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Medical Insurance


Insurance Requirement for Semester/Year Abroad Students
All students participating in a Saint Joseph’s University study abroad program are required to have health insurance with international coverage.  The insurance must be valid for the duration of the student’s studies abroad and must cover the following points (at minimum):
  • Provisions for pre-existing conditions
  • Coverage for mental and nervous disorders of at least $5,000
  • Overall medical benefits of at least $100,000
  • Emergency Evacuation benefits of at least $50,000
  • Repatriation of Remains benefits of at least $10,000
Students participating in a semester or academic year abroad, and those going on a non-SJU summer or winter program, have several options for maintaining health insurance coverage while abroad:
  1. Health insurance coverage through the program into which the student has been accepted (not always applicable!), or
  2. Family-plan insurance, or
  3. The Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan offered through Saint Joseph’s University (must be purchased at the beginning of the semester), or
  4. Short-term insurance purchased through a provider that specializes in coverage for students of U.S. institutions while abroad (some options listed below).
Students should speak directly to their study abroad program to confirm if they are covered by the program's insurance. Additionally, many domestic family plans do not cover the international coverage detailed above. Many families also seek additional, short-term coverage for the semester abroad.  While the Center for International Programs does not endorse an individual company for students spending a semester abroad, we do provided students with a few options for short-term, study abroad insurance in their pre-departure materials, including the following: 
 
Once the student has determined which option(s) above apply to them, they will be asked to submit Verification of Medical Insurance Coverage and provide proof of that coverage through their CIP application.

Insurance Requirement for SJU Faculty-led Study Tours and Summer Programs
With regards to SJU faculty-led Study Tours and Summer Programs, the insurance premium for GeoBlue Insurance is built directly into the program fee and includes emergency medical insurance and natural disaster and political evacuation coverage. Please note that students may NOT opt out of this coverage. Learn more about coverage by reviewing the GeoBlue Student Member Guide: 2023-2024.