Health Insurance Requirements for J-1/J-2 Visa Holders
Required Insurance Coverage for Exchange Visitors and Their Families
overview
requirements
proof of health insurance
According to immigration regulations (22 CFR S62.14), J-1 Exchange Visitors and accompanying J-2 dependents are required to maintain comprehensive medical insurance with evacuation and repatriation coverage that meets U.S. government minimum requirements beginning on the start date of the J-1 program (indicated in item 3 of the DS-2019) continuing to the end of the J-1 program. There cannot be any breaks or lapses in insurance coverage even if one travels outside the U.S for an extended period of time during the J program. The willful failure to carry the required insurance for yourself and, if applicable, your dependents, or material misrepresentation of insurance coverage will result in the termination of your J program and legal status in the U.S.
The J insurance coverage must provide the following minimum coverage:
- Minimum medical benefit of $100,000 per person per accident or illness;
- Deductible that does not exceed $500 per accident or illness;
- Minimum repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
- Minimum medical evacuation expenses in the amount of $50,000; and
- Co-insurance paid by J1 not to exceed 25% of covered benefits per accident or illness.
- May require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions that is reasonable as determined by current industry standards; and
- Must not unreasonably exclude coverage for the perils inherent to the activities of the exchange program in which you participate.
Any policy, plan, or contract secured to fill the J insurance requirements must at minimum be:
Underwritten by an insurance corporation having:
- An A.M. Best rating of “A-“ or above; or
- A McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor Claims-paying Ability rating of “A-“ or above; or
- A Weiss Research, Inc. rating of “B+” or above; or
- A Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of “A-“ or above; or
- A Moody’s Investor Services rating of “A3” or above; or
- Be backed by the full faith and credit of the exchange visitor’s home country; or
- Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor; or
- Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization or eligible Competitive Medial Plan as determined by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Why Health Insurance is a Requirement
It is dangerous to be in the United States without adequate health insurance. Although in many countries the government bears the expense of health care for its citizens, and sometimes even for visitors, individuals and families in the United States are responsible for these costs themselves. Since a single day of hospitalization and medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars, many hospitals and doctors refuse to treat uninsured patients except in life-threatening emergencies. Most Americans rely on insurance, and you should do the same. Insurance gives you access to better and more timely health care, and provides the only protection against the enormous costs of health care in this country.
How Health Insurance Works in the United States
When you purchase health coverage, the money you pay (your premium) is combined with the premiums of others to form a pool of money. That money is then used to pay the medical bills of those participants who need health care. Your coverage remains valid only as long as you continue to pay your insurance premiums.
Once you purchase insurance, the company will provide you with an insurance identification card for use as proof of your coverage when you are seeking health care from a hospital or doctor. The company will also provide written instructions for reporting and documenting medical expenses (filing a claim). The company will evaluate any claim that you file, and make the appropriate payment for coverage under your particular policy. In some cases the company pays the hospital or doctor directly; in others the company reimburses the policy holder after he or she has paid the bills.
Non-Degree Exchange and Degree-Seeking Students
A health insurance premium for each semester will be included in the tuition bill for students that are visiting the University of Utah, either as a degree-seeking student (BS, MS, PhD) or as non-degree exchange student, unless they are awarded a waiver. If a visiting student does seek a waiver, they are insurance is not provided, or if the health insurance coverage does not meet the minimum requirements of the J-1 visa Exchange Program, the visa status will be subject to termination.
Keep in mind that the University of Utah sponsored health insurance for students does meet the requirements of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. ISSS cannot validate your arrival in the SEVIS immigration database, without this information.
Research Scholar, Short Term Scholar, Professor, Student Intern
Upon arrival, an Exchange Visitor (EV) will submit a "Report Your Arrival" E-form through UAtlas. As part of the E-form, proof of health insurance coverage must be provided.
ISSS cannot validate your arrival in the SEVIS immigration database, without this information.
Instructions will be provided as part of the pre-arrival packet. Some exchange visitor scholars will have an opportunity to participate in the University plan, and some may not. For more details, please review the information below:
- Health Insurance Through the University of Utah: EV's are able to participate in the health insurance plan through the university can submit their offer letter (stating they will receive university health benefits) in the e-form as it can take a few weeks to receive official proof. Even though participation in this plan is an option made available to you, please remember that you must be proactive and select this insurance coverage, as it will not take effect unless you make the choice and "sign up" and elect to participate in the insurance plan. Once you have official proof of coverage, such as a card or summary of benefits, email a copy to internationalscholars@utah.edu.
Please note: Health Insurance for faculty and staff (scholars) provided through the University of Utah does meet the minimum requirements of the J-1 Exchange Program, as long as it is combined with J-1 Visa Holder Travel Insurance. For EV's that are paid by the University and are allowed to participate in the University's health insurance plan, are automatically enrolled in this travel insurance, which covers repatriation and medical evacuation coverage. Proof of this coverage will appear on the paystub.
- Private Travel Insurance or Insurance from a Foreign or Government Entity: EV's with this type of insurance must provide proof of coverage by providing a copy of summary of benefits, declaration page, policy, or documentation in English from the insurance provider when they submit the "Report Your Arrival" e-form through UAtlas.