What Is a J2 Visa?
A J2 visa is a U.S. dependent visa issued to the spouse and unmarried children (under age 21) of J1 exchange visitors (i.e., student, researcher, teacher, trainee, or professor). The purpose of the J2 visa is to allow J1 exchange participants to bring their family members to the U.S. while they are here on a J1 visa.
J2 visa holders may:
- Live in the U.S. with the J1 visa holder
- Study at U.S. schools or universities
- Apply for work authorization (EAD) and legally work in the U.S.
- Travel in and out of the country while maintaining valid status
To maintain valid status, J2 dependents must have health insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State’s J1/J2 insurance requirements.
J2 Visa Health Insurance Requirements
The US Department of State has established the following J2 visa insurance requirements to maintain the J2 Visa status:
- J1 Scholar (Exchange Scholar) and J2 Health Insurance policy must provide medical benefits of at least $100,000 for each accident or illness.
- If a J visa holder dies in the U.S., then the policy must provide $25,000 in repatriation insurance benefits to return the remains to the home country for burial.
- The J2 visitor holder health insurance deductible should not exceed $500 per accident or illness.
- The co-payment of medical expenses (the portion not covered by insurance that the insured pays him or herself) should be of no more than 25%.
- If, because of a serious illness or injury, you must be sent home on the advice of a doctor, the policy must pay up to $50,000 for medical evacuation expenses.
- J2 visa Health Insurance policy may include a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, provided it is reasonable by current standards in the insurance industry.
- Insurance must be from a provider with strong financial ratings, or backed by the home country’s government
These J1 visa health insurance plan requirements apply to J-1 visa students, J-1 exchange scholars, and their J-2 dependent visa spouse and J2 visa children.
What Should I Look for When Choosing J2 Visa Health Insurance?
When buying J2 visa insurance, it is important to select a plan that meets both the U.S. Department of State's requirements. Here is the key considerations to keep in mind and stay protected with sufficient coverage during your stay in the USA.
- Your plan must meet J1/J2 insurance requirements (coverage, deductible, evacuation, repatriation).
- Your plan must have at least $100,000 medical coverage per illness or accident.
- Your deductible should be $500 or less and co-insurance should not exceed 25%.
- Your plan must provide strong coverage for emergencies, hospitalization, and doctor visits.
- Your plan should provide either coverage for pre-existing conditions or short waiting periods.
- Access to a reliable PPO network for easier hospital visits.
- Affordable premiums with flexible deductibles.
- Insurance company should have strong financial ratings.
- Option to renew or extend the plan if the J-1 program is extended.
How Much Does J2 Visa Insurance Cost?
The cost of J2 visa insurance starts from $30 per month and goes up to $730 per month. The cost is dependent on the age of the J2 dependent, the plan maximum and the deductible. The key factors that affect the cost include:
How much does it cost for a J2 visa insurance?
| Plan Name | Max Coverage | Deductible | 18 – 24 Years | 25 – 30 Years | 31 – 40 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Journey Lite | $150,000 | $100 | $30 | $96 | $96 |
| Student Secure Smart | $200,000 | $0 | $32 | $67 | $167 |
| Student Journey Plus | $300,000 | $100 | $48 | $195 | $195 |
| Student Secure Budget | $500,000 | $0 | $53 | $100 | $236 |
| Patriot America Plus | $100,000 | $0 | $75 | $75 | $99 |
| Patriot Exchange Program | $100,000 | $250 | $65 | $85 | $85 |
| Student Journey Platinum | $500,000 | $250 | $74 | $116 | $293 |
| Diplomat America | $100,000 | $0 | $109 | $109 | $147 |
| Student Health Advantage Standard | $500,000 | $250 | $115 | $135 | $243 |
| Student Secure Select | $1,000,000 | $0 | $106 | $240 | $538 |
| Student Health Advantage Platinum | $1,000,000 | $100 | $353 | $408 | $730 |
This table gives the average J visa health insurance cost for different ages. Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Which are the Best Health Insurance for J2 Visa Holders?
Patriot Exchange Program IMG
- Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports
- Pre-existing condition: Comprehensive plan with high medical maximum and pre-existing conditions coverage after 12 months of waiting period.
- Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
- Direct Billing: First healthcare network
or United HealthCare 
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months.
- Patriot Exchange Program insurance cost for a 35 years old J2 visa applicant starts from $65 per month ($1018 per year). An annual payment option is available to students.
Policy maximum?
$1,00,000 to $5,00,000Deductible options?
$0 to $500Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Patriot America Plus IMG
- Ideal for: J1/j2 visa holders
- Pre-existing condition: Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers below age 70
- Direct Billing: First healthcare or United HealthCare
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 24 months.
- Patriot America Plus insurance cost for a 35 years old J2 visa applicant starts from $60 per month ($931 per year). An annual payment option is available to students.
