Best J1 visa health insurance

Yes, health insurance is required for J-1 visa holders. The U.S. Department of State requires all participants of the J-1 visa program to have health insurance that includes specific coverage limits for medical benefits, medical evacuation, and repatriation.

We have many plans that satisfy J visa requirements that work for both J1 and J2 Visa holders. Some US health insurance plans require that the J1 Visa holder is the primary applicant for the J2 visa holder to be eligible. If the J2 visa holder alone needs coverage, then the Patriot Exchange plan offered by International Medical Group (IMG) is available. Please find the details of this plan here:

While we cannot state whether or not they cover J2 Visa holders completely, they might not meet the specific J visa health insurance requirements as defined by the immigration authorities. The J2 visa eligibility and medical insurance coverage is dependent on the J1 exchange program.

Yes, a visiting scholar can come to the US on a B-1 "visitor for business" visa. Under Certain situations a person on a B-1 visa status is permitted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) regulations to be reimbursed for expenses, and, under the amended law, can also be paid an honorarium. Visiting scholars who are going to meet all of their own expenses can also come in B-1 status. Getting a B-1 visa does not require any formal immigration document from the University. To obtain a B-1 visa, a prospective scholar should have an invitation letter from the department with which the scholar will be affiliated, detailing the dates and activities of the contemplated visit, and indicating what if anything is to be provided in the way of reimbursements and honoraria.

The Department of State views health insurance as very, very important! The regulations require that your J program sponsor should terminate your status in the U.S. as a J visa holder if you willfully fail to comply with the J visa insurance requirement.

Most health insurance policies available for foreign scholars requires that the J1 visa holder be the primary applicant on the insurance policy and only then can a J2 visa holder be insured as part of that plan. However the Patriot Exchange plan offered by International Medical Group (IMG) can be purchased by the J2 visa holder without needing the J1 visa holder on that plan, as long as the J1 scholar is insured by the institution sponsoring the J visa holder.

The Patriot Exchange insurance plan is very affordable and has many excellent benefits. One advantage of the policy is that if the insured has access to a health center, they only pay a $5 copay (instead of the usual $100 deductible). As a copay, this is payable at every visit, however, even many visits will be cheaper than a single $100 deductible. A disadvantage to this Patriot Exchange policy is that there is no maternity coverage and no coverage for pre-existing conditions. For more details on IMG’s Patriot Exchange, including brochure and pricing, please use these web-links:

All J visa applicants need to show proof of insurance that meets minimum J1 visa health insurance requirements when you apply for a J1 visa. It is best to complete your J1 insurance purchase on American Visitor Insurance before you start the visa application process.

Exclusions are the situations or conditions that are not covered by your J visa medical insurance plan. For example, some plans may exclude pre-existing medical conditions, maternity care, mental health disorders, substance abuse, sports injuries, etc. You should compare the best J1 visa health insurance benefits on American Visitor Insurance and read the policy certificate carefully to understand what is excluded from your coverage.

J2 visa holders are the dependents of J1 visa holders, such as spouses or children. They have to meet the same insurance requirements as J1 visa holders. They can either purchase a separate plan or join the same plan as their J1 sponsor. There are different types of insurance options for J2 visa holders, such as short-term plans, long-term plans, or comprehensive plans. You can compare and buy best J1 visa health insurance on American Visitor Insurance.

If you need to file a claim for your J1 visa health insurance, you should follow these steps:

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and inform them about your situation.
• Fill out the claim form and attach any supporting documents, such as receipts, bills, medical reports, etc.
• Submit the claim form and documents to your insurance company by mail, fax, email, or online portal.
• Wait for your claim to be processed and approved by your insurance company.
• Receive your reimbursement or payment from your insurance company.