Skip to main content

Waiver Process

Visiting Scholar Plan Waiver Requirements

  • Submit a waiver in the GBS Portal.
  • Evidence and maintain health insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the level of coverage required by Northwestern by providing a copy of their insurance policy to Gallagher Benefit Services (GBS) for approval. (If your policy is not written in English, you must provide an official translation for the insurance).
  • Dependents may waive the VSP Plan by purchasing insurance that meets Department of State J-2 insurance requirements. These policies must also be approved by Gallagher Benefit Services (GBS).

Minimum Health Insurance Requirements

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Coverage for repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000 (does not apply to B1 visa holders)
  • Coverage for medical evacuation expenses in the amount of $50,000
  • Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness (does not apply to comprehensive plans with annual deductibles)
  • Out-of-pocket expenses not to exceed $9,000 per year
  • Co-insurance provision not to exceed 20% (in-network) or 40% (out-of-network)
  • Coverage for at least 80% of the amount charged (in-network) or 60% (out-of-network)
  • Coverage for inpatient and outpatient care for both sickness and accident
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions (no exclusions, no waiting period)
  • Coverage for mental health
  • Coverage for prescription drugs
  • Coverage for pregnancy
  • Policy must not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the program in which the exchange visitor participates