Policy maximum?
$1,00,000 to $1,000,000Deductible options?
$0 to $2,500Period of coverage?
5 days up to 12 months
Student Journey Platinum IMG
- Ideal for : J1, F1, A1 and M1 visas, Adventure Sports, Maternity
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 6 months of waiting period
- Mental health: Out Patient : Max 40 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to 30 days max
- Direct Billing: United HealthCare
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 12 months.
- Student Journey Platinum insurance cost for a 35 years old J-2 visa holder starts from $293 per month ($3,516 per year). An annual payment option is available to students.
Policy maximum?
$500,000Deductible options?
$250Period of coverage?
30 days to 12 months
StudentSecure Select Worldtrips
- Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Maternity, Sports coverage
- Acute on set of pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
- Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 30 visits, Inpatient: Max 30 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
- Direct Billing: United HealthCare
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
- Student Secure Select insurance cost for a 35 years old J-2 visa applicant starts from $538 per month ($6336 per year). You can buy the plan either on a monthly or a yearly basis.
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000Deductible options?
$0Period of coverage?
30 days to 364 days
Student Health Advantage Standard IMG
- Ideal for : F1, J1,M1 and A1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
- Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
- Direct Billing: First healthcare network or United HealthCare
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months.
- Student Health Advantage Platinum insurance cost for a 35 years old J2 visa applicant starts from 243 per month ($2916 per year), both monthly and annual payment options are available. Offers high policy maximum and good coverage for various medical emergencies.
Policy maximum?
$500,000Deductible options?
$250Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
StudentSecure Elite Worldtrips
- Ideal for : F1 & J1 students visa holder, Maternity, Sports coverage
- Acute on set of pre-existing condition: $25,000 up to policy maximum
- Mental health: Physician Office Visit: Max 40 visits, Inpatient: Max 40 days (includes drug and alcohol abuse)
- Direct Billing: United HealthCare
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 4 years.
- Student Secure Elite insurance cost for a 35 years old J2 visa applicant starts from $805 per month ($9479 per year). You can buy the plan either on a monthly or a yearly basis.
Policy maximum?
$5,000,000Deductible options?
$0Period of coverage?
30 days to 364 days
Patriot America Plus IMG
- Ideal for: J1 scholars and J2 dependents visiting the United States, including spouses and children
- Pre-existing condition: Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition for under 70 years is covered up to maximum limit
- Direct Billing: First healthcare network or United HealthCare
- Renewal: Can be extended up to 24 months.
- Patriot America Plus insurance cost for a 35 years old J2 visa applicant starts from $99 per month ($1163 per year), both monthly and annual payment options are available.
Policy maximum?
$1,00,000 to $1,000,000Deductible options?
$0 to $2,500Period of coverage?
5 days up to 12 months
Student Health Advantage Platinum IMG
- Ideal for : F1, J1,M1 and A1 students visa holder, Adventure Sports, Maternity
- Pre-existing condition: Covers after 12 months of waiting period
- Mental health: Out Patient : Max 50 visits, maximum limit, Inpatient: Up to $10,000
- Direct Billing: First healthcare network or United HealthCare
- Renewal: Can be renewed and extended up to 60 months.
- Student Health Advantage Platinum insurance cost for a 35 years old J2 visa applicant starts from $730 per month ($8760 per year), both monthly and annual payment options are available.
Policy maximum?
$1,000,000Deductible options?
$100Period of coverage?
1 month up to 12 months
Diplomat America Global Underwriters
- Ideal for: J-1 and J-2 visa holders, dependents, international visitors, scholars, researchers, and families needing comprehensive medical coverage in the U.S.
- Pre-existing condition: Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions: Covered up to the selected policy maximum for individuals aged 70 and under.
- Mental health: Unavailable
- Renewal: No
- Diplomat America insurance cost for a 35 years old J2 visa applicant starts from $129 per month ($1523 per year), both monthly and annual payment options are available.
Policy maximum?
$1,00,000 to $1,000,000Deductible options?
$0 to $5,000Period of coverage?
5 days up to 12 months
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Patriot Exchange Insurance Ideal for J1 Visa Holders
Patriot Exchange insurance offered by International Medical Group (IMG) is an excellent health insurance plan supporting J1 & J2 visa. It is ideal because Patriot Exchange can be purchased by the J2 dependent even if the J1 scholar is not part of the Patriot exchange plan, as long as he or she is covered by another plan offered by the research or educational institution.
What Are the Types of USA Health Insurance for Visitors?
