J-1 Visa Health Insurance: Requirements and Minimum Coverage

Health Insurance: Coverage every J-1 participant must have for the whole program, with minimum benefits set by US rules.
Table of Contents
  1. What Does J-⁠1 Visa Health Insurance Have to Cover?
  2. Minimum Coverage
  3. For How Long
  4. FAQs
  5. The Bottom Line
  6. Related Terms
  7. Sources

What Does J-1 Visa Health Insurance Have to Cover?

Coverage every J-1 participant must have for the whole program, with minimum benefits set by US rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Required for the entire program.
  • At least $100,000 per accident or illness.
  • Deductible of at most $500 per accident or illness.

At a glance
Medical benefits
≥ $100,000 per case
Repatriation
$25,000
Medical evacuation
$50,000
Deductible
≤ $500 per case
Co-insurance
up to 25%

Minimum Coverage

BenefitMinimum
Medical benefits per accident or illness$100,000
Repatriation of remains$25,000
Medical evacuation to your home country$50,000
Deductible per accident or illnessat most $500

Source: 22 CFR § 62.14: Insurance

For How Long

You must be covered throughout your program, from its begin date to the end date recorded in SEVIS. Family members accompanying you also need insurance.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.14: Insurance

FAQs

Does my family need insurance too?

Yes. Accompanying spouses and children need insurance as well.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.14: Insurance

Can J-1 insurance include co-insurance?

Yes. A policy may ask you to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.14: Insurance

The Bottom Line

Every J-1 participant needs insurance for the whole program, with at least $100,000 per accident or illness, $25,000 for repatriation, $50,000 for medical evacuation and a deductible of at most $500.

Sources

  1. 22 CFR § 62.14: Insurance
8 October 2026 · Checked against the sources above.
Next check · November 2026