What is J-1 visa?
The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to individuals who wish to visit the United States as part of a work and travel program, or as a short-term (non-degree seeking) international student or scholar.
Possible Categories of J-1 Visa Holders
Scholars (44%): This category includes visiting scholars, researchers, and postdoctoral researchers.
Short-term scholars (23%): This category includes scholars and professionals who participate in short-term exchange programs.
Teachers (11%): This category includes teachers who come to the United States to teach.
Internships (10%): This category includes students and professionals who come to the United States for internships.
Summer camps (7%): This category includes students who attend summer camps in the United States.
What kind of insurance should visiting scholars with J-1 visa buy?
The J-1 visa is a type of visa provided by the U.S. government to scholars and researchers who come to the U.S. for exchange programs. According to the regulations of the U.S. State Department, all J-1 visa holders must purchase medical insurance that meets the minimum standards of the U.S. State Department.
Why buy insurance?
Minimum Requirements for J-1 Visa Insurance
- Coverage must include medical emergencies, hospitalization, surgery, psychiatric care, childbirth, repatriation, and emergency medical evacuation.
- The minimum coverage per person is $100,000.
- Repatriation of Remains Coverage $25,000
- The deductible for medical expenses per person/per accident cannot exceed $500. For example, if the medical expenses are $5,000 and the deductible is $500, then you have to pay the first $500 yourself, and the remaining $4,500 will be reimbursed. The deductible for GoGlobalSafe’s Gold plan is 0
- Deductible up to $500 per injury or illness
- The insurance coverage per person/year cannot be less than US$500,000.
Things to note when choosing J-1 visa insurance
- coverage: Make sure the insurance plan covers the medical services you need.
Coverage: Choose the appropriate coverage based on your personal situation. If there are no special requirements, just meet the basic requirements of the J-1 visa.
Deductible: Choose an affordable deductible. Generally, the lower the deductible, the more expensive it is, and the better the coverage.
Price: Compare the prices of different insurance plans.
(2) Buy it yourself or with the organization?To simplify the process for exchange visitors to find insurance plans that meet the minimum standards of the U.S. Department of State or even higher standards, we launch our Wellaway-Gold and Wellaway-Bronze insurance plans every day.
First, you need to confirm directly with your project sponsor whether you need to join their group health insurance plan or purchase personal health insurance that meets the J-1 visa requirements.
If you need to purchase insurance on your own, the plans we offer fully meet and exceed the U.S. Department of State’s minimum health insurance requirements for J-1 visas.(3) Obtain proof of coverage in a timely manner
After you purchase health insurance for your J-1 visa, many project sponsors and embassies and consulates may ask to see proof of insurance that meets these outlined requirements. You will need to contact your insurance company to obtain a letter (sometimes called a visa letter or proof of coverage) that covers each of these requirements and the amounts covered by your insurance plan. Since we handle J-1 health insurance requirements every day, we automatically provide this visa letter as soon as you purchase our insurance plan so that you can bring this document with you to your visa interview appointment.
Therefore, whether you purchase J-1 visa health insurance through us or through your sponsor organization, it is important to confirm that your insurance meets the minimum requirements and that you have the visa letter/proof of coverage.
Minimum Requirements for J-1 Visa Insurance
