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Anyone entering the United States on a J1 visa is required to have health insurance that meets U.S. Department of State standards for their entire stay. Without valid coverage, a visa application could be denied or even suspended after approval.
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Students planning to attend a United States university on a J1 visa must meet specific U.S. health insurance requirements to stay compliant with visa regulations. The insurance experts at Pacific Prime have prepared this guide to help you understand student-specific J1 visa health insurance and the options available to protect your health while studying abroad.
We will explain the health insurance requirements for the J1 visa, the different insurance plans available for foreign students, and more. We will also share key considerations when choosing a student health insurance plan. Keep reading to learn more!
J1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements Explained
Students traveling to study in the U.S. on J1 visas will be required to have health insurance that adequately covers several different requirements:
- Medical benefits of at least USD $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains coverage of at least USD $25,000
- Medical evacuation coverage of at least USD $50,000
- A deductible that does not exceed USD $500 per accident or illness
Without health insurance that fulfills these requirements, you could face the consequences of having your application denied or your visa suspended.
Not only does having adequate health insurance coverage help you meet your visa requirements, but it also keeps you from paying out-of-pocket for expensive medical fees. The United States has some of the most expensive healthcare in the world, and medical bills can add up.
To ensure you and any dependents you have are protected from staggering medical bills, you should secure a comprehensive health insurance plan for your time in the U.S.
Types of J1 Student Health Insurance Plans
J1 visa holders can find student-specific health insurance plans through university health plans or private health insurance plans. Each of these health insurance plans has its own strengths and weaknesses, which we will discuss in further detail.
University-Sponsored Health Insurance for J1 Students
University health plans are health insurance plans offered by a college or university to its students. Also known as campus health insurance, these plans were created for students and their dependents.
Not every university offers university health insurance, but most do. In addition, most universities also require students to have health insurance in order for them to attend. A benefit of university health insurance plans is the lower cost, but the network for these plans is usually small.
Here are some of the pros and cons of university health plans:
Pros of University Health Plans for J1 Visa Holders:
- Meet the Insurance Requirements for J1 Visas
- Coverage for Low-Cost or Free On-Campus Healthcare Services
- In-Network Inpatient Coverage
- Easy to Enroll In
Cons of University Health Plans for J1 Visa Holders:
- Small Provider Networks
- May Have Higher Premiums than Private Health Insurance
- May Have No Customizable Benefits
- May Only Provide Coverage During the Academic Year
Because of these advantages and disadvantages, J1 visa holders should take their time to determine if a student health insurance plan is the right choice for them. If they’d like to explore other options, private health insurance plans can be an excellent choice.
Private Health Insurance Options for J1 Students
Private health insurance plans that fit student-specific J1 visa holders’ needs can be purchased through local U.S. or international insurance providers. The benefit of purchasing from an international insurance provider is possible coverage in your own home country as well.
Private health insurance plans generally offer more comprehensive health insurance plans with more customizable benefits than university health insurance plans. They also offer a more broad network for providers.
Here are some of the pros and cons of private health plans:
Pros of Private Health Plans for J1 Visa Holders:
- Customizable Benefits
- Wide Provider Networks
- May Have Lower Premiums than University Health Insurance
- Coverage During School Breaks
Cons of Private Health Plans for J1 Visa Holders
- May Have Higher Deductibles than University Health Insurance
- May Have Fewer Resources Available at On-Campus Medical Services
Private health insurance plans are popular with those traveling to the U.S. on J1 visas due to their flexibility and broad networks. Private health insurance plans can be purchased from leading local or international private health insurance providers.
Leading J1 Student Health Insurance Providers
Private health insurance providers that offer student health insurance plans are Cigna, Allianz, and IMG Global. Each of these providers offers comprehensive student health insurance coverage, with premiums that can fit a variety of budgets.
With a private health insurance plan from an international insurance provider, J1 visa holders can expect more flexible benefits with a variety of optional riders to choose from to extend coverage. They generally have a much larger network of providers than University health plans as well.
Cigna J1 Student Insurance Plans
Cigna offers comprehensive student health insurance through their Cigna Global Health plans or their Close Care plan. The Cigna Global Health plans come in three different coverage options, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, and offer a worldwide network.
The Close Care plan only offers coverage in the destination country and the policyholder’s country of origin. This makes it an excellent choice for students who don’t plan on traveling outside their destination country besides going home for breaks.
Cigna Global Health Insurance Coverage
Cigna’s Global Health plans were designed to offer students and foreigners alike comprehensive international healthcare coverage for their time abroad. Available in three different coverage categories, these plans are customizable and can be tailored to the policyholder’s needs.