The types of US travel insurance plans are fixed benefit and comprehensive visitors insurance. Compare Comprehensive vs fixed benefit visitors insurance for USA.
| Feature | Fixed Benefit Visitor Insurance USA | Comprehensive Visitor Insurance USA |
| 💲 Cost | Affordable with lower premiums | More Expensive due to extensive coverage |
| 🛡️ Coverage | Fixed amount per benefit limited or coverage under certain conditions | Benefits for covered medical expenses up to the plan maximum |
| 📉 Deductibles | Usually higher deductibles for lower cost | Often lower deductibles, more coverage |
| 🌐 PPO network | Usually no PPO network participation | Offers PPO network access with discounted rates |
| 💳 Payment method | Usually requires you to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement from the insurer | Allows direct billing(cashless), so the insurer handles payments to the provider |
| ❤️ Pre-existing conditions coverage | Not all plans offer coverage. Some offer coverage up to a specified limit | Some plans offer coverage, while some others offer coverage only for acute onset of pre-existing conditions |
| 👥 Recommended for | Budget conscious travelers who only need basic coverage. | Travelers who want comprehensive coverage for any medical needs. |
How Do I Compare the Best J2 Visa Insurance Plans?
Comparing J2 visa health insurance plans is the easiest way to find coverage that fits your needs and meets U.S. Department of State requirements. To get accurate quotes, J2 visa holders simply need to enter their age, coverage dates, and desired policy maximum.
When comparing J2 visa insurance options, keep in mind that:
- Coverage limits, pricing, deductibles, and exclusions vary based on the J2 visa holder’s age and the specific plan selected.
- Some J2 medical insurance plans offer higher maximum coverage, while others focus on lower premiums or stronger emergency benefits.
- Using our J visa insurance compare tool helps you review multiple plans from top-rated companies in one place.
- By comparing different J visa health insurance options, customers can save time, money, and effort while choosing the best plan for their stay in the U.S.
With American Visitor Insurance, you can easily evaluate benefits side-by-side and select the best J2 visa insurance plan for your budget and requirements.
Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance for J2 Visa Insurance
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance requires the student insurance plan to include Medical evacuation coverage. The J1 Visa requirements include minimum coverage for Medical Evacuation of $50,000 and Repatriation of Remains of $25,000. Most university insurance do not provide this medical evacuation coverage, and students do not realize that they are not meeting the J1 Visa requirements. The Atlas Medevac insurance from WorldTrips and Medical Evacuation and Repatriation offers coverage for medical evacuation of $50,000 and satisfies the J visa requirements.
Health insurance for J2 dependents – FAQ's
1. What is a J1 & J2 visa?
The J1 visa is designed for individuals participating in educational and cultural exchange programs in the U.S., such as students, researchers, and teachers. The J-2 visa allows the spouses and unmarried children under 21 of J-1 visa holders to accompany them. J2 visa holders can live, study, and, with proper authorization, work in the U.S. during the J-1 visa holder's stay.
2. What are the benefits of J2 health insurance?
The J-2 visa allows the spouses and unmarried children under 21 of J-1 visa holders to reside in the U.S. during the J-1 visa holder's stay. J-2 visa holders can apply for work authorization, pursue academic opportunities, and travel in and out of the U.S. with a valid visa. These benefits provide a comprehensive support system for families, enabling them to live, work, and study together while in the U.S.
3. Can I opt out of the J2 insurance requirements?
In some cases, if you can demonstrate that you have equivalent coverage through your own means, you might be able to request a waiver for the J2 health insurance requirements. However, this is subject to approval and specific regulations of the sponsoring exchange program or institution.
4. Do J-2 visa holders need health insurance?
Yes, like J1 visa holders, J-2 visa holders are also required to have health insurance while in the United States. This requirement is to ensure that dependents have access to medical care and to prevent any financial burden on the U.S. healthcare system.
5. What type of health insurance is acceptable for J-2 visa holders?
J-2 visa holders must have health insurance that meets the minimum requirements set by the U.S. Department of State. This J2 visa insurance is similar to J1 visa insurance and should provide coverage for medical emergencies, doctor visits, hospital stays, and repatriation of remains. It should also have a minimum coverage amount per accident or illness (usually around $100,000).
6. Why buy health insurance for J2 visa holders?
Since J2 visa holders accompany J1 visa holders, the J2 visa insurance is quite taken care by the sponsoring institution which is covering the J1 visa holders insurance as well. However, there are situations where the sponsoring institution will cover only the mandated insurance cover for the J1 visa holder, or in some instances the institution might insist that the J visa holder buy the J visa insurance as mandated by the US authorities. In this situation, the J2 visa holder will need to buy insurance as specified by the US consulates to satisfy J visa insurance requirements.
The affordable care act (ACA) popularly known as Obamacare makes it mandatory for all US residents to have health insurace. Of course, along with buying health insurance because it is mandated by the US authorities, it is always wise to have proper health insurance in the United States. Health care is very expensive and being uninsured and forced to visit an US hospital can be disastrous. The US authorities by insisting on J2 insurance are ensuring the financial wellbeing of the J1 and J2 visa holder who is new in the US and unaware about the health care costs in this country.
