J1 Visa Insurance
Medical Insurance for USA J-1/J-2 Visa
Insurance for J1 Exchange Visa Holders & J2 Dependents
J1 Visa Insurance or J1 Visa Health Insurance is a mandatory requirements by the U.S. Department of State. Exchange visitors, scholars, au-pairs, trainees, summer interns, post graduate research students and all other J visa insurance holders (form DS-2019 issued by the U.S. Department of State) are required to have valid J1 visa health insurance in order to keep their J visa valid per the J1 visa insurance requirements. J1/J2 visa medical insurance plan benefits include coverage for medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation.
J1/J2 Visa Insurance Plans
Quote, compare plan benefits, review coverage features, apply and buy a J1-visa insurance plan online that meets the coverage requirements for both J1 or J2 visa holders. Remember, to meet the J-1 visa insurance requirements, as discussed below, select a medical maximum of at least USD$100K and a deductible no greater than USD$500. Also, the student plans listed below typically have full-time student enrollment requirements, so these may not apply to you, if you are not going to be enrolled as a full-time student.
J1 Visa Student Plans
- Student Health Advantage COVID-19
- Student Secure Insurance COVID-19
- Study USA Insurance COVID-19
- GeoBlue Navigator Student
J1 Visa Health Plans
- Atlas America Insurance COVID-19
- Patriot Exchange Insurance COVID-19
J1 Visa Health Insurance
Having proof of J1 Visa Insurance coverage is a mandatory requirement by the US Department of State for all J-2 and J-I visa holders in the United States. Exchange visitors, scholars, au-pairs, trainees, summer interns, post graduate research students and all other J-1 visa participants, and their J-2 visa dependents, entering the USA using the form DS-2019 issued by the U.S. Department of State, need to review and purchase a health plan that meets the J1 Visa Insurance requirements.
The premium cost paid to purchase a J-1 Visa Health Insurance plan is based on several factors such as the age of insured person, policy duration, plan maximum amount, deductible, co-insurance (if any), and other included benefits for dental, mental health, hazardous sports, pre-existing conditions, and maternity.
J1 Visa Insurance Requirements
The U.S. Department of State requires all exchange visitors in J-1 visa (non-immigrant status) and their J-2 dependents to purchase comprehensive sickness and accident insurance for the entire J-1 exchange visitor program duration in the United States. To meet these J1 visa insurance requirements (22 CFR 62.14, updated May 15, 2015 and current as of 2021), J1 visa insurance plans must meet the following minimum standards for accident and sickness coverage:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains coverage of at least $25,000
- Medical evacuation coverage to home country of at least $50,000
- Maximum deductible of $500 per accident or illness
- The insurance policy must also be underwritten by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, a McGraw/Hill Financial Standard/Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-“or above, “A-“ or above rating by Fitch Ratings, Inc., ‘‘A3’’ rating or above by Moody’s Investor Services, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above.
Student Health Advantage
Plan for Travel to USA or Intl. COVID-19
Long-term coverage available from one month up to five years for full-time students enrolled in educational programs outside home country.
- Platinum or Standard options
- For full-time intl. students & dependents
- Students or scholars in sponsored program
- Standard (to $500K) and Platinum ($1 mill.)
- Custom payment plan, Renew 48 months
- Freedom to seek treatment w/any provider
- Meets US F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2 visa
- Maternity/newborn care and mental health
- Organized sports & pre-existing conditions
- Access to Student Health Center
Student Secure
Healthcare for Visitors to USA COVID-19
Worldwide health coverage designed for students pursuing full-time education at any institution abroad.
- For full-time intl. students & dependants
- 4 levels: Elite, Select, Budget, Smart
- Custom payment plan for flexible option
- Renew coverage up to 48 months
- Freedom to seek treatment w/any provider
- Meets US F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2 visa
- Maternity/newborn care and mental health
- Access to Student Health Center
Patriot Exchange Program
Exchange Visitors to USA or other Nations COVID-19
Insurance coverage for participants of educational and cultural exchange visitor programs in the USA.
