Best J1 visa health insurance plans

If you are coming to the U.S. on a J1 visa, you need health insurance that meets Department of State requirements. American Visitor Insurance offers affordable, fully compliant J1 visa insurance plans to keep you protected during your exchange program.

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Which is the best J1 visa health insurance?

Available plans

worldtrips logoStudentSecure Smart Insurance

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star Rating: A++ (Superior) Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA- edit_square Underwriter: Lloyd's
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $100,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Sports: leisure, recreational, entertainment, and fitness are covered up to the max limit.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: $500 max, Inpatient: Up to $5,000 (excludes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Student health Centre: $25 per visit
  • Paper application: Student Secure Smart insurance application form
  • Policy maximum?
    $200,000

  • Maximum Per Injury or Illness
    $100,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

worldtrips logoStudent Secure Budget Insurance

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star Rating: "A-" (Excellent) and A- by Standard & poor's edit_square Underwriter: Lloyd’s
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $45,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network United Healthcare Provider Network
  • Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
  • Maternity: Covers up to $5,000 up to maximum limit
  • Sports: Sports, leisure, recreational, entertainment, and fitness are covered up to the max limit.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 30 visits, Inpatient: Max 30 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Student health Centre: $25 per visit
  • Policy maximum?
    $500,000

  • Maximum Per Injury or Illness
    $250,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

IMG logoPatriot Exchange Insurance

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star Rating: "A-" (Excellent) and A- by Standard & poor's edit_square Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 90% of first $1,000, 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 80% up to policy maximum.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
  • Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
  • Payment option: Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months.
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Student health Centre: $5 per visit
  • Policy maximum?
    $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $5,000,000.

  • Deductible options?
    $0, $100, $250, $500

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

worldtrips logoStudentSecure Select Insurance

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star Rating: A++ (Superior) Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA- edit_square Underwriter: Lloyd's
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $25,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network
  • Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Maternity: Covers up to $10,000 up to maximum limit
  • Sports: Sports, leisure, recreational, entertainment, and fitness are covered up to the max limit. intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports covers up to $5,000 max limit.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 30 visits, Inpatient: Max 30 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Student health Centre: $10 per visit
  • Policy maximum?
    $1,000,000

  • Maximum Per Injury or Illness
    $500,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

IMG logoStudent Health Advantage Standard Insurance

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star Rating: "A-" (Excellent) and A- by Standard & poor's edit_square Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 90% of first $1,000, 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 80% up to policy maximum.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network and First healthcare network
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
  • Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Student health Centre: $5 per visit
  • Policy maximum?
    For student: $500,000
    Dependent- $100,000

  • Deductible options?
    $250

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

worldtrips logoStudent Secure Elite Insurance

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star Rating: A++ (Superior) Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA- edit_square Underwriter: Lloyd's
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 80% of the first $10,000, then 100% to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: Usual, reasonable, and customary; you may pay excess charges.
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare Network
  • Acute onset of Pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Maternity: Covers up to $15,000 up to maximum limit
  • Sports: Sports, leisure, recreational, entertainment, and fitness are covered up to the max limit. intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports covers up to $5,000 max limit.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
  • Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 40 visits, Inpatient: Max 40 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
  • Student health Centre: $10 per visit
  • Policy maximum?
    $5,000,000

  • Maximum Per Injury or Illness
    $500,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0

  • Period of coverage?
    30 days to 364 days

IMG logoStudent Health Advantage Platinum Insurance

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star Rating: A++ (Superior) Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA- edit_square Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation
  • Coinsurance: In PPO Network: 90% of first $1,000, 100% then up to the max limit, Out of PPO Network: 80% up to policy maximum
  • Hospitals/Doctors: Direct billing though United Healthcare network and First healthcare network
  • Maternity: Covers up to $5,000
  • Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
  • Add on benefits: Adventure sports, College sports, device protection.
  • Payment option: Monthly or Annual Payment options available.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months
  • Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
  • Student health Centre: $5 per visit
  • Policy maximum?
    For student: $1,000,000
    Dependent- $100,000

  • Deductible options?
    $250

  • Period of coverage?
    1 month up to 12 months

globalunderwriters logoDiplomat America Insurance

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star Rating: "A" (Excellent) edit_square Underwriter: Crum & Forster, SPC
  • Coinsurance: After deductible, plan pays 80% of eligible costs up to $5,000, then 100% up to the medical maximum
  • Hospitals/Doctors: No PPO, visit any doctor or hospital
  • Acute onset of pre-existing condition: Up to policy maximum for those up to age 69
  • Optional add-on benefits: Athletic and Hazardous Activity Rider, AD & D coverage
  • Renewable: Can be renewed and extended up to 364 days
  • Policy maximum?
    $20,000, $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000 and $1,000,000

  • Deductible options?
    $0, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1000, $2500, $5000

  • Period of coverage?
    15 days to 364 days

What is J1 Visa Insurance?

