preventive and primary care,
emergency services,
surgical services,
hospitalization benefits,
ambulatory patient services, and
mental health services.

What makes an insurance carrier a U.S.-based carrier?

A U.S.-based carrier means that the insurance carrier issuing the plan is a U.S. or domestic company, regardless of where the policy is purchased or where the claims are processed. Carriers outside of the U.S. means foreign or foreign-based insurance companies (i.e., non-domestic or non-U.S. companies), including those companies with satellite offices in the United States.

Foreign Insurance Companies with U.S. Subsidiaries

Some foreign insurance companies have numerous companies and subsidiaries worldwide. A foreign carrier may have a U.S. subsidiary, as well as subsidiaries in other countries. Policies purchased from the U.S. subsidiary qualify for a waiver, but policies purchased from foreign subsidiaries do not qualify for a waiver (unless the “foreign study abroad” exception applies).

Foreign Insurance Companies with U.S. Satellite Offices

Insurance carriers that are based in a foreign country, but have a U.S. satellite office are considered foreign or foreign-based insurance companies. Their health plans are ineligible for a waiver unless the “foreign study abroad” exception applies.