See the table below to compare the plan benefits:
| Silver | Gold | Platinum | |
| Annual Overall Benefit Maximum | USD $1,000,000 | USD $2,000,000 | Paid In Full |
| Hospital Charges | Covered with a Private Room | Covered with a Private Room | Covered with a Private Room |
| Advanced Medical Imaging (MRI, CT and
PET scans) |
Covered Up to $10,000 | Covered Up to $15,000 | Fully Covered |
| Mental and Behavioural Health Care | Covered for $5,000 Up to 30 Days | Covered for $10,000 Up to 60 Days | Covered Fully Up to 90 Days |
| Emergency Inpatient Dental Treatment | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Students looking to extend their coverage can also choose to purchase either one or more of the additional modules listed below:
- International Outpatient: Includes coverage for specialist fees, pathology, radiology and diagnostic tests, prenatal and postnatal care (after a waiting period of 12 months), and more.
- International Evacuation & Crisis Assistance Plus: Includes coverage for medical evacuation, medical repatriation, repatriation of mortal remains, travel costs for an accompanying person, access to Cigna’s Crisis Assistance Plus™ Programme, and more.
- International Health & Wellbeing: Includes coverage for wellness coaching, Cigna’s mental health support programme, routine adult physical examination, several different kinds of cancer screenings, and more.
- International Vision & Dental: Includes coverage for routine dental care, eye tests, glasses and contact lens expenses, and more.
Cigna Close Care Student Insurance
Cigna’s Close Care plan can offer students cost-effective coverage while they study abroad. Many students will only need coverage in the U.S. and for their home country when they return during university breaks, which makes Close Care’s geographical area of coverage a great choice.
The Close Care plan offers an annual benefit maximum per beneficiary per period of cover of USD $500,000. We have listed some of the benefits included in this plan below:
- Hospital Charges
- Surgeons’ and Anaesthetists’ Fees
- Specialists’ Consultation Fees
- Pathology, Radiology and Diagnostic tests
- Mental Health Care Covered Up to USD $3,000 for 60 Days
- Emergency Inpatient Dental Treatment USD $2,500
- Medical Evacuation USD $50,000
- Medical Repatriation USD $100,000
Students looking to extend their coverage can also choose to purchase either one or both of two additional modules, Outpatient and Wellness Care and/or Dental Care and Treatment. These modules offer more benefits for outpatient services and dental treatment.
IMG Global Insurance for J1 Students
IMG Global offers students on J1 visas comprehensive health insurance through their Patriot Exchange Program plan, their Student Health Advantage plan, and their Student Health Advantage Platinum plan. These plans were designed to give students coverage where they need it most.
IMG Patriot Exchange Program for J1 Students
The Patriot Exchange Program plan was designed specifically to meet the U.S. J1 and J2 visa insurance requirements for students and those participating in a cultural exchange program. This plan offers two different areas of coverage and optional add-ons to extend coverage.
The benefits offered in the Patriot Exchange Program are as listed below:
- Maximum Annual Limit: USD $5,000,000
- Physician / Specialist Visit Coverage
- Hospital Emergency Room Coverage
- Hospitalization / Room & Board Coverage
- Laboratory, Radiology, & X-Ray Coverage
- Prescription Drugs and Medication Coverage
- Inpatient Mental Treatment: Covered Up to Maximum Limit of USD $10,000
- Outpatient Mental Treatment: Covered Up to Maximum Limit of USD $500
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage
- Repatriation for Medical Treatment / Repatriation of Mortal Remains Coverage
IMG Student Health Advantage Insurance
IMG Global offers international students financial protection and peace of mind with their Student Health Advantage plan. With international emergency care benefits and coverage for any dependents, this student health insurance was designed to give students coverage where they need it most.
The benefits offered in the Student Health Advantage Plan are as listed below:
- Maximum Annual Limit Student: USD $500,000
- Maximum Annual Limit for Dependent: USD $100,000
- Physician / Specialist Visit Coverage
- Hospital Emergency Room Coverage
- Hospitalization / Room & Board Coverage
- Laboratory, Radiology, & X-Ray Coverage
- Prescription Drugs and Medication Coverage
- Inpatient Mental Treatment: Covered Up to Maximum Limit of USD $10,000
- Outpatient Mental Treatment: Covered Up to Maximum Limit of USD $500
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage
- Repatriation for Medical Treatment / Repatriation of Mortal Remains Coverage
IMG Student Health Advantage Platinum Coverage
IMG Global designed the Student Health Advantage Platinum plan to be the more comprehensive alternative to their Student Health Advantage plan, with greater coverage limits and benefit options.
