plan if they meet all the criteria outlined in the Application for Exemption. This information is sent to international students multiple times before arriving at Mason.
- Every effort is made by the Office to educate international students about the United States healthcare system and United States health insurance. Most international students are completely unfamiliar with practices within these industries in the United States.
- Constructing the Application for Exemption: The Application for Exemption is based on current best practices in the field of student health insurance. The Office modifies the Application for Exemption as needed to best serve international students. From time to time, the Office may consult with student health insurance offices of peer universities, the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, and other relevant Mason departments for input on changes made to the Application for Exemption.
F-1 and J-1 Visa Students
- F-1 and J-1 visa students must comply with George Mason University and the Federal Government policies to maintain health insurance while in the United States. An exemption may be requested, by the posted deadline, if a student has health insurance coverage that strictly adheres to the guidelines set forth by the current Application for Exemption.
- It is the student’s responsibility to read and understand the exemption criteria.
- It is the student’s responsibility to read and understand the coverage offered by the selected student health insurance plan.
- If a student does not understand the coverage offered or the exemption criteria, the student may request assistance from the Student Health Insurance Office.
V. OTHER INFORMATION
The Student Health Insurance Office carefully writes and distributes policies and procedures governing student health insurance and exemptions. It is the goal of the Office to adhere to those policies. However, the Office reserves the right to make mid-year policy changes when necessary.
VI. COMPLIANCE
International students on either an F-1 or J-1 visa must either purchase the University selected health insurance plan or request an exemption after satisfying all the criteria in the current Application for Exemption.
VII. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPROVAL
This policy is effective as of May 8, 2009. This policy shall be reviewed annually and revised as needed.
Approved:
_______________________
Maurice W. Scherrens
Senior Vice President
________________________
Peter N. Stearns
Provost
Date approved: May 12, 2009