Aetna International Health Plan

J1T Visa Health Insurance Page

Employees who are classified as J1T Exchange Visitors who wish to be enrolled in a Vanderbilt University health plan may elect only the Aetna International Plan, since it is the only health plan that complies with the requirements of the J1T Visa. Health benefits begin on your hire date, or the first date you become eligible. Monthly premiums are prorated. See the Aetna International Plan cost details here. 2026 Premiums can be found here.

Click here to view the evidence of coverage booklets (most detailed information), summaries of benefits and coverage (SBCs), and other documentation for each option. Click on the links below for the provider directory and administrators' web sites. Also see the Aetna International Plan Brochure.

While we try to provide accurate information, this is summary information and as such, certain details and qualifying information is not included. If any information provided here varies from the official plan documents, the plan document prevails.

Aetna Docfind Online Provider Directory

Aetna International Website

Prescription Drug Benefit

Prices assume you use an Aetna Pharmacy. To find an Aetna Pharmacy, simply call the number on your Member ID Card.

PHARMACY (Rx) — Monthly Costs
Level 1 (All covered generics and some lower cost brand products)	$20 co-pay	50% after deductible
Level 2 (Preferred brand products)	$40 co-pay
Level 3 (Non-preferred brand products)	$70 co-pay
Specialty	$70 co-pay	$150 Max

Other Benefits

Preventive Care Program. A comprehensive Preventive Care Program that covers such things as annual well-checkups and well-baby visits for covered dependents.

Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Includes coverage for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Refer to the Evidence of Coverage Booklet for more information.

Global Telemedicine Offerings. Connect to virtual support when and where you need it, 24/7.

Health Care Plan Eligibility

Only employees with the classification of J1T Exchange Visitor are eligible for the Aetna International Health Plan.

Aetna automatically issues health insurance cards for the Aetna International health plan option to new fully benefits-eligible, J1T Exchange Visitor employees. To elect the Aetna International health plan option to cover eligible family members, you must complete New Hire Enrollment in My VU Benefits within 30 days of your hire or eligibility date (see "How to Enroll" below).

Health benefits begin on your hire date, or the first date you are eligible. The monthly cost of the health plan is not pro-rated.

How to Enroll

To enroll, use My VU Benefits within 30 days of your hire date:

Go to My VU Benefits and log in with your VUnetID and Password
Make your benefits selections
Print your benefits enrollment receipt and keep it for your records

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How many health plan options do we have?

J1T Exchange Visitors are only eligible for Vanderbilt University’s Aetna International Plan. This is because neither the Select PPO nor Choice CDHP meet the health insurance requirements of the J1T status category.
How do I find providers covered under the health plans?

To find providers covered on the health plans go to Aetna’s DocFind. You can also call Aetna at 800.743.0910.
What preventive care services and contraceptives does the plan cover?
Preventive care coverage means you won't have a co-pay for most routine services like cholesterol screenings. You can learn more by viewing the Aetna International Plan Brochure {link}. Or the Aetna website has details.
- Go to the Aetna International website.
- Log in to Aetna Navigator by selecting "Member Log In."
- Once you log in, look for "Health Programs" and then select "Preventive Health Schedule."
- Choose your age and gender to find your preventive guidelines.
- If you have questions, call Aetna Customer Service at 800-743-0910.
Where do I find the premiums?

See the premiums sheet (you will need your VUNetID and Password)
Will my premiums come out of each paycheck?

Yes, monthly premiums will come out of each check. Premiums will be divided evenly between all paychecks for weekly and biweekly.
What happens if I don’t go into My VU Benefits and make my elections?

If you are fully benefits-eligible, you will default into the Aetna International health plan at the Individual Level, starting on your hire date. If you do not want coverage under the Vanderbilt Health Plan or would like to select a different coverage level (e.g. family), you must go in to My VU Benefits within 30 days of your hire date and waive coverage
Can I waive health plan coverage?

Yes. When you enroll, indicate in My VU Benefits that you want to waive health coverage. If you are a fully benefits eligible employee and you don't waive, you will default into coverage at the level at which you are currently enrolled. If you are currently in a waived health care status through VU, you will continue to be waived. J1T Exchange Visitors who choose to waive health coverage should contact their J program sponsor to provide proof of acceptable coverage prior to waiving VU health plan enrollment.
Am I eligible for the tobacco credit?

No, J1T Exchange Visitors are not eligible for this credit because the Aetna International Health Plan is a fully insured plan.
What is the spousal fee and do I have to pay the spousal fee?

The fee is applicable to spouses that have access to health coverage through another employer, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, but prefers using the Vanderbilt Health Plan. In this event, the employee will be charged a $100 monthly fee.
The fee does not apply to J1T visa holders enrolled in the Aetna International Health plan since it is a fully insured plan.
The spousal feed does not apply to J1-T visa holders because the Aetna International plan is fully insured.