J-1 Scholar Health Insurance

J-1 Scholar Researcher/Professors who are paid by the University of Mississippi and are full-time employees for periods longer than four months are eligible for health insurance through the University of Mississippi with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi. The Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi health insurance offered through the University of Mississippi exceeds the minimum requirements listed by the Department of State for medical benefits, but the insurance does not provide coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, nor does it provide sufficient deductible requirements.

Any J-1 Scholar who receives health insurance through the University of Mississippi Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan must purchase separate insurance coverage. In addition, any J-1 Scholar whose funding is from personal funds or a source other than the University will need to purchase health insurance that meets the minimum requirements. The health insurance plan used by University of Mississippi students and scholars may be purchased upon arrival for both themselves and any J-2 dependents.

The University of Mississippi has partnered with UnitedHealthCare to offer health insurance to J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents.

The minimum coverage period is one month (and partial month coverage is not an option).

Important Links for the UHC plan:

• Resource Page
• Summary Brochure
• Certificate of Coverage

Requesting Coverage

If you would like to sign up for the University-affiliated UHC plan, click here and submit the Enrollment Form. Once ISSS has verified your eligibility, you will receive an email with additional details and instructions on how to make your payment. You can enroll your dependents at the same time as you are completing your application.

Taking Classes and your Health Insurance

It is important for anyone in J-status who is taking classes to make sure that they are being billed properly for their health insurance during the first week of each semester. Also, J-1 Scholars and Professors who are taking classes for benefits will be billed for health insurance just like any other student, even if they have health insurance through Human Resources. It is possible to remove charges for student health insurance for full-time employees such as J-1 Scholars and Researchers, but someone seeking to remove the student health insurance charge must follow the International Student and Scholar Services waiver application process.