The J visa is a nonimmigrant visitor visa for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs in the United States including au pairs, camp counselors, interns, specialists, students, teachers, summer work travel, and more. The J1 visa is for the exchange visitor and the J2 visa is for the spouses and dependents of the J1 visa holder.
What are the J Visa Health Insurance Requirements?
It is required by federal law (Title 22 Section 62.14) that J visa holders carry health insurance for the entire duration of their lawful stay in the United States. This is true for both J1 visa holders and J2 visa holders. This medical insurance must meet certain benefit levels. Failure to carry this required health insurance could lead to the termination of your program, ending your J visa status.
The J1 visa medical insurance requirements are as follows:
- Medical benefits coverage of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains coverage of $25,000
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage of $50,000
- Deductible should not exceed $500 per accident or illness
Additionally, the J1 visa health insurance plan must be underwritten by an insurance company that meets the following requirements:
- Meet one of these ratings:
- Have an A.M. Best Rating of “A-” or above
- McGaw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor’s Claims-paying Ability rating of “A-” or above
- Weiss Research Inc. rating of “B+” or above
- Fitch Ratings Inc rating of “A-” or above
- Moody’s Investor Services rating of “A3” or above; OR
- Be backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country; OR
- Be part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor; OR
- Be offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It is the responsibility of the J visa sponsor to ensure that participants have the proper health insurance that meets the federal requirements. There may also be other specific requirements based on your program, so it is important to check with your sponsor regarding any additional insurance requirements you may need.
What Will J1 Visa Health Insurance Cover?
Having health insurance during your stay in the United States is a must, not just because of federal requirements, but because of the exorbitant costs of medical care in the U.S. One hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars without coverage. When choosing a J1 visa insurance plan, you have options! You can choose the insurance plan that offers the coverage you need.
In general, a J1 visa health insurance plan will cover eligible medical costs associated with new illnesses or accidents. There are also typically other benefits, such as Emergency Medical Evacuation or Repatriation for Medical Treatment. Let’s take a deeper dive into what some of these medical terms mean so that you can be better informed when deciding on a J1 visa health insurance plan.
J1 Visa Health Insurance Terms Explained
Here are some of the common terms you might see when purchasing a J1 visa insurance plan and what they mean:
Deductible – The deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance will cover you. For example, if your hospital bill is $3,000, and your deductible is $1,000, you pay $1,000 out of pocket and your insurance will cover a specified percentage of eligible expenses of the remaining balance.
PPO Network – A PPO network is a group of your insurance’s approved providers. Typically, you will have more coverage if you visit a doctor or hospital that is within your insurance’s PPO network.
Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage – The acute onset of a pre-existing condition refers to a condition that you have been treated for in the past but don’t currently suffer from that comes back unexpectedly and suddenly. Treatment for this may be covered.
Emergency Medical Evacuation – The Emergency Medical Evacuation benefit covers the transportation costs of an emergency medical evacuation situation in which you require emergency transportation to a hospital, such as an airlift.
Repatriation for Medical Treatment – The Repatriation for Medical Treatment benefit covers your transportation and arrangements if you have to be transported back to your home country urgently for medical care if it is reasonable that treatment will be better for you there rather than in the U.S.
Urgent Care Visits – An urgent care center is a walk-in treatment clinic for any urgent illnesses or injuries that don’t require hospital visits. It is for same-day visits for non-emergencies and typically have shorter wait times than hospitals.
Emergency Room Services – Emergency room visits are for illnesses or injuries that are considered emergencies and need immediate care.
Emergency Dental Coverage – Emergency dental coverage is for unexpected dental emergencies that may occur including tooth injuries, sudden painful dental issues, and broken teeth.
Pre-Existing Conditions – Pre-existing conditions are health conditions that existed prior to or at the time of applying for travel medical insurance.
Outpatient Treatments – Outpatient treatments coverage typically covers doctor visits that don’t require hospital visits.
Maternity Care for Covered Pregnancies – This benefit will cover maternity care and pregnancy if conception was after the policy effective date.
Mental Health Disorders – The mental health disorders benefit can cover the treatment of certain defined mental, emotional, or nervous illnesses.
Sports & Activities – This benefit offers coverage of injuries that occur during non-high-risk activities that are considered recreational or leisurely after the policy start date.
With this information, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a J1 visa health insurance plan by picking one that has the benefits you desire.
Best Health Insurance for J1 Visa
The following J1 visa insurance plans are highly recommended and meet the J visa health insurance requirements.
Patriot Exchange
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Patriot Exchange is designed for international travelers on a J1/J2, M, F, or A visa with coverage for a minimum of 30 days up to 48 months. It is also extendable for 48 months. This plan is perfect for students, scholars studying abroad, or participants of cultural exchange programs. This plan satisfies the U.S. J1 and J2 visa insurance requirements.
Plan Highlights
- After the deductible, plan pays 90% of eligible medical expenses up to $1,000 per incident, then 100% thereafter within the United Healthcare PPO network; Outside the PPO network, plan pays 80% of eligible medical expense up to the policy maximum
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Repatriation for Medical Treatment
- Urgent Care Visits
- Emergency Room Services
- Emergency Dental Coverage
- Prescriptions/Medication
Student Secure – Elite
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Student Secure – Elite is for students, scholars, or exchange program participants who are residing in the U.S. for the purpose of international educational activities including M, F, J, and OPT visa holders. In addition to meeting the J visa health insurance requirements, this plan offers other essential benefits such as mental health disorder coverage and coverage for sports and activities injuries.
Plan Highlights
- After the deductible, plan pays 100% of eligible medical expenses within the United Healthcare PPO network; outside the PPO network, plan pays URC of eligible medical expense up policy maximum
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
- Pre-Existing Condition: 6-month waiting period
- Outpatient Treatments
- Maternity Care for Covered Pregnancies
- Mental Health Disorders
- Sports & Activities
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
Student Secure – Select
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
The Student Secure – Select insurance plan is available for M, J, F, and OPT visa holders who are residing in the U.S. for educational purposes. This plan meets the J visa health insurance requirements and also offers additional benefits such as maternity care coverage and outpatient treatment.
Plan Highlights
- After the deductible, plan pays 80% of the first $5,000 then 100% of eligible medical expenses within the United Healthcare PPO network; outside the PPO network, plan pays URC of eligible medical expense up policy maximum
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
- Pre-Existing Condition: 6-month waiting period
- Outpatient Treatments
- Maternity Care for Covered Pregnancies
- Mental Health Disorders
- Sports & Activities
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
Where to Buy J1 Visa Health Insurance
J visa insurance can easily be purchased online through providers such as VisitorsCoverage. When purchasing your plan, make sure that it meets all the federal requirements listed above. You may also want to double check any additional requirements with your sponsor before deciding on a plan. Having proper health insurance with a J visa is necessary, so be sure to secure a plan well in advance of your move to the U.S.