J1 visa insurance is a health insurance specifically designed for individuals participating in the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program on a J-1 visa. It satisfies the coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation of remains, as required by the U.S. Department of State. All J-1 visa holders—including students, interns, scholars, and au pairs—must carry J1 visa-compliant insurance throughout their stay in the United States. This ensures they have adequate protection in case of illness, accidents, or medical emergencies during their program.

What factors should I consider when choosing a health insurance plan as a student in USA?

When choosing a health insurance plan as a student, consider your coverage needs, including medical emergencies, doctor visits, prescriptions, and mental health services. Ensure the plan fits your budget, balancing premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Look for a plan with a broad network of doctors and hospitals, especially if you're studying abroad. For comprehensive coverage that ensures your overall well-being, including global coverage, American Visitor Insurance offers a range of plans perfect for international students. With reliable customer support and affordable options, they can help you find the right plan to meet your needs while you study abroad.

Why is J1/J2 visa health insurance required for Exchange scholars?

If you are coming to the United States on a J1 or J2 visa as part of an official exchange visitor program, having J1 visa-compliant health insurance is not just important—it is a mandatory requirement by the U.S. Department of State. All the J1 and J2 visa insurance plans in American Visitor Insurance are designed to meets according to the Department of State requirements standards, ensuring you are fully protected and legally compliant during your stay in the USA. Whether you are a student, intern, scholar, or dependent, the J visa plans in American Visitor Insurance offer affordable, comprehensive coverage tailored to your unique needs as a J visa holder.

What are the J-1 visa requirements ?

To maintain J-1 visa compliance, the U.S. Department of State requires all exchange visitors to carry health insurance that meets the following minimum standards:

  • Medical Coverage: At least $100,000 per accident or illness for essential medical care.
  • Medical Evacuation: Minimum of $50,000 to cover transportation to your home country in case of serious illness or injury.
  • Repatriation of Remains: At least $25,000 in coverage if death occurs during your stay.
  • Deductible Limit: No more than $500 per accident or illness.

How much does J1 visa insurance cost?

The cost of J1 visa insurance starts from $30 per month and goes up to $730 per month. The cost is dependent on the age of the J visa holder, the plan maximum and the deductible.

Plan Name Maximum Coverage Deductible 18 – 24 Years 25 – 30 Years 31 – 40 Years
Student Journey Lite $150,000 $100 $30 $48 $74
Student Secure Smart $200,000 $0 $32 $67 $167
Student Journey Plus $300,000 $500 $53 $93 $116
Student Secure Budget $500,000 $0 $53 $100 $236
Patriot Exchange Program $50,000 $250 $56 $74 $74
Student Journey Platinum $500,000 $250 $96 $195 $293
Student Health Advantage Standard $500,000 $250 $118 $139 $250
Student Secure Select $1,000,000 $0 $106 $240 $538
Student Health Advantage Platinum $1,000,000 $100 $353 $408 $730

The average cost of students based on the quotes for month. Source: AMERICAN VISITOR INSURANCE®

International student health insurance cost - FAQs

1.What is a J-1 visa and who is it for?

The J-1 visa is a U.S. exchange visitor visa for participants in approved cultural, educational, or professional exchange programs. It allows foreign nationals – such as students, scholars, teachers, interns, au pairs, etc. – to come to the U.S. temporarily to study, teach, train, or research. Eligibility depends on the specific program category, but generally includes current students, recent graduates, teachers, researchers, and young professionals

2.How do I apply for a J-1 visa?

The J visa applicant must apply and be accepted into a DOS-designated J-1 exchange program (through an approved sponsor) . Once accepted, the sponsor registers you in SEVIS and issues Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility). Then you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and complete the DS-160 online visa application. Finally, you schedule a consular interview and bring your DS-2019, DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, and any required documents

3.How much does J-1 visa insurance cost?

The cost of a J1 visa insurance starts from $30 per month. The cost is dependent on the age of the student, the plan maximum and the deductible.

4.How long can I stay in the U.S. on a J-1 visa?

The duration of your stay on a J-1 visa depends on your exchange program category. Most J-1 visa holders can stay in the U.S. for the length of their program, plus an additional 30-day grace period for travel. For example, interns can stay up to 12 months, while teachers and researchers may stay up to 5 years, depending on the program type.

5.Are J-1 visa holders required to have health insurance?

Yes, J-1 visa holders are required to have health insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State's guidelines. This includes minimum coverage of $100,000 per accident or illness, $50,000 for medical evacuation, $25,000 for repatriation of remains, and a deductible of $500 or less.

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Which are the best insurance companies for international students in USA?

You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), WorldTrips, GeoBlue insurance.

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