Visa categories
Health Insurance and Health Care in the US
Health insurance coverage is required for all. You might be eligible for University health insurance coverage. If not, you might need to buy health insurance on your own. It’s important that your family and dependents have coverage, too.
The details on this page will help you and your family meet health insurance coverage requirements —and learn how to access the health care services you need.
Health insurance and health care overview
Unlike many countries with socialized medical care, the United States doesn’t have a national health insurance system for foreign nationals. Instead, individuals are responsible for obtaining health insurance coverage for themselves and dependents through private providers.
The United States has a reputation for quality health care services, which include:
- Routine and preventive care
- Urgent care for accidents and emergencies
- Comprehensive health management for diagnosed conditions
Providers, both primary care physicians and specialists, must be trained and licensed to practice medicine. The system is focused on the patient’s physical and psychological well-being.
While emergency care will be provided to anyone in need without question, healthcare services are extremely expensive. It’s important to plan ahead for the health needs of yourself and your family while you’re in the United States.
The specific benefits covered by your insurance plan will vary depending on the policy you choose. Some plans include full or partial coverage for diagnostic laboratory tests, hospitalization, emergency services, and prescription medications; other plans cover only some of these services. Without adequate insurance coverage, these expenses can easily cost thousands of dollars.
Health insurance requirements
Immigration rules require that all J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors must maintain adequate US health insurance. Coverage must meet or exceed minimum requirements set by the government for the duration of your program. Failure to obtain insurance that meets these standards may result in the termination of the principle J-1 Exchange Visitor record.
In addition, University policy requires that all full-time students must maintain health insurance.
While other visa categories don’t carry the same requirement under US regulations, University requirements may also be in place. More importantly, US health insurance is an important protection that all individuals are encouraged to have.
University health insurance may be available
All full-time students, scholars, and employees at the University of Rochester have access to US health insurance through their affiliation with the University. Health insurance can drastically reduce health care costs for you and your family members. Remember to bring copies of your personal medical records and those of any dependent family members to Rochester.
Not all academic programs and work positions at the University are able to provide insurance. For personal eligibility information, contact your department directly.
Full-time student health insurance requirements
All full-time students at the University of Rochester are eligible for insurance through University Health Service (UHS). Students can enroll in the University-sponsored health insurance plan, or may apply to waive University insurance if they have comparable coverage. Most international-based insurance plans generally don’t meet University criteria, so please check the plan details carefully before making any purchase.
The University Health Service requires incoming full-time students to complete the Health History and Immunization Form and the Allergy and Medication Form prior to the start of classes via UHSConnect.
Full-time students must participate in the Student Health Program each year, which includes the mandatory health fee and health insurance.
This fee covers the cost of visits to the UHS and the University Counseling Center (UCC) for the year and is charged to your student billing statement. All full-time students pay this fee, regardless of whether they enroll for University-sponsored insurance. This fee cannot be waived.
Health insurance for dependents
Health insurance coverage for your family is crucial while you are living in the United States. The cost of healthcare in the US is expensive and insurance can help to cover fees and services.
Some health insurance plans will cover the full cost; other plans have specific exclusions or will cover only some of the costs. Be sure to research and understand your insurance plan before buying one for your family members who will be with you in Rochester.
As you plan for health care expenses, you should also anticipate the cost of visits to the doctor by your family and how those costs factor into your health insurance coverage plan. You’ll want to find a pediatrician to supervise the health of your child. Searchable lists of doctors are available online.
Family health insurance options
University of Rochester insurance options, for yourself and family, will depend on your relationship with the University. When you are choosing health insurance for your family, check to see what is covered and what is not covered. An insurance plan that is less expensive may not provide the benefits you need.
If you’re a full-time student or otherwise eligible for insurance through University Health Service (UHS), you can enroll your spouse/domestic partner and your children in the University-sponsored plan for full-time students. You must be enrolled in the plan yourself if you want to enroll your family members. The cost for the insurance for your family members will be billed to your student billing statement.
If you’re insured as a full-time employee through the University Benefits Office, you may be able to include your immediate family members as well. Contact your department for guidance on whether you qualify for coverage through the University.
You can also explore alternative insurance options to ensure you and your loved ones have the coverage you need.
Alternative insurance options
If you’re ineligible for University health insurance coverage, you may be required to buy health insurance on your own.
Other health insurance options include policies from the following organizations:
Research and compare each policy carefully. The least expensive plan is usually not the best value and may not cover typical health care expenses while you are in the US. Ask questions and understand your policy before you buy it.
Health care services at the University
There are a variety of health care services available to the University community.
University Health Service provides a full range of confidential, high-quality primary health care services for all full-time students and for members of the University community who choose a health care provider at UHS.
Patients come to UHS for the treatment of illnesses and injuries, management of ongoing medical problems, preventive medical care, and care and advice for any health concern. Visits to UHS are completely confidential. The UHS clinical staff includes registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians, all of whom have a special interest in the care and treatment of students and other members of the University community.
UHS’s services include:
- Primary care with physicians and nurse practitioners
- Treatment for illnesses and injuries
- Management of ongoing medical problems
- Preventive health care and health education
- Available prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines for purchase
- Health Information Phone Line
- Flu vaccination clinics
The University Counseling Center provides services to full-time students who pay the mandatory student health fee. Therapy is available for a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, family problems, grief, school related problems, and general discomfort about what’s happening in a person’s life, among many other sorts of difficulties.
UCC’s services include:
- Time-limited individual and couples’ therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication management
- 24-hour crisis services
- Consultation
- Educational presentation
UR Medicine EAP provides confidential and immediate help with a range of problems that can affect you or your family member’s ability to cope effectively at home or at work. Employees of the University (e.g., faculty, postdoctoral appointees, staff) are all eligible to use EAP’s specialized services.