Medical and Finance Information

Health Insurance and Medical Matters

Be sure to bring medical records for yourself and all accompanying family members. These are required if you are interested in taking any classes.  Day care facilities and elementary and secondary schools also require medical records for all participants.

If you require any specific medications, please bring enough to last approximately one month until you are able to access health care here to get new prescriptions.

Since most health insurance policies do not cover the cost of eye exams, eyeglasses or dental work and those services are very expensive in the U.S., it is advisable that you have this work done before leaving home.

Health Insurance

The U.S. Department of State requires the following health insurance coverage for Exchange Visitors and their dependents. 

J-1 Health Insurance Requirements:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness 
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Medical evacuation expenses to home country in the amount of $50,000
  • Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Health care in the U.S. is very expensive.  Most health insurance policies rarely pay for 100% of the expenses. Health insurance can also be expensive. Below are some suggestions for insurance companies that specialize in providing coverage that meets J-1 requirements if you are not able to locate any on your own.

Staying healthy is essential to your academic success and adequate insurance ensures you get the care you need to maintain good health. Unexpected medical bills can also threaten your ability to complete your educational objective if you are uninsured or have inadequate coverage.

Scholars are not eligible to enroll in the UM student insurance. In some cases, Scholars at the University of Montana are eligible to enroll in a University of Montana faculty health insurance policy. In order to be eligible for this, scholars must meet BOTH of the following conditions: 

  • Must be receiving their payment as a UM employee through the UM Payroll department
  • Must have an appointment at UM that is 6 months or longer (.5 FTE)

If you meet both of the conditions above and wish to enroll in a University of Montana faculty health insurance plan, please make sure you discuss it with your UM host department contact in order to make a plan to do so after you arrive at UM. If you wish to purchase insurance outside of UM, please make sure that any potential plan meets minimum J-1 coverage standards. 

Disclaimer:
The University of Montana provides this material for information purposes only. The University of Montana maintains no responsibility for the selection and/or purchase of health insurance.  All scholars are strongly encouraged to research insurance options that will meet their specific medical needs.

Finances

You should plan to arrive with enough money to cover your expenses for the first few weeks.  International Students and Scholars can help you establish a bank account and help you will other financial matters after you arrive.