All J-1 exchange visitors must have health insurance which covers the exchange visitor and their dependents. The insurance must cover sickness, accidents, medical evacuation, repatriation during the period of time that an exchange visitor participates in the sponsor’s exchange visitor program as reflected by the start and end dates on the exchange visitor’s DS-2019.
The minimum coverage is detailed in the regulation located at 22 CFR 62.14.
Note: All J-1 exchange visitors must demonstrate that they have insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents for the entire period of their J-1 program, and upon arrival in the US.
Summary of J-1 Health Insurance Requirements
| Benefit | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Benefits per accident or illness of at least | $100,000 | |
| Medical evacuation to the J Exchange Visitor’s home country | $50,000 | |
| Repatriation of remains in the amount | $25,000 | |
| Deductible per accident or illness no higher than | $500 | |
| Co-insurance paid by the individual may be no higher than | 25% |
Note for J-1 Scholars Receiving a Salary from UMBC:
If you are receiving a salary from UMBC, you will be enrolled in the standard employee health insurance plan. Please be aware that this plan does not meet all J-1 visa requirements, specifically those related to Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains coverage.
As a result, you are required to purchase supplemental coverage for these two items for both yourself and any J-2 dependents. You do not need to purchase a full insurance plan, just the specific supplemental coverage that includes:
- Medical Evacuation
- Repatriation of Remains
Please refer to the plans listed below and search specifically for supplemental coverage only, not full insurance plans. Again, this is only if you are salaried by UMBC. If you will not be salaried by UMBC, look for a plan that covers all the items listed in the table above (“Summary of J-1 Health Insurance Requirements”).
Purchasing Health Insurance
Here is a list of a few companies that provide policies specifically designed for those on J-1 programs.
- ISO Insurance
- Gateway USA
- IMG Global
- VISIT International Health Insurance
- International Student Insurance
If you are receiving health insurance from UMBC or another provider, it may not meet all of the J-1 insurance requirements detailed above. Many US-based health insurance plans designed for US employees do not include, for example, coverage for medical evacuation or repatriation of remains, both of which are required for J-1 Exchange Visitors. You can contact one of the providers above to inquire about supplemental coverage.
Understanding the US Healthcare System
Not sure how health insurance in the United States works? Watch this short video on the US Healthcare System.