J1 visa health insurance requirements
Benefits Current 62.14 Reg
Medical Benefits $100,000
Repatriation of remains $25,000
Medical evacuation $50,000
Deductible per accident or illness $500 or less

New J1 visa health insurance requirements

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 health insurance they purchase meets the minimum requirement.

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

Get a quote above and feel free to call us for any assistance to choose 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 for that meets the new J1 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

Patriot Exchange Group Sample Premium

$51 per month

for a 24 year old with $100,000 plan maximum

  • Ideal for groups of 2 or more on the J Visa
  • Policy Maximum choice of $50K, $250K, $500K per injury or sickness
  • $100 deductible per injury or sickness
  • No Coinsurance
  • Student Health Center $5 co-pay per visit
  • Pre-existing conditions coverage available to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens (limited to $500 a year with $50,000 lifetime maximum after 12 months of continuous enrollment)
  • Meet J1 J2 visa insurance requirements
  • Optional Adventure sports rider
  • Optional Chaperone trip interruption rider

Meet J1 J2 visa insurance requirements

Exchange visitors, such as scholars, students and au pairs are required to have comprehensive health insurance. Medical treatment can get extremely expensive in the U.S. When insured, the insurance plan takes care of the bills when an unforeseen accident or sickness occurs.  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 in the amount of $7,500
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000
  • 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.

Coverage can be purchased to 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 purchase is completed. The J2 visa holders, including the spouse, and children of the exchange visa holder can also be covered.

J1 Visa Abuse

Every month more than 170,000 people are working, studying, teaching and traveling in the United States on the J1 visa 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. In fact, several high-profile cases highlight incidences of exploitative labor, dangerous living and working conditions, and even human trafficking connected with the program.

Read More

Patriot Exchange Insurance Plan

The plan meets the J visa insurance requirements. It provides benefits for evacuation, repatriation and medical expenses. The plan is available for J1 as well as J2 visa holders.

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