Information for International Students

J-1 Insurance Requirements

Per the Cultural Exchange Act, J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to have medical coverage and need to obtain a health insurance plan that will provide adequate coverage for them in the Stetson University/Central Florida area. 

Basic Plan Criteria

Students are permitted to select their own insurance plan. All plans must meet the following requirements:

Item Minimum coverage
Medical benefits* $100,000
Repatriation of remains $25,000
Medical evacuation $50,000
Deductible per accident or illness* $500

Your policy should be underwritten by an insurance carrier with:

  • an A.M. Best rating of ‘‘A-'' or above
  • a McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor's Claims paying Ability rating of ‘‘A-'' or above
  • a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of ‘‘B+'' or above
  • a Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of ‘‘A-'' or above
  • a Moody's Investor Services rating of ‘‘A3'' or above

Exchange visitors should make insurance arrangements before departing their home country. Upon obtaining adequate health insurance coverage, international students must show proof of health coverage to staff at WORLD: The David and Leighan Rinker Center for International Learning.

 

F-1 Insurance Recommendations

F-1 students are highly encouraged have medical coverage and to obtain a health insurance plan that will provide adequate coverage for them in the Stetson University/Central Florida area.

Basic Plan Criteria

Students are permitted to select their own insurance plan. It is recommended that all plans meet the following coverage recommendations:

Item Minimum coverage
Medical benefits* $100,000
Repatriation of remains $25,000
Medical evacuation $50,000
Deductible per accident or illness* $500

It is recommended that your policy be underwritten by an insurance carrier with:

  • an A.M. Best rating of ‘‘A-'' or above
  • a McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor's Claims paying Ability rating of ‘‘A-'' or above
  • a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of ‘‘B+'' or above
  • a Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of ‘‘A-'' or above
  • a Moody's Investor Services rating of ‘‘A3'' or above

Upon obtaining health insurance coverage, F-1 international students should submit proof of health coverage to staff at WORLD: The David and Leighan Rinker Center for International Learning.

Important Tips for Any Insurance Plan

Use In-Network/Preferred Providers

When choosing either a local doctor, hospital, specialist or medical provider, always search for in-network/preferred providers at your insurance company's website.

  • When searching for providers, use the DeLand's zip code to conduct a search in the local area. DeLand's zip code is 32720.
  • Insurance plans cover more of the incurred medical costs when you use an in-network/preferred provider. This results in a lower cost to you.
  • If your insurance company does not have an in-network medical provider link on their website, call them to ask for a medical provider listing for the DeLand/Central Florida area.

Please note that insurance information will also be covered during the International Student Orientation.

More Information 

For more information on insurance, or for answers to questions regarding insurance, please contact Elise Paulson, director of risk management, at 386-822-7701 or [email protected].

WORLD Contact Information 

Your contacts at WORLD: The David and Leighan Rinker Center for International Learning are Roxanne Lewis and Paula Hentz. To contact WORLD, please call 386-822-8165, email [email protected] or see the WORLD website at stetson.edu/world.

Additional Information

24-Hour Nurse Line: 866-799-2670 (toll-free)

  • Nurse Line - Talk with a trained nurse about your health or medical concerns at any time.
  • Available 24 Hours a day, 365 Days per year

Student Personal Property Insurance Coverage

  • Reasonable coverage just for college students.
  • Includes accidental damage, theft, hurricane, flood, fire, lightning surge, etc.
  • Student Plan is primary over parents' homeowners insurance, which often have high deductibles.
  • Protect your computer, cell phone and other electronics and valuables for as little as $100 for a year's coverage and deductibles as low as $25.
  • Coverage is available to students living on-campus and off-campus.
  • Coverage applies while gone on breaks and traveling abroad.
  • Coverage extends to bikes, jewelry and musical instruments up to $2,000.

Please note that as with any property insurance plan, make sure to document the property you are covering. Documentation can include purchase receipts, photos of the items and written records of the product name, model number, value/cost you paid and any applicable serial numbers. Keep this information in a file in case you need to make a claim.