James Madison University requires all students on an F or J visa to have health insurance coverage. ISSS offers a comprehensive health insurance plan through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). The details of CISI coverage are listed in the CISI Policy Brochure. 

The health insurance coverage will run for a full calendar year and begins on August 15*.

The cost for health insurance is $670 each fall & spring semester*. This charge is added to the tuition & fees** bill through the University Business Office (UBO). For questions on how to pay this bill, contact UBO.

Health insurance coverage through CISI is also available for dependents. You can find the enrollment form as well as monthly rates here. Please follow the instructions on the document to add dependents to your plan. The additional cost for dependents is determined by CISI and added to your student account. If you have any questions about this process, please contact ISSS directly.

Students will receive an email from CISI Enrollments with their insurance card and enrollment letter. Look for an email from enrollments@culturalinsurance.com in your inbox; check your junk/spam folder if you can’t find it.

The CISI Participant Guide explains how to access your online Participant Portal and the Mobile App for Android and Apple. The portal and app allow you to always have your insurance card with you!

If you currently hold an insurance policy that provides equal levels of coverage and lasts for the entire academic year*, you may qualify to waive out of the JMU-sponsored health insurance plan through CISI. If you wish to apply for a waiver, you must complete an insurance waiver application. See the health insurance waiver page for more information.

*Exceptions for J-1 scholars with differing program dates

** Please go to the Cost of Attendance Calculator to see the estimated cost of attendance for your program of study.

Once a medical expense is incurred, students and scholars can submit a copy of the medical bill to CISI with a completed Medical Claim Form. If you have already paid the expense, you will need to submit a receipt of payment with a completed claim form to CISI for reimbursement. Remember to save your receipts!

To check what medical procedures are covered under CISI, read the Policy Brochure carefully. If you still have questions, you can contact ISSS at ISSS@jmu.edu or CISI at claimhelp@mycisi.com.