All Work & Travel USA students will have accident and sickness insurance coverage throughout their program in the U.S. This insurance, arranged by a facilitating agency, is provided through an insurance company. Participants are insured during their program dates (as indicated by your DS-2019 dates).

Check Your Health #

As part of your program benefits, you’ll receive medical insurance that covers sudden illnesses and emergencies while you’re in the United States. However, it won’t cover routine checkups or procedures. Before you leave, it’s important to visit your doctor and dentist for a checkup.

If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire trip. Also, bring a note from your doctor listing all your prescriptions and why you need them. You may need this information if you see a doctor while you’re in the United States.

For more details about your insurance coverage, you can visit the insurance website provided by your agency.

Before You Leave for the U.S. #

1. Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage: Be sure to read your insurance brochure to understand the details of your coverage.
2. Obtaining your insurance ID card: Approximately one week before your arrival date, you will receive your ID card and health insurance information.
3. Accessing your insurance card: You can conveniently download your insurance card here. Remember to save it on your phone or keep a printed copy as a backup.

Using Your Insurance While in the U.S. #

In Case of Emergency

If you’re facing an emergency and need immediate assistance from the police or ambulance, dial 911 from any phone.

Remember, only call 911 in a real emergency. In some cities, misusing this number could result in fines.

Non-Emergency Care

For immediate care in non-emergency situations, you SHOULD go to a Walk-in Clinic, Urgent Care center or local doctor. Urgent Care and Walk-in Clinics are often the best places to seek medical care as you can walk right in and they require no appointment.

Understanding U.S. Healthcare & Insurance #

The healthcare system in the U.S. is different from many other countries. There’s no one-size-fits-all insurance coverage for everyone. However, there’s an ultimate safety net in place for people who are injured. Emergency rooms are required to treat anyone who comes in, regardless of their ability to pay.

But if you can afford medical care, you’re expected to cover the costs. That’s why the U.S. government has made it mandatory for all citizens to have healthcare insurance. For most students, health insurance is included as part of your program benefits.

When you visit a doctor, you’ll need to show your insurance ID card and may have to pay a small fee called a co-payment, or “co-pay.” 

Understanding Your Medical Insurance Coverage #

Please note that the following information generally outlines what is covered or not covered by your insurance. However, coverage may vary depending on the specific agency managing your program.

What Is Covered:

• This insurance primarily covers accidents and sickness related to your program activities. It’s important to remember that it is not comprehensive health insurance.
• While many illnesses are covered, not all conditions may be included in the J-1 agency insurance plan.

What Is Not Covered:

• Injuries sustained from high-risk activities such as motorcycle riding or hang-gliding are typically not covered by the insurance.
• Pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or depression, may not be covered.
• Routine eye exams and dental checkups are generally not covered unless they result from an accident.

For detailed information about all your benefits and coverage, we encourage you to carefully review the insurance brochure provided by your agency.

Important Tips  #

• Keep a printed copy of your medical insurance with you at all times. Read and know the terms of your policy.
• Store a digital copy of your medical insurance in your smartphone’s wallet app.
• Contact the insurance company prior to visiting any medical center to get information about the coverage provided.
• You may have to pay in cash or credit card at the time of your medical appointment. Keep all of your medical bills and receipts. You will need them to get reimbursed by the insurance company.
• If you do not know your insurance information, provide your sponsor’s information to the receptionist at the doctor’s office or medical facility.
• Do not go to the Emergency Room for minor illness and injuries (such as sunburn, colds, etc.). 

Visit an Urgent Care Clinic or one of the local “The Little Clinic” offices located inside your local Kroger Grocery store instead.

• If you need medical care of an emergency nature (serious/life-threatening injury or illness), go to the Emergency Room or call 911 and ask for an ambulance. 

Please know the terms of your insurance – there is a high deductible if you are not admitted to the hospital after receiving emergency care.

• If you are injured on the job, report it immediately to your supervisor so your employer is aware, and can document the injury. 

All employers are required to have Workers Compensation Coverage for their employees who are injured on the job, and will be responsible for the medical bills for work-related injuries.