New Premium Rate Effective September 1, 2023. GeoBlue will continue to be the recommended vendor for Duke University Sponsored Exchange Visitors and dependents not eligible for a Duke Insurance Plan or a Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP).
As an Exchange Visitor in the U.S. you must carry health insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum criteria for yourself and your J-2 dependents for the full duration of your time in the U.S. in J visa status. Government regulations state that if you willfully fail to carry the minimum coverage of health insurance for yourself and your dependents, your J-1 sponsor must terminate your program and report the termination to the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), the government office located in the Department of State that controls this visa program.
The specific text regarding the insurance requirement information appears in the Exchange Visitor Regulations, Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, on the Department of State website.
You may purchase the required insurance policy after you arrive in the U.S., but if you choose to do so, you should purchase traveler's insurance to guarantee coverage until your policy in the U.S. takes effect. Be sure your traveler's insurance covers accidents, illness while you travel, and is not just financial insurance against cancellation of your trip.
Detailed information on the GeoBlue plan and enrollment can be found on the GeoBlue Students and Scholars website. Please enter Group Access Code LIZ-38528 on the right side of the home page to sign up for coverage!
Please review the eligibility chart to determine whether or not you are required to purchase the GeoBlue Insurance Plan.
The GeoBlue plan offers:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness.
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000.
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000.
- Deductible of $250 per Injury or Sickness.
- Covers maternity.
- Period of Coverage Out of Pocket Limit of $2500 per period of coverage.
- Underwritten by BSC Insurance Company which is rated “A-“ (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.
If you have an insurance plan that meets or exceeds the GeoBlue Plan, you can request a waiver at the GeoBlue Duke University Scholars website.
If you have questions regarding the application process, please email:
- Last Name starts with A-L, please contact Andrew Dockery.
- Last Name starts with M-Z, please contact Kiersten Davidson.
Do not purchase the policy unless you have verified that it meets the waiver requirements. Please note that the International Student Protection Policy (ISP) cannot be presented for a waiver.
Keep in mind that after you have purchased a plan, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance company for questions regarding policy coverage, claims processing and assistance.
| US DOS Requirements for Waiver | GeoBlue Coverage |
|---|---|
| Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness | Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness |
| Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000 | Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000 |
| Medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000 | Medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000 |
| A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness | Deductible of $250 per Injury or Sickness |
| May include co-insurance under the terms of which the exchange visitor may be required to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness | In-Network: 0% Co-Payment Out-of-Network: 20% Co-Payment |
Policy must be secured to meet the benefits requirements and be underwritten by an insurance corporation with:
| Underwritten by BSC Insurance Company, which is rated “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best |
Other Helpful Information
J Exchange Visitor Health Insurance Plan Eligibility
Why You Need Health Insurance
GeoBlue Duke University Scholars Program
Required Insurance Specifications For A Waiver Of The GeoBlue Insurance Plan
ISOS-Repatriation and Medical Evacuation insurance (Exchange Visitors (scholars) should call 1-800-523-8662 and request an Individual Membership. As for the Visitor USA policy which meets the Department of State Requirements.)