Health & Accident Insurance

Overview

The U.S. government requires all J-1 visa holders to hold health and accident insurance that meets certain criteria. In order to fulfill this requirement, CDS International provides discounted insurance rates to J-1 interns and trainees through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Purchase of this insurance is mandatory.

CISI insurance covers illness and medical emergencies. It does not include regular check-ups, non-emergency dental procedures, regular eye exams, or most pre-existing conditions. Details on this plan are included in the CISI World Class Coverage Plan brochure. CDS will also send a hard copy of the brochure with your acceptance packet.

Because healthcare in the U.S. is extremely expensive, we strongly recommend that you maintain health insurance during your entire stay. If you will spend time in the U.S. during the 30 days before your program begins or during the 30-day grace period after your program ends, you may purchase additional months of health insurance through CDS.

CDS will include your CISI insurance card in your acceptance packet. When you receive this card, please check that the personal information on it is correct. Notify your CDS representative if any information is incorrect or if you lose your card.

CISI insurance is valid worldwide, so be sure to bring your card with you if you travel outside of the U.S. during your program.

Health & Accident Insurance

Costs

CISI insurance costs US$46 per month. All insurance fees must be paid before CDS can issue Form DS-2019. Please direct all inquiries regarding the payment of insurance fees to your CDS representative.

Please note that if you extend your program dates, you must purchase additional months of insurance. Likewise, if your program ends early, you may request a reimbursement for any full, unused months.

Health & Accident Insurance

Visits to the Doctor

When visiting a doctor using CISI insurance, you have the option of choosing an in-network or an out-of-network physician. CDS and CISI both recommend that you visit in-network doctors whenever possible.

In-network

If you wish to stay in-network, you must choose a doctor listed by CISI as a preferred physician, and in this case bills associated with your visit will be sent directly to CISI for payment. Choose a doctor or other healthcare provider in the CISI network by visiting CISI’s list of preferred providers. If you call a doctor who is on this list but is not familiar with CISI, inform him/her that CISI is part of the First Health Network and the Hygeia Network.

Out-of-network

Going out-of-network means that your doctor is not listed as a CISI preferred physician. There are two ways to proceed with payment for out-of-network services:

1. CISI will pay your expenses directly to an out-of-network provider if you submit a claim form and the original, itemized bill, and any receipts to CISI; or
2. You may pay your healthcare provider directly, and CISI will reimburse you for your expenses provided that you submit all receipts, the original, itemized bill, and a claim form. Again, please note that medical bills in the U.S. can be extremely expensive and obtaining a reimbursement from CISI may take several weeks.

Always make photocopies of claims and other documents you submit to CISI to keep for your own files. Download the CISI Claim Form

Itemized bills, claim forms, and receipts (when applicable) must be mailed directly to CISI as soon as possible. Do not mail claims to CDS, and do not wait until the end of your program to submit your claims.

As is the case with all health insurance options, certain kinds of healthcare are excluded from coverage by CISI. If you have a question about coverage in a non-emergency situation, it is best to ask CISI before visiting the doctor.

Submitting Claims

Please send all claims to:

Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
River Plaza
9 West Broad Street
Stamford, CT 06902-3788

Please direct all claims-related questions to:

Hillary Greenberg
Email:
Phone: +1 203.399.5508 (Calling from outside of the U.S.—collect calls accepted)
Toll Free: 1 800.303.8120 ext. 5508 (calling from within the U.S.)

Health & Accident Insurance

Prescription Drugs and Medicine

When bringing medication into the United States, carry it in its original container and bring a copy of your prescription or a note from your physician translated into English. Some medications that are legal in your country may not be approved for use in the United States. If you have questions about your medication, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Additionally, please be advised that contact lenses require a prescription in the U.S.