The benefits offered in the Student Health Advantage Platinum Plan are as listed below:
- Maximum Annual Limit Student: USD $1,000,000
- Maximum Annual Limit for Dependent: USD $100,000
- Physician / Specialist Visit Coverage
- Hospital Emergency Room Coverage
- Hospitalization / Room & Board Coverage
- Laboratory, Radiology, & X-Ray Coverage
- Prescription Drugs and Medication Coverage
- Inpatient Mental Treatment: Covered Up to Maximum Limit of USD $10,000
- Outpatient Mental Treatment: Covered Up to Maximum Limit of USD $500
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage
- Repatriation for Medical Treatment / Repatriation of Mortal Remains Coverage
An additional benefit of IMG’s most comprehensive student health plan is maternity coverage. This coverage comes with a maximum limit of USD $5,000 and includes coverage for newborn routine care for the first 31 days of life.
Allianz J1 Student Health Insurance Plans
Allianz offers international health insurance plans for students in the U.S. and worldwide with their Care plan. This plan offers flexible and comprehensive benefits, perfect for students looking for affordable coverage abroad.
The benefits offered in the Care Plan are listed below:
- Maximum Annual Limit: USD $2,500,000
- Inpatient Care Coverage
- Medical Evacuation Coverage
- Rehabilitation Treatment Covered Up to USD $ 2,700
- Outpatient Surgery Coverage
In addition to these core benefits, students can purchase one or more of three optional plans to extend their coverage: Out-patient plan, Dental plan, and Repatriation plan. To meet J1 visa requirements, students will likely have to purchase the Repatriation plan that comes with Medical Repatriation coverage.
How to Choose the Best J1 Student Insurance
When choosing a student health insurance plan, you should ensure that the plan covers all your healthcare needs, has a network of providers large enough for your needs, and a variety of other factors. We will discuss more of these key considerations below:
- Adequate Coverage for Your Needs: The right student health insurance plan for you should have enough coverage to fit all J1 visa requirements and cover all your healthcare needs. If you plan on needing more medical care, look for more comprehensive plans.
- Has a Large Enough Network: University health insurance plans are known for their small provider networks, so if you are someone who will need a broader network of care you will likely want to purchase a private health insurance plan.
- Fits Your Budget: Most students are on a tight budget as is, so you want to ensure that your healthcare plan does not cost more than you can handle. Finding the balance between an affordable plan that still offers enough coverage is key.
- Doesn’t Exclude Coverage You Need: You’ll want to consider if there are any conditions you may have that may be excluded by some plans, such as hypertension or diabetes. Or, if you plan on playing organized sports, you can also look for sports coverage in your policies.
By taking into account these key considerations, you’ll be better prepared to find and choose the perfect student-specific health insurance plan for you. Once you have chosen the right plan, it’s time to enroll.
Enrollment Process for J1 Student Health Insurance
If you are planning on enrolling in a university health insurance plan, you will enroll through your University’s website. If you want to enroll in a private health insurance plan, you can apply and enroll yourself or with the help of an insurance broker.
Insurance brokers like Pacific Prime will streamline the application and enrollment process for you for free, and help you get insured as soon as possible. You can submit your application and enroll in a plan online with us, which makes the process convenient and quick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum health insurance requirements for J1 visa holders?
The minimum requirements are medical benefits of at least USD $100,000 per accident or illness, repatriation of remains coverage of at least USD $25,000, medical evacuation coverage of at least USD $50,000, and a deductible that does not exceed USD $500 per accident or illness.
Is health insurance mandatory for all student J1 visa holders?
Health insurance is mandatory for all student J1 visa holders. Without adequate health insurance coverage, you could face visa suspension or termination. Additionally, you’ll be left vulnerable to high United States healthcare costs without health insurance.
Can I use my home country’s health insurance while on a J1 visa?
Unless your home country’s health insurance plan specifically includes international coverage with the U.S. included, your home country’s health insurance plan likely won’t cover you in the U.S.
What should I do if I need medical care while in the U.S.?
If you need emergency medical care, visit an emergency room in any hospital near you as soon as possible or call 911. If you need routine medical care, you can visit any general practitioner near you. To save on costs, you should only go see someone who is in your network of care.
Can I add my spouse and children as dependents on my health insurance plan?
Most university health insurance plans and private health insurance plans will allow you to add your spouse and children as dependents on your health insurance plan. The number of dependents allowed on a plan will vary by policy, along with coverage limits for the dependents.
Conclusion
Securing student-specific health insurance for your J1 Visa can help you meet all requirements set and keep you protected abroad. Without this necessary coverage, you can face visa suspension or termination, and be left to pay out of pocket for expensive medical care fees.
Are you ready to secure your student health insurance plan? If you don’t know where to start, the insurance experts at Pacific Prime can help. As an insurance broker, we can give our clients free and unbiased advice and help compare a wide variety of plans.
You can contact us online, or call us toll-free at 1-800-868-1451. If you’d like to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers, use our free quote tool!
If you enjoyed this article, check out our other articles on similar topics like J1 Visa-Specific Insurance Plans and J2 Visa Specific Health Insurance.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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