The University of Akron and the English Language Institute require that all international students on F-1 or J-1 visas and their dependents on F-2 or J-2 visas purchase major medical health insurance. J visa holders must also have catastrophic insurance.

This insurance is necessary because the United States does not have a national health care system and medical care is very expensive. If you need to see a doctor or go to a hospital while you are in the U.S., the insurance company will pay for some of your bills. If you do not have an insurance policy, you will be expected to pay for all the expenses by yourself.

These are the minimum requirements that your insurance policy must include:

• Basic Accidents and Sickness: F visa holders must have minimum coverage of $15,000 for themselves. J-1 visa holders and dependents on J visa status must have minimum coverage of $50,000 which includes catastrophic medical insurance.
  
  
• Major Medical
  
  
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  
  
• Repatriation (Preparation and Transportation of Remains): Preparation and transportation of remains to your city or permanent residence. Repatriation coverage should be no less than $7,500.
  
  
• Medical Evacuation: Transportation to your city of permanent residence as a result of injury or sickness. The minimum coverage acceptable for medical evacuation is $10,000.
  
  
• Deductible : The policy can have no more than a $500 deductible.

Buying a Health Insurance Policy

• Buying Health Insurance through The University of Akron

  The University of Akron offers an insurance plan that meets all of the requirements listed above. You can buy this plan when you come into the ELI Office to register for classes.

  The local company that manages the university plan is Leonard Insurance Services. The plan is underwritten by United HealthCare Insurance Company.

  To receive maximum benefits through the university's plan, you should go to The University of Akron Health Services for treatment first. If necessary, the staff will refer you to a doctor or hospital off campus.

  The following chart shows the costs of The University of Akron plan. Please note that these rates are subject to change.

  The University of Akron Student Health Insurance Plan
  2008-2009
  
  

  BASIC/MAJOR MEDICAL	Annual (one year)	Fall (about 4 months)	Spring and Summer (about 8 months)	Summer (about 3 months)
  Student	$ 1,103.00	$ 438.00	$ 687.00	$ 296.00
  Spouse	$ 2,758.00	$ 1,094.00	$ 1,719.00	$ 740.00
  Each Child	$ 1,930.00	$ 766.00	$ 1,203.00	$ 518.00

  
  

• Buying Health Insurance On Your Own
  

  You do not have to purchase your health insurance through The University of Akron. However, you are required to have insurance which is similar to the plan offered by The University of Akron. Your plan must be valid for the entire time that you are enrolled in the ELI.

  In order for us to enroll you in the ELI, you must provide the following information to the ELI Office when you register for classes:

  • a brochure in English which identifies your health insurance company and explains the type of coverage that you have purchased.
    
    
  • the health insurance card which was issued to you by your insurance company. The card should include the company's contact information (for example, the telephone number, e-mail address, or fax number).