You are here

The U.S. Government regulations governing J-1 visa status require health insurance coverage for the J-1 and each J-2 dependent. This coverage must be in effect during the period of time you remain in the U.S., and must meet the minimum requirements.  Health insurance in the United States is primarily a private industry with a variety of options for coverage and cost. The Department of State has established minimum requirements for insurance that are designed to protect the exchange visitor and his/her family. To read about health insurance please download J-Visa Insurance Information PDF

 

Insurance Requirements

Sponsors shall require each exchange visitor to have insurance in effect which covers the J visitor for sickness or accident during the period of time that you remain in the U.S.  The insurance policy must meet the following requirements:

  1. medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness;
  2. repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500;
  3. expenses associated with medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000; and
  4. a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

 

An insurance policy secured to fulfill the requirements above may require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions which is reasonable as determined by current industry standards and may include provision for co-insurance under the terms of which the visiting scholar may be required to pay up to 25 percent of the covered benefits per accident or illness.

 

The policy must be underwritten by an insurance corporation having

  • an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or have;
  • an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-" or above;
  • a Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of "A-" or above
  • a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above.

 

It is your responsibility to confirm with the insurance company that they meet these criteria.  As an alternative to the above ratings, the insurance coverage must be backed by the full faith and credit of your home country government.

 

There are many health insurance companies in the U.S. that provide adequate health insurance for international visitors. Below are examples of health insurance companies that offer policies tailored to the needs and requirements for international scholars and visiting students. Otis College of Art and Design does not endorse any particular policy and we encourage international scholars to research the best policy for themselves and their families.

 

Additional health insurance information is available through the following insurance brokers:

•    Compass Benefits Group or call 800-767-0169
•    The Harbour Group or 800-252-8160
•    HTH Worldwide or 888-243-2358
•    Renaissance Agencies, Inc. or call 800-537-1777
•    Barney & Barney or call (510) 466-6030
•    Wallach & Company, Inc. or 800-237-6615


NOTE: FAILURE TO OBTAIN ADEQUATE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR YOURSELFAND YOUR FAMILY IS A VIOLATION OF YOUR EXCHANGE VISITOR STATUS AND MAY LEAD TO TERMINATION OF SPONSORSHIP