Health Insurance

When you chose to use the Minnesota State University, Mankato I-20 form, you entered into an agreement to abide by all the statements, terms, conditions, and figures that appear on the I-20 form including the clause on Item #9, which states "Mandatory University Health Insurance, $55 Orientation fee, and ESL Placement Test required upon arrival." This means that if you choose to attend Minnesota State University, Mankato, you agree to purchase the State University System-sponsored health insurance upon arrival on campus. In addition, health insurance purchased at another University will not transfer to Minnesota State University, Mankato. Approximate health insurance cost is stated in Item #7 on your I-20 form (stated under Item #1 on your DS-2019 form). This annual premium is due and payable upon your arrival on campus.

When comparable insurance plans are in place for international students who receive full scholarships from the U.S. Government, International Organizations, or foreign embassies, an exception to purchase the mandatory State University System-sponsored health insurance may be granted. If you believe you fall under any one of these categories of Exceptions, you must secure a "Waiver" from the mandatory State University System-sponsored health insurance by requesting an "International Student Health Insurance Verification Form" from the MSU Kearney International Center. A waiver must be approved by the Director of the International Student Office and by the MSU Health insurance Advisory Committee. It is your responsibility to request this form. After the MSU Health insurance Advisory Committee approves the "Waiver", the Director of the ISSS is the only person in the office who can waive the mandatory health insurance requirement. The Verification form must be returned to the MSU International Student Office a minimum of 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester. If it arrives in less than 60 days, you will be required to purchase the mandatory State University System-sponsored health insurance.

Health insurance for J-1/J-2 Visa Holders

J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents are required to have health insurance which meets the minimum provisions of coverage as outlined by the United States State Department. Your J-1 program will be terminated if you fail to maintain your health insurance. It is your responsibility to obtain appropriate insurance coverage.

It is important to purchase medical insurance to cover you from the day you arrive in the United States. Most health insurance companies will not pay for a medical problem that existed before the health insurance plan was purchased.

Certain J-1/J-2 programs at MSU may have different health insurance requirements. Please contact the Kearney International Center for more information on your programs specific health insurance requirement.

Factors to consider

In choosing an insurance policy, you should consider many factors, not simply the minimum stipulated by the State Department. These considerations include:

• Deductible Amounts: Most insurance policies require you to pay part of your health expenses yourself (your part is called the deductible), before the company pays anything. Under the J regulations, the deductible cannot exceed $500 per accident or illness (many policies offer a lower, more advantageous deductible).
• Coinsurance: After you have paid the deductible, the insurance company usually only pays a percentage of your medical expenses. The policy might pay 20% of the expense. This is called the coinsurance. The J regulations require the insurance company to pay at least 75% of covered medical expenses.
• Re-existing Conditions: Most polices will not cover health problems you had before you bought the insurance (known as pre-existing conditions).
• Lifetime/Per-Occurrence Maximums: Exchange Visitors must have insurance that will pay at least $50,000 for each specific illness or injury (at least a $50,000 per-occurrence maximum). Be aware that treatment for major illnesses can cost several times that amount.
• Exclusion: Most insurance policies do not cover certain conditions. The J Regulations require that if a particular activity is a part of your Exchange Visitor Program, your insurance must cover injuries resulting from your participation in that activity. Read the list of exclusions carefully so that you understand exactly what is not covered by the policy.

Insurance Company

The following insurance company has been approved for J-1 Exchange Visitors by the National Association of International Educators. This company is being endorsed by Minnesota State University, Mankato. MEGA Life and Health insurance Company:

Student insurance
P.O. Box 809025
Dallas, Texas 75380-9025
800-767-0700
972-233-8200
customerservice@studentinsurance.net
claims@studentinsurance.net
www.studentresources.net

If you have questions concerning the J-1 insurance regulations, contact International Student Office or use our contact form.

If you have questions about coverage, repayments or anything else regarding Health Insurance, Kathy Grant is your contact in Student Health Services. She is available afternoons in 21 Carkoski Commons, 389-6276 ext. 244.

Purchasing your health insurance from MSU

All F-1 students must purchase the mandatory health insurance from MSU before registration of classes. Once you check in at the Kearney International Center, we will have students to guide you to make the health insurance and pre-registration payment. This must be paid before course registration date. If this amount is not paid, a hold will be put on to your account which will not allow you to register for your courses.

You should go to the MSU Cashier's Office:

Cashiers Office
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001

Health Insurance Refund

This is only available to current students graduating, transferring to another US institution or for students returning to their home country. If you fall for any of the mentioned criteria please contact the Kearney International Center for more information.