ECFMG J visa medical insurance for foreign medical graduates

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) provides certificates for international medical graduates (IMGs) to enter U.S. graduate medical education (GME) programs. It plays an important role in ensuring that IMGs meet the required standards to practice medicine in the United States. If offers certificates to those researching issues in medical education. International medical graduates (IMGs) consists of 25% of the U.S. physician staff. ECFMG Certificate for these physicians is the standard for assessing their qualifications to enter U.S. graduate medical education (GME) so that they can provide supervised patient care. Foreign physicians who want to enter US programs of graduate medical education or training must get a visa which allows them to take part in clinical training activities. The US Department of State has designated ECFMG as a BridgeUSA sponsor for J1 visa which is a temporary non-immigrant visa for physicians enrolled in accredited programs of graduate medical education or training.

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) does not directly provide medical insurance for international medical graduates. However, it requires international medical graduates (IMGs) on J1 visa participating in clinical training or research in the United States to have health insurance coverage. This requirement is part of ensuring that IMGs are adequately protected during their stay.

At American Visitor Insurance, we offer J visa health insurance for International medical students and foreign graduates coming to the U.S. for clinical training or research. IMGs on a J1 visa are required to have health insurance that meets specific minimum requirements set by the U.S. Department of State. These requirements include coverage for medical benefits, repatriation of remains, and medical evacuation. For IMGs who need temporary coverage, short-term health insurance plans are available. These plans can provide coverage for a limited period and are useful for covering gaps between longer-term insurance plans.

When buying medical insurance for foreign medical graduates one should consider the following factors:

• Coverage Limits: Ensure the plan meets the minimum coverage requirements and provides sufficient protection for potential medical expenses.
• Network of Providers: Check if the plan has a network of healthcare providers, including hospitals and doctors, in the area where they will be residing.
• Cost: Compare premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums to find an affordable plan.
• Emergency Services: Ensure the plan covers emergency medical services, including medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
• Additional Benefits: Look for additional benefits such as mental health services, prescription drug coverage, and preventive care.

It's important for international medical students and graduates to research and select the best health insurance plan which complies with ECFMG and visa requirements.

At American Visitor Insurance, we offer health insurance plans which satisfy the ECFMG and J1 visa requirements:

• ECFMG medical graduate health insurance provides "medical benefits of at least $100,000 for each accident or illness."
• If a J visa holder dies in the U.S., then the policy provides at least $25,000 in medical evacuation and repatriation insurance benefits to send the remains to the home country for burial.
• The J-1 visa medical research health insurance deductible does not exceed $500 per accident or illness.
• The co-payment of medical expenses (the portion not covered by insurance that the insured pays him or herself) is not more than 25%.
• If, because of a serious illness or injury, medical graduate must be sent home on the advice of a doctor, the policy will pay up to $50,000 for the expenses of the travel.