Health Insurance
There is no universal or national health insurance plan in the United States; rather, medical and dental care is generally a personal responsibility and can be quite expensive. These high costs can be extreme and even force an individual to forego necessary care.
At the University of Pittsburgh we never want an international student, scholar or family member to have to face that kind of a difficult decision. Therefore, the University offers several options for health insurance. While health insurance is in most cases not mandatory, we strongly recommend that each international student, scholar, and family member arrange for and carry medical insurance coverage at all times while in the United States.
- International Faculty and Staff employed by the University of Pittsburgh
- International Students
- Non-student Exchange Visitors on J-1 and J-2 visa status
- Immunizations
International Faculty and Staff employed by the University of Pittsburgh
The Benefits Department, within the Office of Human Resources, manages the comprehensive package of benefits that is available to faculty, staff, and others with eligible academic appointments, as well as their eligible dependents. The Department provides overall assistance on benefits-related questions and serves as the liaison between the faculty or staff member and the various insurance carriers and the retirement savings investment companies.
An overview of benefits, options, and enrollment criteria is provided to each new hire at the initial orientation session.
Non-student Exchange Visitors on J-1 and J-2 visa status
Non-student Exchange Visitor categories include postdoctoral fellows, visiting professors, medical observers, and other related academic appointments.
J-1 (primary) and J-2 (dependents) visa holders are required by their visa status to maintain medical health insurance coverage at all times during their exchange visit. The minimum basic coverage is:
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness;
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500;
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000; and
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
In some cases, the exchange visit is funded by a sponsoring agency or organization. When this occurs, the sponsor normally arranges for medical insurance coverage, ensuring it meets with the regulatory guidance above. This also applies when the University of Pittsburgh serves as the sponsor, through either a department or grant. In all other cases, the J-1 primary visa holder is responsible to arrange for suitable medical insurance coverage for him-/herself and dependents.
The University of Pittsburgh has partnered with HTH Worldwide to offer a discounted insurance plan for international students and visiting scholars.
- Brochure for the HTH Worldwide University of Pittsburgh plan
- Enroll in the HTH Worldwide University of Pittsburgh plan
- HTH Worldwide web site
While the University of Pittsburgh does not specifically endorse any other health plans, the following resources may offer acceptable coverage:
- Cultural Insurance Services International
- International Student Insurance.com
- Medical Insurance America
- The Harbour Group
- USA Study Guide
Failure to maintain adequate medical health insurance coverage will lead to termination of J visa status and departure from the United States.
Immunizations
University Immunization Policy
The University of Pittsburgh does not require proof of immunizations for international students with the exception of new freshmen. To view the University’s immunization policy, click here.