Are you a student planning to come to the United States on a J1 Visa? If so, this blog walks you through the health insurance requirements for J1 Visa holders.
The J1 Exchange Visitor Visa is a special visa program designed by the United States for overseas students to study abroad. It also promotes cultural exchange and allows students to experience American life in return. Please read this blog further to learn about J-1 Visa Health Insurance and the important considerations when buying J-1 Student Visa Insurance.
Exchange Visitor J1 Insurance
J-1 Visa Health Insurance is student health insurance for J1 Visa Holders and J2 Visa Holders who enter the US visa exchange programs or come to work in roles such as au pair, educator, Camp Counselor, Government Visitor, Trainee, Short-term scholars, Research Scholars, etc.
J1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements
There are specific insurance requirements from the US Dept of State for J1 Visa holders to meet.
- Medical Benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of Remains for $25,000
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country for $50,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
The insurance policy must be written by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best Rating of “A-“ or above, an Insurance Solvency International Ltd. (ISI) Rating of “A-I” or above, a Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-“ or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above. The policy must be backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country.
You can visit the US Dept of State for more information on the requirements.
What does J1 Visa Insurance Cover?
The J-1 Visa health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses and emergencies for the duration of the J-1 visa. Some aspects covered by the J1 Student Visa Insurance are–
- Prescription Medication to get you treated as per doctor’s instructions
- Preventive care, such as routine checkups, vaccinations and other screenings.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation services to transport you to a nearby facility with specialist treatment.
- Repatriation of Mortal Remains
J1 Visa holders must maintain sufficient health insurance coverage during their stay in the US. Failure to comply can result in the termination of their J1 Visa Status.
J1 Visa Insurance Benefits
Besides the mandatory requirements, here are some additional benefits of possessing student health insurance for J1 visa holders.
- Financial Protection against some of the highest healthcare costs in the world.
- Assistance in urgent and emergency situations, such as evacuation, medical referrals, translations, and contact with family.
- Some plans offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions should you experience a sudden or unexpected outbreak. Maximum coverage limits vary by age.
- You and your family can have peace of mind knowing you are protected and have access to the best healthcare services.
*Check with your agent to understand what is included and excluded from your policy.
Is insurance required for J1 Student Visas?
Yes. J-1 Visa Holders must maintain adequate insurance coverage that meets the specific criteria and complies with U.S. Department of State laws. The insurance is also required to protect them in unforeseen medical emergencies.
J1 Visa Health Insurance Cost
There is no one price that fits all when it comes to calculating the cost of J1 Visa Health Insurance. The cost is determined based on a number of factors, such as age, duration, deductibles, policy maximum amount, and more. Consult our agent to help find suitable J1 student visa insurance at a reasonable cost.
Best J1 Visa Health Insurance Plans
J1 Visa Holders can choose between fixed and comprehensive coverage plans. Fixed plans offer essential and limited benefits, whereas comprehensive plans offer broader access to medical facilities and doctors. Here are some of our top recommended health insurance plans for J1 Visa Holders.
For fixed coverage, we recommend Visit USA Healthcare Budget.
For comprehensive coverage plans, we recommend –
- Atlas America,
- Patriot Platinum America,
- Visit USA HealthCare – Standard,
- Visit USA Healthcare- Superior.
What are the important considerations when looking to buy J1 Visa Insurance?
- Compliance with the U.S. Department of State Regulations
- Policy Maximum
- Exclusions and Limitations
- Premiums
- Deductibles
- Access to Providers
- Emergency Services
- Support
- Availability of Renewal Option
Choose J1 Visa Insurance with VisitorPLANS
VisitorPLANS is one of the largest visitor insurance agencies in the United States, offering quality services to individuals, families, and businesses worldwide. With some of the lowest premiums and superior customer service, you are bound to be in safe hands, always protected under their safe insurance umbrella.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum health insurance coverage required for J-1 visa holders?
The US Department of State requires that J-1 visa holders and their accompanying dependents hold primary insurance, medical evacuation, and repatriation insurance for the duration of the J Exchange Visitor program. Check out the details of the requirements for your insurance here.
Does J1 visa insurance cover dependents?
The J1 Visa Insurance requirements state that every J1/J2 visa holder or dependent must be covered by health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Can I purchase coverage in my home country?
Most domestic policies offer limited to no coverage. We highly recommend the purchase of an insurance policy curated for J1 Visa holders to avoid unnecessary expenses.
How long does it take to get medical insurance for J1 visa holders?
Your insurance documents are sent to your email within minutes of completing the online application.
Can I purchase health insurance with my credit card for my friend visiting the U.S. on a J1 visa?
Yes. You can use your credit card to purchase health insurance for friends or family visiting the US on a J1 Visa.
Does J-1 visa health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Most J-1 Visa Health Insurance covers the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Contact our agents to understand more details about coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Is maternity covered for J1 or J2 insurance plans?
Some plans have limited coverage for complications arising during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy. Be sure to read your policy’s terms and conditions, as most J1 and J2 insurance plans do not offer coverage for maternity.
Does J-1 visa health insurance cover emergency medical evacuation and repatriation?
Yes. J1 Visa Health Insurance offers coverage with a maximum limit towards emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
Can I extend my J1 coverage?
Yes. You can renew most plans online. Check the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure you have the option for online renewal.
What is the process for extending J-1 visa health insurance coverage?
The process is as simple as logging into your account to renew online. You can also call our insurance agent or the carrier to get help with the renewal. Ensure you renew your plan before the policy’s expiration date.
What happens if I fail to maintain health insurance coverage during my J-1 visa stay?
You are required to maintain health insurance coverage on a J-1 Visa. Failure to maintain insurance can result in the termination of your program.