- U.S. J1/J2 visa exchange visitors
- Cultural exchange programs participant
- For students studying abroad
- Coverage for sickness/injury included
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of mortal remains
- Local burial or cremation covered
- Maximum choice of $1 million
- Deductible options from $0 to $500
- Meets US J-1 visa requirements
Study USA Insurance
Healthcare for Students to USA COVID-19
Older healthcare plan for international students studying in USA or also outside America and their home country, comprehensive and fixed options, not renewable.
- 14 days to 99 years, visiting USA
- Superior, Standard, & Budget
- Superior comprehensive, higher
- Standard comprehensive also
- Comprehensive, 100% to max.
- Wide PPO w/ comprehensive
- Basic pays fixed amounts only
- No PPO with Basic option
- Benefit period 12 months
- All options not renewable
GeoBlue Navigator Student
Health Insurance for Students Studying Abroad
Worldwide medical coverage designed for international students and faculty members pursuing education abroad.
- Coverage for international students and faculty.
- Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum.
- Select from a range of deductibles and rates.
- Deductible waived for office visits with doctors.
- Choose providers either in or out of elite network.
- Contraceptive services, surgeries and supplies covered.
- No waiting period or sub-limit for preventive services.
- Pre-existing conditions covered with creditable coverage.
- Illnesses and injuries related to terrorism are covered.
- Meets requirements for J1 Visa and compliant.
- Offers Phone, Web, Mobile, Telemedicine support.
Atlas America
Popular Plan for USA Visitors COVID-19
Popular plan includes acute-onset of pre-existing condition coverage for ages below 80 years. For ages 65-79 years, maximum coverage limited to $50K or $100K USD.
- Relatives & parents visiting USA
- Single-trip tourist in America
- From 5 days up to max. of 364
- Pre-existing (Acute onset only)
- Instant quote & buy now
- ID cards/coverage proof letter
- Renewable & cancellable
- Wide PPO, coinsurance savings
- Max. amounts, $50K to $2 Million
- Deductible choices, $0 to $5000
Patriot America Plus
Top Plan for Visitors to the USA COVID-19
Excellent policy for visitors to USA, has sudden relapse with acute-onset pre-existing condition benefits for ages below 70 years.
- Foreign nationals visiting USA
- Parents & relatives visiting USA
- Single-trip tourist in America
- Renewable & cancellable
- Buy from 5 days to 1 year
- Renew up to 24 months total
- Acute onset of pre-existing
- Quote & buy instantly online
- Insurance ID cards/visa letter
- Maximum: $50K to $1 Million
- Deductible: $0 to $2500
Patriot Platinum
Best Plan for Travel to USA or Intl. COVID-19
Best comprehensive plan for visitors to USA or other nations, includes higher max. limits and liability coverage also.
- For individuals, families, groups
- Enhanced features, maximums
- Pre-existing (acute onset)
- Buy for minimum. 5 days
- Get instant ID cards & visa proof
- Renew active policy, or cancel
- Renew policy to 36 months
- Maximum up to $8 million
- Age 80+ years get $20K max.
- High deductible, $0 to $25K
Atlas Premium
Best Plan for Travel to USA or Intl. COVID-19
High-end comprehensive plan for visiting USA or intl. travel, see any doctor as no coinsurance to meet, liability coverage benefits, higher maximum limits for 80+ age w/ 20K max.
- Business travelers visiting USA
- Age 80+ visitors, gets $20K max.
- Higher liability, better features
- No coinsurance outside PPO
- Pre-conditions (acute onset)
- Buy up to 1 year, min. 5 days
- Instant ID cards & visa letter
- Renew active, cancel anytime
- Max. from $50K to $2 Million
- Deductible from $0 to $5000
Diplomat America
Top Visitor Health Insurance USA COVID-19
Excellent policy for visitors to USA, has sudden relapse with acute-onset pre-existing condition benefits for ages below 70 years.
- Foreign nationals visiting USA
- Suitable for visitors to America
- Single trip sickness/injury plan
- 15 days minimum, max. of 1 year
- Not renewable, buy exact dates
- Acute-onset of pre-conditions
- No PPO, any doctor/hospital
- Quote & purchase for single trip
- Member max.: $50K to $1 million
- Choose deductible: $0 to $2,500
- AD&D benefit: $25K to $1 million
- Child alone purchase allowed
- Optional adventure sports rider
Diplomat Long Term
Best Coverage Outside Home Country COVID-19
Best comprehensive plan for visitors to USA or other nations, higher max. limits, liability coverage.
- Visitor to USA & outside US
- Long term intl. travel medical
- Minimum 3 months purchase
- Renew/extend policy to 3 years
- Cancel for refund prior to start
- Maximum up to $1,000,000 USD
- Ages 70-79 yrs. $100K USD max.
- Ages 80+ years $20K USD max.
- Deductible: $0 to $5000 USD
- Athletic Sports Activity Rider
- Add-on War Risk rider to policy
- Home Country Cover on return
- Expat US citizens visiting USA
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
Plan for Travel to USA or Intl. COVID-19
Comprehensive plan for visiting USA or intl. travel, acute-onset pre-ex condition covered, for up to age 89 and 364 days max duration.
- Foreign nationals visiting USA
- Available up to age of 89 years
- From $50K to $1 million USD
- Emergency & hospitalization
- Buy duration from 5 to 364 days
- Renew up to 2 years (24 months)
- Primary Insurance (not Gap)
- Wide First Health PPO Network
- Acute Onset of Pre-Conditions
- $75 Doctor Wellness Visit Benefit
- Telemedicine option covered
- Athletic sports, Home Return
- Covered en-route during travel
Safe Travels USA Cost Saver
Budget Travel to USA or Intl. COVID-19
Comprehensive budget primary policy for up to age 89 years, covers unexpected recurrence of pre-ex condition up to USD1000, max duration of 1 year, renew up to 24 months.
- Visiting the USA or worldwide
- $50K up to $1 million USD Max.
- Primary emergency medical
- Purchase for 5 days to 364 days
- Renew up to 2 years (24 months)
- Unexpected recurrence, $1,000
- Wide PPO Network (First Health)
- Wellness Visit (Doctor $75)
- Telemedicine consultation
- Return to Home, Athletic sports
- Covered during travel to USA
Travel Medical Choice – USA
Popular Plan for Visiting USA COVID-19
Popular comprehensive plan for non-US citizens/residents visiting the USA and traveling elsewhere outside home country.
- Non-U.S. citizens visiting USA
- Traveling outside home country
- Age: 14 days to 80+ years old
- Comprehensive, US$1M max.
- Deductible: $0 to $5,000 USD
- US$100K COVID-19 test/treat
- Wide UnitedHealthCare PPO
- Save coinsurance in PPO
- AD&D up to US$25K
- Medical Evacuation & Reunion
- Renew to extend up to 1 year
Patriot America
Plan for Travel to USA or Intl.
Value plan w/ no pre-existing benefits included, suits healthy parents ages 70-79 years w/ maximum coverage limited to $50K USD.
- Cheap comprehensive plan USA
- No acute-onset pre-ex cover
- Medical evacuation/repatriation
- Maximum choices $50K to $1M
- Deductible from $0 to $2,500
- Buy from 5 days, renew 2 years
- Renew before expiration date
- Cancel prior to start for refund
- Easy quote, apply & purchase
- ID cards/visa letter/proof sent
Visit USA Insurance
Healthcare for Visitors to USA COVID-19
Older healthcare plan for visitors or tourists to America, comprehensive and fixed options, not renewable.
- 14 days to 99 years, visiting USA
- Superior, Standard, & Budget
- Superior comprehensive, higher
- Standard comprehensive also
- Comprehensive, 100% to max.
- Wide PPO w/ comprehensive
- Basic pays fixed amounts only
- No PPO with Basic option
- Benefit period 12 months
- All options not renewable
Travel Medical Basic – USA
Reliable and economical plan for USA COVID-19
Reliable and economical comprehensive plan for non-US citizens/residents visiting the USA and traveling elsewhere outside home country.
- Non-U.S. citizens visiting USA
- Traveling outside home country
- Comprehensive budget plan
- Maximum: US$50K to US$1M
- Deductible: US$0 to US$5,000
- Duration: 5 days to 364 days
- Over 70 years, $50K or $100K
- 80+ gets $10,000 max.
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing
- Renew policy up to 1 year
J-1 Visa Insurance Overview
The U.S. Department of State requires all exchange visitors in J-1 visa non-immigrant status, and their J-2 visa dependents to purchase comprehensive sickness and accident insurance for the entire duration of their J-1 exchange visitor program in the United States. J-1 Visa holders entering USA are required to have valid J1 visa health insurance coverage in order to maintain a valid J visa status per the J1 visa insurance requirements. There are many benefits included in J1 visa insurance plans such as coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation also.
Many US government-approved sponsors offer diverse programs across below 15 categories suited for J1 visa holders. Each of these categories has different rules, with some J-1 visa types allowing the dependant spouse and minor children of J-1 visa holders also to travel to the U.S. with J-2 visas. You can find more information about the program categories and their respective requirements on the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program website.
- College/university Student
- Physician/Medical Doctor
- Trainee
- Teacher
- Short-term scholar
- Intern
- College/University Professor
- Secondary School Student
- Au pair Childcare provider
- Government sponsored visitor
- International travel for summer work
- Camp counselor
- Research scholar
- Short-term scholar
- Specialist
J1/J2 Exchange Visitor Visa Insurance Features
A J-1 visa is a type of non-immigrant U.S. visa that was first established in 1961 with the passage of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act. The primary goal was to encourage the development of relationships between the U.S. and other nations. The plan was originally administered by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA), however the program is now run by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Participants in the J-1 exchange visitor program can travel to the U.S. for the duration of their programs.
J1/J2 Visa Insurance Features include:
- Medical Expenses for Injury or Sickness
- Sudden Dental Pain Expenses
- Prescription Drugs and Medication Costs
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Repatriation of Mortal Remains
- Emergency Medical Reunion
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
- Flight Accident or Common Carrier Accidental Coverage
- Return to Home Country coverage
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
J1 Visa Insurance FAQs
Commonly asked question on the J-1 visa Insurance plans for J-1 visa holders and their dependents on J-2 visa in the US.
What are the mandatory J-1 Visa Health Insurance requirements?
Max. Coverage Amount and Deducible to meet J1 visa requirements
When purchasing any of the above listed J1 visa insurance plans, ensure that you select the right amounts of coverage and deductible options to be complaint with the J1/J2 visa insurance requirements. To meet J1 visa requirements, please remember to select a policy:
- with max. coverage amount of $100,000 USD or higher maximum coverage amount ,and
- with a deductible of $500 USD or lower.
What are some of J-1 Visa Health Insurance exclusions?
Refer to the plan Description of Coverage document
Most J1 visa health insurance plans have exclusions that are listed in the plan sample document. Some of the common exclusions are preventative care, infertility and birth control, vision testing and eyecare, podiatry or foot care, cosmetic surgery and experimental procedures, suicide and more.
What is the J-1/J-2 Visa and who needs a J1 Visa Health Insurance?
J1/J2 Visa Holders in USA require the Mandatory coverage
A J1 visa is a type of non-immigrant visa which is overseen by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). The DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor J-1 Status) is mandatory in order to apply for a J-1 visa and J-2 visa for dependents. Exchange visa visitors to the USA who participate in the J1 exchange visitor program can travel to the U.S. for the duration of their cultural exchange or scholarly research/training in the United States.. Many US government approved sponsors offer programs across different categories such as Trainee, Teacher, International travel for summer work, Specialist, Short-term scholar, Secondary, School student, Research scholar, Professor, Physician, International visitor, Intern, Government visitor, College and university international student, Camp counselor, Au pair. J-1 visa (and their J2 visa dependents) who participate in the sponsored programs need to meet a minimum requirement to qualify for the J visa health insurance, which can be purchased as an individual/family or group basis.
How does the J1 Visa Insurance work with a multiple entry US J-1 visa?
Travel validation signature by the J1 visa sponsor required
J1 visa holders who travel outside the US during the program, need to get a travel validation signature by the sponsor before they leave the US. If the J1/J2 visa holder travels outside the US after the end of the program in the 30 day grace period, the J visa and DS-2019 will have expired and will require a new J visa for re-entry into the US. Certain J1 visa insurance plans will cover you outside the USA also as many cover outside home country.