INSURANCE
We have a partnership with an insurance provider that offers coverage for all sponsored teachers and dependents at a rate of $55 per person per month. Teachers and dependents new to the US will start coverage from the first day that they arrive and will maintain coverage until the end of their program.
This insurance includes medical/health insurance, repatriation of remains and medical evacuation coverage. Although this insurance meets the program requirements, it MAY NOT cover all of your medical expenses. There are exclusions (things that the insurance that does not cover) that may impact some teachers. It is important to read the insurance information carefully to understand the coverage and limitations.
Most school districts will offer health insurance for teachers (and sometimes dependents) that may offer more comprehensive insurance coverage. Teachers are encouraged to take advantage of this if the premium (the amount deducted from the teacher’s paycheck to pay for the insurance) is low. Teachers who have both the required insurance AND the school insurance will have more of their medical expenses covered.
Insurance Requirements for all Exchange Visitors (teachers and dependents)
Here are the requirements from the State Department (found in 22 CFR 62.14)
Minimum coverage must provide:
(1) Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
(2) Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
(3) Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of exchange visitors to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000; and
(4) Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
MEDICAL/HEALTH BENEFIT
This is also called health insurance, and helps to cover things like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medicines while you are in the US.
The insurance that we offer will satisfy all of the medical insurance requirements, but it may not cover all of your medical expenses. Some teachers choose to purchase additional health insurance through their school and may pay a “premium” that is deducted from their paycheck. Key questions to ask:
- What is included in the health insurance (sometimes called a summary of benefits)?
- Can my family be covered too?
- How much does the premium cost?
- What are the deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance (the amount the teachers pays for each service)?