Insurance Options for PSU Scholars
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Insurance Options for Scholars
Visiting Scholars at PSU have two options for health insurance coverage depending upon whether you will be an employee of the university or at the university with a “Courtesy Appointment” (not paid or financially sponsored by PSU).
Option A: PSU PacificSource Insurance Plan
- The PSU PacificSource Insurance Plan provides comprehensive health care coverage and exceeds all insurance requirements of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
- The PacificSource Insurance Plan may be used by all visiting scholars who are not paid or financially supported by the university. This would include all scholars on “Courtesy Appointments.” Scholars who are employed by the university, but not eligible for employee benefits must use the PacificSource Insurance Plan.
Option B: PSU Employee Benefits + Evacuation & Repatriation + Temporary Insurance
- If eligible, you may enroll in the employee benefits medical insurance plan (PEBB). Depending upon your position, your host department may pay part or all of your insurance premiums. If you are not eligible for employee benefits, you must use Option A.
- PEBB does not include Evacuation & Repatriation coverage. You will need to purchase it separately. We have gathered a list of Evacuation & Repatriation Insurance plans for your convenience, however, we recommend you make your own web search as insurance plans are constantly changing.
- PEBB insurance coverage begins on the first of the month after your program start date. Therefore, if your program starts on any day other than the first of the month, you will need to purchase the PSU PacificSource Insurance Plan to cover you and your family members until the PEBB insurance goes into effect on the first of the next month.
- For employee benefits information, see the Human Resources Benefits Overview web page.
PSU PacificSource Insurance Plan for J-1 Visiting Scholars
PSU offers a health insurance package specifically for international visiting scholars. The insurance plan provides coverage for basic health care, emergency and hospital care, prescription medication, Global Emergency Services (includes “Evacuation and Repatriation” coverage), and other health services with no medical coverage limit. The plan exceeds all insurance requirements for J-1 scholars. The plan does not include use of the campus health center (students only), and does not provide dental or vision (eye glasses) coverage. For complete information, see the PacificSource Summary of Benefits and the complete Explanation of Benefits.
PSU PacificSource Insurance for J-2 Spouse and Children
The PSU United Healthcare Insurance Plan is also offered to J-2 family members. Insurance benefits for a spouse are the same as for the J-1 scholar. For children under age 19 the insurance includes the added benefits of dental and vision coverage.
PSU PacificSource Insurance Cost
The PSU insurance for J-1 visiting scholars is based on a weekly rate of enrollment. When you purchase the PSU insurance you will be charged for the number of weeks you are enrolled.
2023-24 PSU PacificSource Insurance Weekly Rates:
Scholar $41
Spouse $41
Each Child $41
Example: Cost for six months (26 weeks)| Single Scholar | 26 x $41 = $1,066 |
| Scholar and spouse | 26 x ($41 x 2) = $2,132 |
| Scholar, spouse and one child | 26 x ($41 x 3) = $3,198 |
| Scholar, spouse and two children | 26 x ($41 x 4) = $4,264 |
As you can see, health care and health insurance is a significant expense. You should be prepared for this expense and include it in your budget plans for living in Portland (rent, food, utilities, etc.).
Enroll in the PSU PacificSource Insurance Plan
For instructions and web links to enroll in the PSU PacificSource Insurance Plan, please see our Insurance Enrollment page.
You may enroll in the PSU PacificSource Insurance Plan before you leave home and travel to Portland, or you may enroll during your new scholar check-in meeting. In order to ensure you are covered from the day you arrive in the U.S., we recommend your enroll as soon as you have your travel dates set.
Waiver of PSU Insurance Plans
If you have or wish to purchase other insurance and do not want to use the PSU insurance plan, you may request a waiver of the university requirement. To be eligible for a waiver, your alternate insurance plan must meet or exceed the following minimum requirements:
- No medical coverage maximum (unlimited)
- $300 or less deductible
- $8,700 out-of-pocket maximum
- 70% In- and Out-patient medical benefits
- Preventative care benefits
- Limitations and exclusions equal or better than PSU plan
- Includes prescription coverage
- Includes mental health coverage
- Includes minimum of $50,000 medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
J-2 dependents must be enrolled in the same insurance plan as the J-1 scholar.
Do not purchase alternate insurance until it has been approved. To request a waiver, contact an International Scholar Advisor at jscholar@pdx.edu. You will need documentation in English (insurance policy or statement of benefits) showing that your insurance plan meets the minimum requirements above. Please note that most “travel insurance” does not meet the requirements for approval.