Health Insurance Requirements

University policy requires that international students in F-1 and J-1 status, as well as their dependents, maintain adequate health insurance coverage during their time at Virginia Tech.  

Students are free to select a policy or insurer of their choice, as long as the coverage meets or exceeds the minimum university requirements. Minimum insurance policy requirements are as follows:

• Adequate provider care within a 50 mile radius of campus of enrollment
• Deductible of no more than $500 per accident or illness
• Major medical benefits of at least $500,000 per insured per policy year
• Repatriation and medical evacuation coverage to home country at no less than $10,000
• Pregnancy, childbirth and complications of pregnancy must be treated as any other illness under the policy
• Prescription coverage of no less than $500,000 per insured per policy year
• Mental health care (in- and outpatient) covered as any other illness
• No pre-existing condition exclusions or waiting period
• No limits or internal dollar caps on coverage, including services, treatment or surgery
• Coverage is valid for one year from Aug 1 or first day of enrollment in school, and effective through the following July 31 or last day of the month of the student's graduation

Additional Insurance Requirements for J-1 Students and Accompanying J-2 Dependents

In addition to meeting the above requirements, all J-1 students and their J-2 dependents must also meet Department of State requirements and have insurance in effect that covers them during the entire time of their exchange visitor program, including during their academic training:

• Major medical benefits per accident or illness: $100,000 (formerly $50,000)
• Medical evacuation: $50,000 (formerly $10,000)
• Repatriation of remains to home country: $25,000 (formerly $7,500)
• Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
• Coinsurance not to exceed 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness.