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Health Insurance Coverge Requirements
U.S. Government regulations governing the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa status require all exchange visitors to have health insurance coverage. This coverage must be in effect during the period of the exchange program in the US, and must meet the minimum requirements.
Insurance in the United States is primarily a private industry with a variety of options for coverage and cost. The U.S. Department Of State has established minimum requirements for insurance that are designed to protect the exchange visitors and their families. Insurance Requirements (from 22 CFR 62.14) follow:
A. Sponsors shall require each exchange visitors to have insurance in effect which covers the exchange visitor for sickness or accident during the period of time that an exchange visitor participates in the sponsor's exchange visitor program. Minimum coverage shall provide:
(1) Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness;
(2) Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500;
(3) Expenses associated with medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000; and
(4) A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
B. An insurance policy secured to fulfill the requirements of this section:
(1) May require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions which is reasonable as determined by current industry standards;
(2) May include provision for co-insurance under the terms of which the exchange visitor may be required to pay up to 25 percent of the covered benefits per accident or illness;
C. Policy must be underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of "A- or above" or have; an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-" or above; a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above. It is your responsibility to confirm with the insurance company that they meet these criteria.