Health Insurance Requirements

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 CFR § 62.14 Insurance.

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: Please make sure that Medical evacuation to the J Exchange Visitor’s home country and Repatriation of remains are included in your plan for the Exchange Visitor and their dependents.

 

Purchasing Health Insurance

If you need to purchase health insurance, here is a list of a few companies that provide policies specifically designed for those on J-1 programs.

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.