Get Acquainted with J1 Visa Health Insurance

Health insurance requirements for J1 and J2 visa holders are specified by the State Department. The sponsor and the J1 visa holder must ensure that the j1 visa health insurance they purchase meets the minimum requirement. 

There have been some changes to these requirements in recent years, the latest of which became effective on May 15, 2015. Make sure that the J1 visa medical insurance plan you purchase meets the updated J1 visa health insurance requirements (see table above). The new rule also requires sponsors to inform all exchange visitors that they, and any accompanying spouse and dependent(s), may also be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. 

Fill out the form above to get a quick quote and feel free to call us for any assistance in choosing a plan. If you are a J1 group sponsor looking for a group health insurance plan, please call us at 804 325-1385 to find an affordable comprehensive plan that meets the new J1 visa insurance requirements. 

Policy Limits for Medical (Hospitals & Doctors)

Choose from various options of $50,000; $100,000; $250,000 or $500,000 per injury or sickness. The US government requires at least $100,000 per injury sickness beginning 05/15/2105. 

Deductible

Options include $50, $90 and $100 per injury and sickness. The deductible is often waived or reduced for treatment at a Student Health Center

Direct Billing

Direct billing is possible via PPO networks. Plans are associated with different nation-wide networks of doctors and hospitals.

Evacuation Benefits

Evacuation coverage to take insured to the nearest medical facility varies with plan. $50,000 is the minimum needed to comply with requirements.

Repatriation

Coverage varies with plan. Most plans pay up to $25,000 for return of mortal remains or up to $5000 for local cremation/burial. 

Ratings

All plans are rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. This meets the State Department requirement

Review the New J1 and J2 Visa Health Insurance Requirements

Exchange visitors such as scholars, students and au pairs are required to have comprehensive health insurance for non-US citizens. Medical treatment can get extremely expensive in the U.S. When insured, the insurance plan takes care of the bills in the case of an unforeseen accident or sickness.  J1 visa health insurance plans cover the cost of doctor office visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, ambulance and diagnostic tests. 

As per the US government (22 CFR 62.14), the following minimum benefits should be in place:

• Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains of at least $7,500
• $10,000 in expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

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. 

Once purchased, J1 visa health insurance coverage can begin on the date one specifies, as early as the next day. No medical tests are required to apply for these plans. If the sponsoring organization requires a waiver form to be completed, this can be done after the purchase is completed. The J2 visa holders, including the spouse and children of the exchange visa holder, can also be covered. 

Study Smart with Exchange Scholar Visa Insurance

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience for students. It affords the opportunity to expand the mind and broaden the scope of experience. However, illness or injury can quickly turn a rewarding educational experience into an unpleasant ordeal. J1 visa health insurance is a smart investment and a required part of travel for students. Health insurance for exchange scholars and students is a requirement for the U.S. primary (J1) and dependent (J2) visas.

J2 and J1 visa health insurance benefits include: 

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness 
• Repatriation of remains of up to $25,000 
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country of up to $50,000 
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness 
• An M. Best rating of A- or above 

Because medical bills can be very costly, it is essential to purchase a J1 visa health insurance plan before your arrival in the United States to ensure your coverage is active. Administrators of exchange scholar/student insurance include Seven Corners, Tokyo Marine HCC, IMG, USI Affinity and Trawick International. These plans, underwritten by companies such as Lloyds, Sirius International, GBG Insurance Ltd and BCS Insurance Company, provide access to a wide variety of PPO networks. These PPO networks include United Health, First Health Network, Coventry PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare Network. 

How to Buy and Use Exchange Scholar Student Insurance

Before you purchase international student insurance, check with the respective country you plan to visit to obtain the insurance requirements for exchange students. Also, inquire with your school or sponsor as they may furnish travel insurance for students studying abroad. If you do need travel health insurance to satisfy visa requirements, compare the plans that are available for eligibility, benefits, exclusions, price, coverage amount, plan rating and policy cancellation terms. Check the conditions of your plan for specific details regarding the use of your insurance. Typically, most plans allow you to select from a PPO network. A claim will usually involve filling out a form, presenting medical reports and providing proof of medical history if needed.

The student health insurance plans are intended for: 

• J1 and J2 visa holders 
• Au pairs, interns and trainees 
• Government employees and cultural exchange participants 
• Individuals and groups participating in international student programs 
• International graduate students, scholars and educators 
• Dependents of international study program participants 

Some J1 visa health insurance plans include maternity coverage while others do not. Eligibility varies with each plan. More plans are available if it is the primary person (J1) seeking the coverage. However, if it is the dependent (J2) seeking the coverage, then more plans will be available if the quote includes the primary person. If the person needing coverage is already pregnant as of the effective date of the policy, no maternity coverage will be provided. J1 visa status does not require dental or vision coverage. The purchase of this coverage is at the discretion of the insured. 

J1 Visa Insurance Exclusions and Pre-existing Conditions

All exchange student insurance policies have exclusions to their respective plans. Be sure to research your J1 visa health insurance plan thoroughly to determine what is and what is not covered by your insurance plan. Some plans will cover pre-existing conditions after a reasonable waiting period. Most plans will not cover: 

• Preventative care 
• Eyecare 
• Foot care 
• Infertility and birth control 
• Sport-related injury 
• Injury or death from catastrophic events 
• Suicide 
• Cosmetic and experimental procedures 

Many reputable insurance companies cover students traveling abroad. Most provide coverage for medical emergencies and evacuations with optional coverage add-ons such as sports and legal assistance. Patriot Exchange is a reputed leader in the exchange scholar visa insurance market 

Patriot Exchange Insurance

Patriot Exchange is an ideal plan for students studying abroad or participants of cultural exchange programs. The purpose of the Patriot Exchange insurance program is to meet the U.S. J2 and J1 visa health insurance requirements for individuals and groups of five or more who are studying abroad or participating in cultural exchange programs. The plans are available in monthly increments with a variety of plan maximums and add-on options. The Patriot Exchange plan allows you to seek treatment with the doctor or hospital of your choice. The plan also offers PPO and provides an online International Provider Access (IPA) with over 17,000 providers. Deductibles of $100 and maximum limits ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 are available. Patriot Exchange does cover pre-existing conditions. Consult the plan brochure for further information and terms of coverage.

The Patriot Exchange program also offers optional sports and trip interruption riders.  IMG administers the plan and Sirius International, which maintains an A.M. Best rating of A, underwrites it. The policy’s online application accepts payment by check, credit card or wire. You can submit your completed form online, via mail, fax or email. Typically, coverage starts the next day. Your purchase will be confirmed immediately after purchase or within a few hours via email once IMG receives and approves your application and appropriate premium. The ideal time to purchase Patriot Exchange insurance is before your arrival in the U.S. to ensure coverage. 

There is a strong chance that you will never need your exchange student health insurance. However, remember it is a requirement for obtaining a J1 or J2 visa. Examine the many J1 visa health insurance plans for eligibility, coverage, exclusions and price. Choose wisely and enjoy your travel experience! 

J1 Visa Health Insurance Abuse

Every month, more than 170,000 people are working, studying, teaching and traveling in the United States on the J1 visa medical insurance program, according to the US Department of State. The J-category visa is for non-immigrant, work and study-based exchange visitor programs and, through the scheme, participants are encouraged to broaden their horizons and get involved in US life. But not everyone has a positive experience with the J1 visa program. In fact, several high-profile cases highlight incidences of exploitative labor, dangerous living and working conditions, and even human trafficking. 

Read More