To ensure compliance with J-1 Exchange Visitor Regulations and to ensureparticipant well-being, AIPT includes the federally mandated insurance coverage in our program package.
Reasons AIPT includes health insurance for its participants:
Ensures compliance so that all participants are properly insured
By placing all participants on a policy that covers them during the entire duration of their program, each trainee sponsored through AIPT will not be left without insurance coverage. This results in strong compliance with this important federal requirement.
Reduces potential liability to employer and trainee
We realize that company policies for selecting and opting out of health insurance—although tailored to regular employees—are not designed to handle the unique characteristics and requirements of temporary visitors to the United States. Sometimes an individual may opt to out off an employer-sponsored health insurance policy not realizing that the training agreement the company submitted to the sponsor required that the individual maintain adequate coverage during their stay in the United States. Company policies also do not frequently offer the mandated medical evacuation and repatriation benefits required by the regulations. AIPT's policy has this bundled as an automatic benefit.
Streamlines the process
The new combined package is simpler and less time consuming, resulting in faster and better service. Eliminating the process of individually assessing the coverage selected by each trainee, will save time and effort in setting up a practical training program. At the same time, this will make our file review faster, which means better service and support for you and your participants.
Simplifies claims process
Because most international participants are not familiar with the U.S. healthcare system and insurance policies, two important aspects are addressed by this change: the information provided to trainees is intended specifically for this group and assumes unfamiliarity with the health and claim system; and unlike many foreign-sponsored policies, the coverage provided under the AIPT program does not require up-front payment and reimbursement collection.
Generates overall cost savings
Employer contributions to company health insurance policies are usually far greater than the premium required by the exchange visitor program. The reason for this difference is that the coverage is intended for non-residents who anticipate staying in the country for 18 months or less and who have different coverage needs than regular employees.
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Health insurance claims for participants
What happens if I have a health insurance claim through the AIPT-sponsored group health and accident plan?
Call IEES (health insurance company) at 1-866-433-7462 (toll-free) or visit the IEES Web site at www.iees.com
for more information on your plan.
AIPT recommends that you speak to your supervisor or human resources department about doctors and medical facilities in your area when you first arrive. It is better to ask questions before you actually need to see a doctor. Americans are usually happy to recommend a certain doctor or a certain medical clinic. If you would like a referral to a doctor or health care facility, you may visit Hygeia at www.hygeia.net.