The U.S. Department of State regulations require all J-1 Exchange Visitors to have a medical insurance for themselves and any accompanying J-2 dependents for the duration of their program. They must provide adequate proof of health insurance in English that meets certain requirements upon check-in.
Beginning May 15, 2015, medical insurance coverage for J-1 visa must meet the following minimum benefits:
- Medical coverage of at least $100,000 per illness or accident, meaning that the J-1 visa holder’s medical insurance policy must have a policy maximum of at least $100,000 in the event of a medical problem.
- Repatriation, or return of mortal remains, coverage of at least $25,000. If the J-1 visa holder dies in the US, repatriation benefits cover the costs of transporting his/her mortal remains back to his/her home country.
- Medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000 to return the exchange visitor back to his/her home country.
- Deductible amount no more than $500 per accident or illness.
- Medical insurance policies that meet the above listed benefit requirements must be underwritten by an insurance carrier that possesses the following features:
- A.M. Best rating of A- or above
- McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor’s Claims-paying Ability rating of A- or above
- Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above
- Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of A- or above
- Moody’s Investor Services rating of A3 or above
If you arrive in the U.S. before the effective date of the insurance plan, you should buy supplemental insurance to cover you during the uninsured period. Make every effort to be insured during your entire stay in the U.S.
Willful violation of the insurance requirement is a violation of J-1 status and can result in the termination of your J-1 Student Intern Program by Nobel University (NU), in accordance with immigration regulations. It is the J-1 visa holder’s responsibility to notify NU of dependents who are currently in the United States or who arrive subsequently and present evidence of appropriate insurance coverage for them.
NU does not provide coverage for health care, either for illness or in the case of an accident. NU is covered under an accident insurance for activities policy. This policy is secondary to any other applicable individual or group insurance. This policy covers those taking part in a University-sponsored and supervised activity, including scheduled and non-scheduled sports. Coverage is extended while on the NU’s campus. This policy does not cover any disability, medical problems, or illness other than those caused by injury or accident. Please contact the Business Office if you would like details on this policy.