J1 Visa Insurance Plans
International scholars and exchange students visiting the US for a short duration are typically on a J1 Visa. Here you will learn more about the visa, its federal insurance requirements and appropriate health insurance options.
What is a J1 Visa?
A J1 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 receiving training, demonstrate special skills, study or even teach throughout the US – all opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable in their home country.
J1 Visa Insurance Requirements
As part of the J1 visa requirements, you (and any family members traveling with you) 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 J1 visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
More information on J1 health insurance requirements
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 insurance plan.
J1 Insurance Options
We have a variety of options available to you and your dependents that will meet and exceed the minimum J1 health insurance requirements. Check out our Student Health and Travel Medical plan options — both offer excellent coverage at affordable prices.
If you are a J1 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.