Best 5 Exchange Visitor Medical Insurance for College and University Students in the US 

Getting on an exchange program in the US is a thrilling journey filled with academic exploration and cultural immersion. However, sudden medical expenses can quickly dampen your spirits. This guide highlights the top 5 exchange visitor medical insurance plans, helping you make an informed decision for a secure and worry-free experience. 

By comparing key features, coverage limits, and customer service, you can choose the plan that best aligns with your needs and budget. Remember, investing in comprehensive health insurance is crucial for a successful and enjoyable exchange program experience. 

Let us delve into the details of these top-rated plans. 

Table of Contents: 

• What are Exchange Visitor Insurance Plans?

• Top 5 Exchange Visitor Insurance Plans 

• FAQs 

• Conclusion 

What are Exchange Visitor Insurance Plans? 

Exchange Visitor Insurance plans are specifically designed for individuals participating in J-1 visa programs in the United States. These plans provide essential medical coverage to protect students, interns, and other exchange visitors from unforeseen medical expenses during their stay. These policies typically meet the minimum coverage requirements set by the US Department of State, ensuring compliance with visa regulations. 

Top 5 Exchange Visitor Insurance Plans 

Patriot Exchange 

Patriot Exchange, is a popular plan in the J visa community. The plan offers robust health insurance plans specifically designed for J-1 visa students and exchange visitors in the US. It covers hospitalization, doctor visits, emergency medical care, and other medical expenses, ensuring you are protected in case of unforeseen medical emergencies. The plan also includes coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation. The highlight of this policy is that it can be renewed up to 4 years and can cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period of 12 months of continuous coverage. Additionally, the plan includes coverage for AD&D, Dental as well as Substance abuse. However, it does not offer trip-related benefits. The plan is underwritten by SiriusPoint Ltd. and has an A.M. Best rating of A (excellent).  

Atlas America 

Atlas America is another plan which is popular  for exchange students offering medical and trip-related benefits to the policyholders. Besides coverage for eligible medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation, the plan offers additional benefits like treatment of complications of pregnancy for the first 26 weeks, acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing condition, AD&D, Trip Interruption, Lost Checked luggage, , and more. The plan is underwritten by Lloyds and has an A.M. Best rating of A(Excellent). 

Geo-Blue Study USA 

Geo-Blue Study USA is available for international students on J1, F1, and M1 visas under the age of 66 years. It meets J1 visa requirements by offering unlimited medical coverage, and includes benefits of $25,000 for repatriation of remains, $250,000 lifetime maximum for emergency evacuation, and a choice from $0-$5,000 as deductible options.

Student Secure 

This is an international student health plan designed specifically to meet the needs of international students and J1 scholars in the US. It offers  policy options  of $5,000,000 (Elite), $600,000 (Select), $500,000 (Budget), and $200,000 (Smart). J1 visa holders can comes with a deductible between $25 to $50 according to the level of coverage. It offers various levels of coverage from $50,000 to $500,000 for Emergency Medical Evacuation, and $25,000 (Budget and Smart) and $50,000 (Elite and Select) for Repatriation of Remains. 

Student Health Advantage 

This policy meets visa requirements for US scholars, students and cultural exchange programs and their dependents. The plan offers a maximum limit up to $500,000 for students and up to $100,000 for dependents. It offers a $250 deductible option for per injury and illness, a maximum limit of $500,000 for Emergency Medical Evacuation, and a maximum limit of $100,000 for Repatriation of Remains.Apart from eligible medical expenses, it covers prescription drugs and medications, mental or nervous/substance abuse, and emergency services like local ambulance, emergency reunion, interfacility ambulance transfer, traumatic dental injury, and more. 

FAQs 

1. What is the minimum coverage required for J-1 visa holders? 

The US Department of State has a set of minimum insurance requirements for the J1 and J2 visa holders. The sponsoring organization might also have its own additional insurance requirements for exchange students, scholars, and Au Pair. 

As per the US government (22 CFR 62.14), the following are the J1 visa insurance requirements: 

1. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness 
2. Repatriation of remains of at least $25,000 
3. Expenses of $50,000 associated with the medical evacuation of the visitor to their home country 
4. $500 maximum deductible allowed per illness or injury 
5. Plan to be underwritten by an insurance corporation with- 

• An A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above,  

• Or an Insurance Solvency International Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above,  

• Or a Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-” or above, 

• Or a Weiss Research Inc. rating of B+ or above. 

Check with your sponsoring organization (school, University, or work-exchange organization) for their additional requirements, if any. 

2. Can I use my home country’s health insurance in the US? 

Most home country health insurance plans offer limited or no coverage in the US. However, for J1 visa holders, it is mandatory to purchase a separate exchange visitor medical insurance plan that meets the US State Department guidelines. 

3. What if I need to extend my stay in the US? 

Contact your insurance provider to discuss options for extending your coverage. Some plans allow for extensions, while others might require purchasing a new policy. 

4. Does my insurance cover mental health services? 

Many plans include mental health coverage, but the extent of coverage varies. Review your plan details to understand the specific benefits available. 

5. Can I change my insurance plan during my exchange program? 

No. Once you buy a plan, you cannot change it. Depending on the plan you opt for, you can wait for the plan to expire or cancel it and buy a new plan before the start of the effective date or when the policy is active. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right exchange visitor medical insurance plan is vital for a worry-free experience in the US. By carefully comparing options and considering coverage limits, deductibles, and additional benefits, you can select a plan that aligns with your specific needs and budget. 

For more queries and concerns, do not hesitate to contact Visitor Guard®.