Can Foreign Nephew Qualify As Depedant?

Q:I am a single woman living in Chicago. Most of my family lives overseas but now my 16 year old nephew is thinking of moving to the States for college. The question is can I add him as a dependant for insurance purposes? If not, are there any options to get a foreigner covered while they are on a student or work visa in America?

The federal government does not require students on an F-1 visa to have health insurance, but the University may set its own requirements. Many Universities require all international students to have health insurance, regardless of the type of visa.

The University will probably offer a group health insurance program to students who do not have their own health insurance. Typically the insurance will cover hospital care and doctor fees with a deductible and 20% co-payment. A $250 deductible means that you pay the first $250 in medical expenses. A 20% co-payment means that the insurance pays 80% of the expenses above the deductible, and you pay 20%. Prescription drugs might not be included, and there may be a small fee for doctor visits. Details, of course, vary from school to school. Contact the University for information about their health insurance programs and requirements.

There are a variety of student health insurance programs that are available to international students:

Academic Risk Management offers the International Student Health Insurance Plan. Their plans meet the F-1 and J-1 regulations and are affordable. For more information, call 888-308-7320, fax 817-421-9432, or send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Student Insurance Division (SID) offers a variety of student health insurance programs, including several that are open to international students. For example, they offer a health insurance program for graduate and professional school students that is endorsed by the NAGPS. For more information, call 1-800-237-0903 or send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Insurance for Students, Inc.. For more information, call 1-800-356-1235 or send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

CNA also has a Cultural and Educational Exchange International Student Insurance Program.