Here we work with reputed insurance providers to give you the complete choice of health insurance which satisfy J1 and J2 visa insurance requirements. You can compare these J2 visa health insurance plans and buy the J2 insurance that best suits your needs.
7. How Much Does J2 Visa Health Insurance Cost??
The US immigration authorities have clearly defined the J2 visa health insurance requirements. The health insurance cost for J2 visa dependents will depend mainly on the age of the J2 visa holder. The older the J2 visa holder, the higher will be the J2 insurance cost. Customers can compare aca J2 visa insurance plans and buy the best health insurance for J2 visa holders according to their needs.
8. Can I use the same insurance as my J-1 spouse or parent?
Yes, J-2 visa holders can often be covered by the same insurance plan as the J-1 visa holder, such as the insurance available on American Visitor Insurance or those provided by the exchange program. However, it is important to ensure that the coverage meets the health insurance for J1 and J2 visa requirements.
9. Can I buy health insurance from my home country?
In some cases, health insurance from your home country may be accepted if it meets the U.S. requirements. However, it's recommended to carefully review the policy terms and ensure that it provides sufficient coverage in the U.S. It is however very easy for J1 visa holders to buy J visa insurance on American Visitor Insurance by comparing several plans.
10. What happens if I don't have health insurance?
If J-2 visa holders do not have adequate health insurance coverage, it could result in visa issues, including potential denial of entry or extension. Additionally, without proper US health insurance coverage, you could be responsible for significant medical expenses in case of illness or injury.
11. How do I prove that I have health insurance?
You will likely need to provide J visa insurance documentation to the J-1 program sponsor or institution. This can include the J visa insurance policy details, coverage amounts, and proof of payment.
12. Are there any exceptions to the J2 health insurance requirements?
There might be exceptions in certain cases, such as when a J-2 visa holder is in the U.S. for a short period or has an alternate form of coverage approved by the program sponsor. However, these exceptions are usually rare and should be discussed with your program sponsor or institution.
What Are the Travel Restrictions for J2 Visa Holders?
J2 visa holders, who are spouses and unmarried children under 21 of J1 visa holders, have certain travel restrictions:
- Valid Passport and J2 Visa: J2 visa holders must maintain a valid passport and an active J2 visa at all times for international travel.
- Separate DS-2019 Form: Each J2 dependent must have their own DS-2019 Form, which serves as their Certificate of Eligibility for J2 status.
- Duration of Stay Depends on J-1 Visa Holder: A J2 visa holder’s legal stay in the U.S. is directly tied to the J1 program duration. When the J1 status ends, the J2 status ends as well.
- Travel In and Out of the U.S. J2 visa holders can enter and exit the United States multiple times during the validity of their visa, provided they carry all required documents.
- Travel to Other Countries: J2 dependents can travel internationally, however, they must have a valid J2 visa to re-enter the United States after international trips.
What Factors Affect the Cost of J2 Visa Insurance?
The cost of health insurance is directly proportional to the age of the applicant. The older the traveler and greater will be the cost of J2 visa health insurance in USA.
Comprehensive travel insurance which provide exhaustive coverage are more expensive than fixed benefit travel insurance.
The price of medical insurance for US J2 Visa is directly dependant on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.
Travel insurance for US J2 Visa depends on the coverage region. The cost for health insurance for the United States is most expensive.
The longer the duration of medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.
Additional add-on benefits to the basic travel insurance plan like adventure sports coverage, coverage for pre-existing conditions… will add to the overall cost.
How Can I Buy the Best Health Insurance for J2 Visa Holders Online?
Finding the available medical insurance for J2 visa plans
Complete the health insurance quote request form by providing details of the J2 Visa holder and insurance requirements.
Compare the different US J2 Visa insurance options Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance for J2 Visa holders options to identify what fits your needs best.
Buy the best health insurance for J2 Visa that you like
Purchase the plan that fits your requirements and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.
Review health insurance for J2 plan documents received by email
Review the Visa insurance policy documents for coverage details and relevant contact numbers
Health Insurance for J2 Visa Holders
J2 Visa Insurance FAQ
Commonly asked questions about J2 visa health insurance.
Know more »J2 Visa Insurance Forum
Customer queries about insurance plans for J2 visa holders.
Know more »Best Travel Health Insurance in USA Information
J2 Visa holder insurance resources
International travel insurance resources for J2 Visa Holders while in the US.
Factors for J2 Visa holder insurance
Important factors to consider while buying J2 Visa medical insurance.
Types of J2 Visa insurance options
Different US J2 Visa insurance, fixed benefits vs comprehensive coverage.
J2 Visa insurance claims procedure
J2 Visa holder insurance claims process for medical care in hospital.
