Best J1 Visa Insurance

J-1 exchange visitors in the US and J-2 dependents must carry health insurance. U.S. Government regulations stipulate that if one willfully fails to carry mandatory health insurance, then the J-1 sponsor must terminate the exchange visitor program visa and inform the termination to US Department of State. To compare J1 visa insurance plan benefits which include coverage for medical expenses (pre-existing conditions may be covered), prescription drugs expenses, emergency medical evacuation and accidental death & dismemberment.

Quote, compare plan benefits, review coverage features, apply and buy a J1-visa insurance plan online that meets the coverage requirements for both J1 or J2 visa holders. Remember, to meet the J-1 visa insurance requirements, as discussed below, select a medical maximum of at least USD$100K and a deductible no greater than USD$500. Also, the student plans listed below typically have full-time student enrollment requirements, so these may apply to you, if you are not going to be enrolled full-time.

The U.S. Department of State requires all exchange visitors in J-1 visa (non-immigrant status) and their J-2 dependents to purchase comprehensive sickness and accident insurance for the entire J-1 exchange visitor program duration in the United States. To meet these J1 visa insurance requirements (updated May 15, 2015), J1 visa insurance plans must meet the following minimum standards for accident and sickness coverage:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains coverage of at least $25,000
• Medical evacuation coverage to home country of at least $50,000
• Maximum deductible of $500 per accident or illness
• The insurance policy must also be underwritten by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, a McGraw/Hill Financial Standard/Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-“or above, “A-“ or above rating by Fitch Ratings, Inc.,  ‘‘A3’’ rating or above by Moody’s Investor Services, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above.

A J-1 visa is a type of non-immigrant U.S. visa that was first established in 1961 with the passage of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act. The primary goal was to encourage the development of relationships between the U.S. and other nations. The plan was originally administered by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA), however the program is now run by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Participants in the J-1 exchange visitor program can travel to the U.S. for the duration of their programs.

J1/J2 Visa Insurance Features include:

• Medical Expenses for Injury or Sickness
• Sudden Dental Pain Expenses
• Prescription Drugs and Medication Costs
• Emergency Medical Evacuation
• Repatriation of Mortal Remains
• Emergency Medical Reunion
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Flight Accident or Common Carrier Accidental Coverage
• Return to Home Country coverage
• Trip Cancellation
• Trip Interruption