Au Pair Insurance - What do I need to know?
Considering hiring an au pair for live-in childcare? Don't forget the insurance.
Au pair insurance is not just a good idea, it is the law. All au pairs on a J-1 visa are required to carry medical insurance at minimum benefit levels. The good news is that a full-service au pair agency will take care of everything for you.
A portion of your fee to a reputable aupair agency goes towards au pair insurance.
To legally employ an alien au pair, families must work through one of several government-authorized agencies. These agencies are required to ensure that all au pairs in their program have the appropriate au pair insurance.
They must verify that the au pair's existing medical insurance meets regulatory requirements, and facilitate the purchase of coverage for aupiar's who do not have their own insurance, or who's insurance does not meet requirements. This is normally done before the au pair arrives in the United States.
The regulations that agencies and au pairs must adhere to are quite specific. According to the United States Department of State, au pairs on a J-1 visa must have medical insurance coverage with the following minimum benefits:
Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to her home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
Additionally, the insurance policy must be underwritten by an insurance corporation with:
- an A.M. Best rating of "A-"or above,
- an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-I" or above,
- a Standard and Poor's Claims Paying Ability rating of "A-" or above,
- or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above
Even though the regulations are specific and resolute, each policy has its own subtle differences. Be sure that your au pair and you clearly understand the basics of your policy, such as the deductible and the co-pay. Knowing this ahead of time will avoid any misunderstandings later on.
Working with an agency is the safest and best way of securing a full-time au pair for your family. However, if you choose not to go through an agency, the aupair is generally responsible for her own medical insurance. In some cases the family may agree to pay all or half of the cost. This should all be decided upon between the au pair and the family prior to the au pair's arrival in the United States.
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