J-1 EV Health Insurance Requirements
The U.S. Department of State requires medical insurance for all J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents. To maintain lawful status, you and any active J-2 dependents must have coverage that meets the U.S. Department of State minimum health insurance requirements throughout your entire program duration. You are responsible for verifying that your health insurance meets these requirements. You must bring or submit proof of insurance to our office upon arrival to complete your Immigration Check-In with OIS. All new exchange visitors will be sent detailed information about this requirement and a list of health insurance providers when we issue your initial DS-2019(s).
Failure to provide the required health insurance coverage could result in the loss of your J-1 Exchange Visitor status.
Key requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitor health insurance Heading link
- Medical expense coverage of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000
- Repatriation of remains coverage of at least $25,000
- The deductible must not exceed $500 per accident or illness
- Any coinsurance requirement cannot exceed 25%
Information for J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholars paid by UIC Heading link
If you are eligible, or become eligible, for UIC health insurance, please be aware that UIC insurance plans do not include medical evacuation and repatriation coverage for a foreign national to be transported from the U.S. to their home country. Therefore, a supplemental insurance policy that includes medical evacuation and repatriation coverage for the J-1 Exchange Visitor and their J-2 dependents, will need to be purchased in order to maintain lawful status. In general, UIC-paid exchange visitors become eligible for UIC benefits after two full calendar years in J-1 status.
If you are enrolled in a health insurance policy through your employment at UIC, you can download your “Confirmation of Benefits” statement at the MyBenefits website.
Note: “RSL BasicCare” plans offered through University of Illinois Human Resources do not meet any of the J program requirements.
Please see our Healthcare and Insurance Resources page for additional information on the U.S. healthcare system, insurance terminology, and types of healthcare providers.