J-1 Health Insurance Requirements
Why Insurance Is Required
Medical care in the United States is extremely expensive, with a single day of hospitalization costing thousands of dollars. Unlike many countries where government covers healthcare, patients in the U.S. must pay for treatment or have insurance. Hospitals and doctors often refuse to treat uninsured patients except in life-threatening emergencies.
Health insurance is mandatory for all J-1 participants. Your sponsor will terminate your program if you don't maintain coverage, regardless of how brief your visit.
How Health Insurance Works
When you buy insurance:
- Your premium (the money you pay) payments combine with others to create a pool that pays medical bills
- You receive an ID card to show healthcare providers
- The insurance company either pays providers directly or reimburses you after payment. They will instruct you on filing a claim.
- Coverage continues as long as you pay premiums
You must show proof of adequate insurance to the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Minimum Coverage Requirements
Medical Benefits
- Coverage limit: Minimum $50,000 for medical expenses
- Deductible: Maximum $500 per accident/illness (amount you pay before insurance kicks in)
- Co-insurance: Insurance must pay at least 75% of covered expenses after deductible
Additional Required Coverage
- Repatriation of remains: Minimum $7,500 to return your body to your home country if you die
- Medical evacuation: Up to $10,000 to transport you home if medically necessary
Insurance Company Standards
The insurance provider must meet one of these requirements:
- Backed by your home country's government, OR
- Meet minimum rating standards:
- A.M. Best rating: A- or above
- Insurance Solvency International (ISI): A- or above
- Standard & Poor's claims-paying ability: A- or above
- Weiss Research, Inc.: B+ or above
Important Notes
- Pre-existing conditions: Insurance may have a reasonable waiting period before covering health problems you had before purchasing
- Activity coverage: If specific activities are part of your exchange program, your insurance must cover related injuries
- Exclusions: Most policies exclude certain conditions, so review your policy carefully