J-1 Visa Insurance Plans
International scholars and exchange students visiting the US for a short duration are typically on a J-1 Visa. Here you will learn more about the visa, its federal insurance requirements and appropriate health insurance options.What is a J-1 Visa?
A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to students and scholars visiting the US who are participating in work and study-based exchange programs. The exchange programs that sponsor these individuals and their families are generally nonprofit or educational institutions helping the visitor to receive training, demonstrate special skills, study, or even teach throughout the US.
J-1 Visa Insurance Requirements
As part of the J-1 visa requirements, you (and any dependent family members traveling with you on J-2 visas) will be required by the Department of State to maintain adequate health insurance coverage for the full duration of your trip that meets the following main requirements:
- 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 J-1 visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
Health Insurance through an Exchange Program
Ultimately it is the program sponsors who are required to verify that all of their J visa holders purchase and maintain health insurance that meet the federal requirements, either by enforcing a mandatory group health insurance plan or allowing you to purchase coverage of your own. If your school or sponsor does not provide insurance coverage, or they allow you to purchase your own coverage, there are a variety of options available on the market covering a range of benefits — please just pay careful attention to make sure all the requirements listed above are met by your selected insurance plan.J-1 Insurance Options
We have a variety of options available to you and your dependents that will meet and exceed the minimum J-1 health insurance requirements. Check out our Student Health and Travel Medical plan options — both offer excellent coverage at affordable prices.
J-1 Group Insurance Options
If you are a J-1 visa sponsor, or work with cultural exchange participants and are looking for group insurance options, please visit our sister website, Envisage Global Insurance, for further information and details about specific options they have.