General Information: Health Information: Family Health Insurance
International students planning to bring family members to the United States must purchase medical insurance for your family members' health care needs.
MEDICAL CARE IS VERY EXPENSIVE IN THE UNITED STATES!
Spouse insurance MUST be purchased within 30 days of arrival of dependent to be covered for pregnancy, etc.
Before you come to the U.S. be sure that every member of the family is in good health, including yourself, by undergoing complete medical, dental and eye care examinations. Take care of any necessary treatment for existing conditions before you leave your country. For example, if the children need eyeglasses or dental care, take care of these things before you leave for the U.S. If you are married and your wife is pregnant, it is best for her to remain in your country to have the baby delivered, since U.S. health insurance companies will not insure for preexisting condition. The usual cost of an uncomplicated birth in the Newark area is about $7,500; a surgical delivery is around $10,000. First year child care, without any sick care or problems, is around $1,200. Childcare costs (someone who babysits your child while you are at school), if your wife decides to take classes, costs approximately $6,000 per year. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE BILLS!
Purchase medical/accident/hospitalization insurance that will cover all family members while they are in United States. This insurance usually does not cover dental or eye care. Insurance available in your country may not cover clients when they are out of the country. The Office for International Students & Scholars has information from several U.S.-based insurance companies that insure international students and their families while in the U.S.
The University of Delaware charges a student health service fee to use the University of Delaware Student Health Center. This fee IS NOT HEALTH INSURANCE. It covers minor health problems only. Your family is NOT entitled to services available at the Student Health Center. You MUST purchase health insurance in addition to this student health fee.
Under certain U.S. federal laws, you may qualify, according to incomes guidelines, and be found eligible to receive certain "public aid" benefits such as food stamps for U.S. born children, financial assistance for pregnancy and delivery or costs of medical/dental/eye care not covered by insurance, and/or nutritious foods through WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program, etc. However, under other U.S. federal laws, accepting these benefits may put your status as an F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 nonimmigrant visitor to the U.S. in jeopardy and make you eligible for DEPORTATION OR EXCUSION FROM U.S.
The approximate cost for health care, offered by the University of Delaware is $5,746. This includes coverage for the student spouse and child. If it is a student only, the cost is approximately $1,534. If you are a J-1/J-2 visa holder, please read section on compliance with additional health insurance requirements.
