Eligible employees may participate in the BU Health Plan regardless of immigration classification. Employees sponsored under BU’s J-1 classification must comply with the additional insurance requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors. It is important to plan accordingly as health insurance coverage offered through BU generally is not effective until the first of the month on or after the start date of employment. Human Resources offers weekly new employee orientation sessions for benefits eligible employees and will provide more details about health insurance.

Important note for J-1 employees: The health insurance policies available through BU do not include provisions covering medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. A supplemental insurance policy will be necessary to cover these specific requirements. The following companies offer supplemental plans for the required medical evacuation and repatriation of remains requirements (By listing them here, we are not specifically recommending them or attesting to their credibility or reliability). In addition, we recommend that you review the plans noted below for non-benefits eligible employees & affiliates as they offer this supplemental coverage in addition to basic travel insurance:

• BETA International Health and Travel Insurance
• Insubuy, Inc.

In addition, the ISSO recommends employees in the J-1 classification select the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Plan when choosing their coverage plan as the other option available to BU employees does not meet the J-1 requirements related to annual deductibles.

 Requirements for Massachusetts residents and J-1 exchange visitors must be met regardless of your BU affiliation. Please review the following options for obtaining the required coverage:

• Home country health insurance policy—Certain countries offer health insurance coverage to their citizens abroad, which may meet the established J-1 requirements. If you are in J-1 status and opt for coverage under a foreign insurance policy, you must be certain the policy is accepted in the U.S. and complies with all insurance coverage requirements. Please pay attention to whether an expiration of benefits exists after a period of absence from the home country. If the policy does not cover requirements for medical evaluation and repatriation of remains, a supplementary policy must be purchased to cover these provisions.
• Direct purchase of coverage to meet the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA) minimum requirements – In addition to the J-1 medical coverage requirements, the ACE requires every person who is a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes to have health insurance that meets “minimum essential health coverage” guidelines. These plans are generally more comprehensive than the J-1 minimums so are a good option for those who prefer more substantial coverage. Insurance policies available through the ACA do not include provisions covering medical evacuation and repatriations of remains. A supplemental policy will be necessary to cover those specific requirements. New J-1 scholars may likely be exempt from the ACA “minimum essential health coverage” mandate for the first two calendar years of their J-1 program (unless they have a prior US visa history). Information regarding enrollment options for direct purchase of ACA compliant plans can be found on the Massachusetts Health Connector website. Please be careful of lower cost programs offered through MassHealth as acceptance of these benefits may make you a Public Charge and effect your eligibility for future immigration benefits.
• Coverage offered through a private insurance company— Many private insurance companies offer medical insurance plans with coverage that meet or exceed the J‐1 minimums. Many of these plans include coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains and conformity with ACA requirements. In the event that the health insurance policy you have selected does not cover medical evacuation and repatriation components required by J‐1 regulation, you will need to purchase a supplemental policy. The following companies offer plans that meet the J-1 minimum insurance requirements, including medical evacuation and repatriation. (by listing them here, we are not specifically recommending them or attesting to their credibility or reliability):
  
  • BETA: Basic Emergency Travel Assistance – Patriot Exchange Program, StudentSecure, Seven Corners Liaison Student, Student Health Advantage Plan & Student Health Advantage Platinum Plan
  • CISI: Cultural Insurance Services International –World Class International Students & Scholars Program
  • Compass Student Insurance – Plans for J Visa Scholars
  • Insubuy – J1/J2 Visa (Exchange Visitor) Insurance
  • ISO Insurance – J-1 Exchange Plan, COMPASS Gold, COMPASS Silver, ISO Med 1 & ISO Med 2.
  • Visit International Health Insurance – WellAway Bronze & Gold
  • Wallach & Company – HealthCare America Plan (for visits under 90 days) & HealthCare International Plan