Health Insurance for Exchange Visitors
High Point University > Global Education > Immigration Matters > Health Insurance for Exchange Visitors

J-1 Exchange Visitor Program participants and their dependents are required by the U.S. Department of State to have health insurance in effect that covers them for sickness or accidents during the time of their exchange visitor program, as listed on their Form DS-2019. This includes any time spent outside of the U.S. during the program period.

J-1 regulations detail exactly what must be included in an insurance policy for all exchange visitors and their dependents. These requirements are outlined in Chapter 22 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 62.14. The are summarized below for your convenience, accurate at the time of publishing this page.

HPU’s responsible officers will require that you submit a copy of your insurance policy for review and recordkeeping. While we will review your policy, it is your responsibility as a J visa holder to ensure that you are:

  1. covered for the duration of your exchange visitor program, and
  2. that your policy meets the regulatory requirements as outlined in 22 CFR 62.14.

Willful failure to maintain adequate insurance coverage will result in the termination of the exchange visitor’s SEVIS record. Please ensure that you and any J-2 dependents are covered, even if temporarily outside of the U.S., for the duration of the EVP as noted on the Form DS-2019.

Pursuant to Federal Regulations [22 CFR 62.14], the minimum health insurance coverage must include:

Insurance Regulations
Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
Expenses associated with medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
Coverage for pre-existing conditions after a reasonable waiting period as determined by current industry standards
Any policy, plan, or contract secured to fill the above requirements must, at a minimum, be one of the following:
  1. Underwriting by an insurance corporation having one of the following:
    • 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, or
    • such other rating as the Department of State may from time to time specify.
  2. