J1 Visa Insurance FAQ

J1 Visa Insurance: Your Questions Answered

Navigating the requirements for a J1 visa can be complex, and securing the right health insurance is a critical step. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about J1 visa insurance, helping you understand the requirements, compare your options, and make an informed decision. Whether you are a student, scholar, intern, or au pair, this information will help ensure you have the proper coverage for your time in the United States.

J1 Visa Insurance Requirements

What are the minimum J1 visa insurance requirements?

The US Department of State mandates that all J1 visa holders and their J2 dependents have health insurance that meets the following minimum standards:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness.
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
• Medical evacuation coverage of $50,000.
• Repatriation of remains coverage of $25,000.
• The policy must be underwritten by a corporation with a strong financial rating, such as an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above.

Am I required to maintain J visa insurance during summer break?

Yes. If you are on a J visa, you are required to maintain J visa-compliant insurance for the entire duration of your program, as indicated on your Form DS-2019. Failure to do so can result in the termination of your visa program.

My school's insurance doesn't meet the evacuation/repatriation requirements. What should I do?

This is a common situation. If your primary insurance through a school or employer meets the medical benefit requirements but lacks sufficient medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, you can purchase a standalone Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance plan. These plans are very affordable and ensure you comply with all US Department of State rules.

Why can't I purchase certain low-cost plans like Visitors Care?

J visa regulations require a policy maximum of at least $100,000 per incident (meaning per new illness or injury). Some plans, like Visitors Care, offer a $100,000 lifetime policy maximum, which does not meet the requirement. You must choose a plan that explicitly meets the J visa standards.

Choosing and Purchasing Your Plan

I have insurance through my school and it's too expensive. Can I purchase an alternative plan?

Yes, in many cases you can. Schools typically have a list of minimum requirements that an alternative insurance plan must meet. You will need to provide this list (often called a Waiver Form or Compliance Form) to ensure the plan you purchase is acceptable to your institution.

My school requires an ACA-compliant plan. Do you offer these?

We do not offer any plans that are compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). ACA-compliant plans are typically available through US employers or the Health Insurance Marketplace, but they may not be available to all J1 visa holders.

Can I purchase a J1 insurance plan for medical evacuation and repatriation only?

Yes. If your primary health insurance already meets the medical benefit requirements, you can purchase Atlas Medevac for evacuation and repatriation to satisfy all government requirements.

My school requires an annual deductible. Do your plans offer that?

Yes, some plans are structured with an annual deductible. For J1 visa holders, StudentSecure Insurance is one option. For J2 dependents, plans like Atlas America offer various deductible choices. When selecting a plan, ensure the deductible does not exceed the $500 per incident maximum set by the Department of State.

The start date required by my sponsor has already passed. Can you backdate the insurance?

No, it is not possible to backdate an insurance policy. Coverage can only begin on or after the date of purchase.

Coverage for Dependents and Family

Can I purchase insurance just for my J2 dependents (spouse/child)?

Eligibility varies by plan.

• Some plans require the primary J1 visa holder to be insured on the same policy.
• Other plans allow J2 dependents to be insured separately, but only if the J1 holder has coverage through their sponsoring organization. To see which plans are available for your specific situation, please enter your criteria in the J1 visa insurance quote form.

Is maternity covered for J1 or J2 visa holders?

Some plans offer maternity coverage, but there are important restrictions. Coverage is never available for a current pregnancy. Many plans also have a waiting period before maternity benefits apply. Coverage options are often more numerous if the J1 visa holder needs the coverage, as opposed to only the J2 dependent.

We just had a baby in the US. Can we add them to our J1 insurance plan?

If your baby was born in the US, they are a US citizen and therefore ineligible for a J1 visa insurance plan. Most J1 plans automatically provide coverage for a newborn for the first 31 days. After that, you must purchase a separate, ACA-compliant insurance plan for the child.

My family (J2 dependents) is traveling to our home country for the summer. Can I suspend their coverage?

In most cases, yes. It is possible to remove dependents from a family policy while they are outside the US and then re-enroll them upon their return. This can help you save on premium costs, as they will not be covered during that time.

Specific Coverage Questions

Does J1 insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies significantly between plans. Some may offer limited coverage after a specified waiting period, while others exclude them completely. It is critical to read the policy details carefully if this is a concern.

Are sports and immunizations covered?

• Intercollegiate Sports: Coverage for intercollegiate sports is typically limited, often to a maximum of $5,000. This appears to be an industry standard.
• Immunizations: No, immunizations and inoculations (like flu shots) are considered preventive care and are not covered under these plans for J1 or J2 visa holders.

Does J1 insurance cover prescriptions for birth control?

No. There are no J1 insurance plans available that cover prescriptions for birth control.

Can I be seen at the Student Health Center with this insurance?

Yes. Most plans will treat the on-campus Student Health Center as an in-network provider, meaning you benefit from discounted rates. Some plans may even reduce your co-pay for using the health center.

Changing Your Plan or Status

I am on a J1 visa and just got my green card. Can I keep my current plan?

No. Once your visa status changes, you are no longer eligible for a J1 visa insurance plan. You must cancel your current plan and purchase a new one appropriate for your new status. Any claims that occur after your status change would likely be denied.

I already have an ACA-compliant plan. Can I cancel it and purchase one of your plans?

This depends on the plan and your specific situation. We recommend calling our office so we can guide you to the most appropriate options and ensure you do not have a gap in coverage.

We had our school's insurance last year. Can we switch to one of your plans?

Yes, this is usually possible. However, we would need to review your school's waiver requirements and discuss your family's needs to advise you on the most suitable plan.

Can you sign my school's compliance/waiver form before I purchase?

We are happy to assist with these forms, but the insurance plan must be purchased first. After purchasing, you should complete your portion of the form and then send it to us for review and signature. If your school uses an online system, please follow their specific procedure.