Health Insurance for 
J1 Visa Exchange Participants

If you are planning to come to the United States on a J1 visa, you are required to obtain health insurance that meets specific requirements set by U.S. government regulations. The U.S. does not have universal healthcare, so you need to have health insurance that covers day-to-day health needs, like minor illnesses and prescription drugs, and emergencies requiring more intensive medical care.

Your sponsoring organization may select a health insurance plan you are required to purchase.  If not, you will be responsible for finding and purchasing adequate coverage. Your program sponsor must show the U.S. Department of State that you have an insurance policy that meets health insurance requirements before leaving your home country.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the J1 visa, J1 visa health insurance, and how to purchase coverage on your own so you can find the best plan to fit your needs.

1. What is a J1 visa?

The J1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, and a common visa for international scholars, short-term workers, exchange visitors, and exchange students. To be approved for a J1 visa, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as English language proficiency, and have a sponsoring organization (such as a university, private organization, or government entity).

The U.S. government introduced the J1 Exchange Program in 1961 to help build relationships with other countries by providing visitors training and educational opportunities. The main goal is for J visa holders to return with their new skills to help advance their home country. So with any exchange visitor program, there are certain rules you need to follow.

With any exchange visitor program, there are certain rules that must be followed. One of the most common J visa rules, is the two-year home country physical presence requirement.

According to the U.S. Department of State, exchange visitors must return home if they are part of one of the following:

• U.S. government-funded program: If the U.S. is fully, partly, or indirectly paying for thier education or training.
• Graduate medical education or training: If they’re receiving medical education or training in the U.S.
• Specialized knowledge or skill: If their home country’s government lists their specialized knowledge or skill in its specialized skill list.

If you have a two-year home-country requirement, you must return home for at least two years before you can do things like, work on an H-1B visa, apply for a U.S. green card, receive an immigrant visa from your home country’s U.S. embassy, or even receive a fiancé visa.

There are some exceptions to the two-year rule if you are unable to return to your home country, and an application process to follow.

Common J visa exchange visitors include:

• Au pairs
• Camp counselors
• Interns
• Physicians
• Professors and research scholars
• College/university students
• Summer workers
• Teachers
• Trainees

Additionally, in order to be approved for a J1 visa, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as English language proficiency and have a sponsoring organization, such as a university, private organization, or government entity.

2. Why do J1 students need health insurance coverage?

The U.S. Department of State requires J visa exchange visitors and their dependents to have health insurance while they’re in the United States. This requirement ensures that, in the event of an accident or sickness, everyone can receive medical care without being burdened with monumental costs. Failure to maintain adequate insurance coverage can result in serious trouble for J visa exchange visitors, including the potential to lose their legal status in the U.S. and be terminated from the exchange program.

3. What are the J1 health insurance requirements?

According to the U.S. State Department, exchange visitors, as well as their dependents, must be enrolled in a health insurance plan with the following minimum coverage:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with medical evacuation to their home country in the amount of $50,000
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

If your program sponsor does not select a group plan for you to purchase, you will need to find and purchase an insurance plan that’s underwritten by an insurance company with one of the following:

• Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above
• An A.M. Best rating of “A-” 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
  4. Where can I buy J1 visa health insurance?

Before purchasing J1 visa health insurance, check with your sponsoring organization to see if they have selected a plan that you must purchase. If they have not, you need to find an insurance provider, such as Lewerglobal, that offers J1 visa health insurance plans that meet the State Department’s requirements. Once you purchase J1 visa health insurance, you will need to provide proof to your program sponsor.

It’s important to note that if you or your spouse will be working while you’re in the United States, you may be able to obtain adequate health insurance coverage through that employer. This is common for those working at U.S. colleges or universities, so be sure to check your employment details before purchasing coverage.

5. Are my family members covered with J1 health insurance?

Family members, such as children under 21 years old and spouses who plan to accompany J1 visa holders to the U.S., will receive J2 visas. The U.S. Department of State also requires J2 visa holders to meet the same health insurance requirements as J1 visa holders. If your program sponsor or employer is providing you with a group insurance plan, your J2 dependents may also be eligible for coverage under that plan.

Lewerglobal J1 Visa Health Insurance

Lewerglobal offers J1 visa health insurance coverage that meets U.S. State Department requirements. Lewerglobal plans are designed to cover medical expenses for everyday care, as well as various kinds of emergencies. They also cover medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. To start reviewing our plans and to contact our team with any questions, please visit our J1 exchange visitor page.