International student with F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrant status visa status are required to have insurance that meets the federal insurance requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors in Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 62.14.

While some international students have appropriate insurance, many do not have insurance that covers them for illness, injury or pregnancy in the United States. Some have appropriate insurance, and then drop it; others have totally inadequate insurance to begin with leaving them at great financial risk. Every year there are students that have very large medical bills which would have been covered if they had policies meeting the federal requirements. We get calls from them pleading for financial help. This change in policy will eliminate these situations and will ensure that international students at Duke meet federal insurance requirements .