J2 Visa health insurance
Medical Insurance for spouse and dependents of J1 Visa holders
The J1 Visa scholar program enriches our many universities and institutions by allowing individuals to come the US and share their knowledge. We are certainly proud to be able to provide medical insurance for these individuals while they are away from their home countries. Indeed, part of the requirements of the J Visa is that individuals have appropriate J1 Visa medical insurance coverage.
However, I get many calls each month from visiting scholars looking for coverage for their spouse and/or dependent children.
This is a more difficult issue since most policies require the J1 scholar to be the primary on the policy (that is the first person named on the policy). There is one policy which allows the J2 spouse and/or children to be placed as primary policy holders. This policy is called Patriot Exchange and is offered by International Medical Group (or IMG). It is a very economical plan with excellent benefits that I often suggest for J1 scholars as well.
One of the unique benefits of the Patriot Exchange plan is that if the institution has a health center, the insured only pays a $5 copay in place of the $100 deductible. This can mean significant savings for the scholar and his/her family. As with all our plans, coverage is for sudden illness and accident only but can be used at any doctor or hospital. A downside to the policy is that there is no maternity coverage (some few student/scholar plans offer this coverage) nor any coverage for pre-existing conditions.
As a final note, the insurance requirements for the J1/J2 Visa are changing and as of May 15, 2015 the maximum limit will go up from $50,000 to $100,000 maximum. The good news is that for holders of Patriot Exchange who purchased plans with a $50,000 maximum, they will be able to "upgrade" their plans to $100,000 maximum to meet requirements without having to make a new purchase by simply paying the difference in price on the remainder of the plan. Contact one of our service representatives for more information or help making this change!
We hope that this will insure our visiting friends have sufficient medical coverage should they come to need it during their stay in the US. It is our hope,however, that all are healthy and happy for the duration of their stay and journey home!
Exchange visitors who visit USA require having a complaint health insurance plan that meets minimum requirements for their stay in the US. If there is group of J1 Visa holders and all of them are been sponsored by the same organization then visitors can apply for J1 Visa group insurance.
Compare US J visa scholar health insurance cost in 2024
The cost of US health insurance for scholars depends on different factors like the age of the scholar, the duration, the medical coverage, the deductible and the co-insurance for the plan. Additionally the health insurance cost in the US for international scholars also depends on coverage for mental illness, dental expenses, hazardous sports, maternity and coverage for pre-existing ailments. The average cost of scholar insurance will be from $31 up to $130 per month. Here at American Visitor insurance we have calculated the cost of health insurance for scholars to help them compare and make an informed choice while buying the plan.
J1 visa insurance cost
| J1 Visa Insurance Plans | Policy Maximum | Deductible | Provider Network | Cost * |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot America Plus IMG | $50,000 | $250 | United HealthCare | $56 |
| StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips | $100,000 | $0 | United HealthCare | $69 |
| Patriot Exchange IMG | $50,000 | $250 | United HealthCare | $74 |
| Diplomat America Global Undewriters | $50,000 | $250 | No PPO | $83 |
| StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips | $250,000 | $0 | United HealthCare | $103 |
| Navigator Student GeoBlue | Unlimited Coverage | $0 | - | $315 |
* The cost of international scholar health insurance per month for a scholar aged 30 years.
What does J1 Visa insurance cover?
Health care expenses
Covers hospital expenses for sickness or accidents.
Know more »Pre-existing conditions
Some plans insure acute onset of pre-existing conditions.Know more »
J1 visa health insurance requirements
The U.S. Department of State requires the following health insurance requirements to ensure adequate coverage during their stay in the United States.
- Medical Benefits: A minimum of $100,000 per accident or illness to cover healthcare costs.
- Medical Evacuation: Coverage of at least $50,000 for medical evacuation to return you to your home country in case of serious illness or injury.
- Repatriation of Remains: Coverage of at least $25,000 for repatriation of remains in the event of death.
- Deductibles: Should not exceed $500 per accident or illness.
Additionally, the insurance provider must be licensed by the state or have a financial rating that meets Department of State standards (an A- or above rating by AM Best or a similar rating by a recognized agency). These requirements ensure J-1 visa holders are adequately protected during their stay in the U.S.
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General - FAQ's
1. What can happen if I do not satisfy the J Visa insurance requirement?
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.
2. Can I still get travel insurance for the USA?
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:
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