Car Insurance for Visiting Scholars: What You Need to Know

Are you a visiting scholar who wants to explore the US by car? If so, you might be wondering how to get car insurance for your trip. Car insurance is not only a legal requirement in most states, but also a smart way to protect yourself from financial and legal troubles in case of an accident or damage.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about car insurance for visiting scholars. We’ll cover the types of visas you might have, the health insurance requirements you need to meet, the car insurance requirements you need to follow, and the benefits of having car insurance for your stay. We’ll also provide some tips on how to compare and choose a car insurance plan that suits your needs and budget.

Types of Visas for Visiting Scholars

As a visiting scholar, you’re likely to have one of two types of visas: J1 or B1/WB. These visas have different eligibility criteria and allow you to engage in different types of exchange programs and research activities.

A J1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for students and scholars who participate in work and study based exchange programs. These programs are sponsored by nonprofit or educational institutions that help you receive training, demonstrate special skills, study or teach in the US. Some examples of J1 visa programs are Fulbright, Humphrey Fellowship, and Summer Work Travel.

A B1/WB visa is a non-immigrant visa for visitors who come to the US for business purposes. These purposes include attending conferences, seminars, meetings, or consultations. You can also conduct independent research or collaborate with colleagues on academic projects under this visa. However, you cannot receive any salary or payment from a US source.

To apply for either visa, you need to have a valid passport, an invitation letter from your host institution or organization, proof of financial support, and proof of health insurance. You also need to pay a visa fee and schedule an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country.

Health Insurance Requirements for Visiting Scholars

As part of the visa requirements, you (and any family members traveling with you) need to have health insurance throughout the duration of your research appointment at Northwestern University. This is to ensure that you can cover any medical expenses that might arise during your stay.

The Department of State has set some minimum requirements for health insurance for J1 and B1/WB visa holders. These are:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

You can choose any health insurance plan that meets or exceeds these requirements. However, some plans may not cover pre-existing conditions, maternity care, dental care, or vision care. You should also check if your plan covers COVID-19 related expenses.

One option is to purchase health insurance through Gallagher Benefit Services (GBS), which offers plans specifically designed for visiting scholars. These plans meet all the minimum requirements and provide comprehensive coverage for various medical services. You can enroll online or by phone.

Another option is to compare health insurance plans from different providers using online tools or agents. You should look for plans that offer adequate coverage, affordable premiums, low deductibles, and high customer satisfaction ratings.

Car Insurance Requirements for Visiting Scholars

Besides health insurance, you also need car insurance if you plan to drive in the US. Car insurance is mandatory in most states and can save you from paying out-of-pocket for any damages or injuries caused by an accident.

The car insurance requirements vary by state and depend on whether you own, finance, or lease a car. If you own a car outright, you have more flexibility in choosing your coverage and deductible. If you finance or lease a car, you may have to meet certain coverage requirements set by your lender or lessor.

The minimum coverage required by most states is liability insurance, which covers the damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident. However, liability insurance does not cover your own damages and injuries. For that, you need additional coverage such as collision insurance (which covers your car repairs) and comprehensive insurance (which covers your car losses due to theft, fire, vandalism, etc.).

You can also opt for other types of coverage such as personal injury protection (which covers your medical expenses), uninsured/underinsured motorist protection (which covers your damages and injuries caused by drivers who have no or insufficient insurance), and roadside assistance (which covers your towing and repair costs in case of a breakdown).

You can choose any car insurance plan that meets or exceeds the state requirements and your personal needs. However, some plans may not cover rental cars, foreign cars, or drivers with international licenses. You should also check if your plan covers COVID-19 related expenses.

One option is to purchase car insurance through your car rental company, which may offer plans that include liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. However, these plans may be expensive and have high deductibles and exclusions.

Another option is to compare car insurance plans from different providers using online tools or agents. You should look for plans that offer adequate coverage, affordable premiums, low deductibles, and high customer satisfaction ratings.

Benefits of Car Insurance for Visiting Scholars

Having car insurance for your visit to the US can provide you with many benefits. Here are some of them:

• Car insurance can protect you from financial and legal liabilities in case of an accident or damage. Without car insurance, you may have to pay for the medical bills, car repairs, or lawsuits of yourself and others involved in the accident. This can be very costly and stressful, especially if you’re not familiar with the US legal system.
• Car insurance can also cover your medical expenses, property damage, or lawsuits in case of an accident or damage caused by factors beyond your control. For example, if your car is stolen, vandalized, or damaged by a natural disaster, your car insurance can reimburse you for your losses.
• Car insurance can also provide you with peace of mind and convenience while driving in the US. You don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses or hassles that might ruin your trip. You can also enjoy the freedom and flexibility of exploring the US by car at your own pace and preference.

Conclusion

Car insurance is a must-have for visiting scholars who want to drive in the US. It can help you comply with the law, protect yourself from financial and legal troubles, and enjoy your trip without worries.

The best way to find the best car insurance for your visit is to compare quotes from different providers. You can use online tools or agents to get multiple quotes and compare them based on coverage, price, and customer service. By shopping around, you can find the best deal for your needs and budget.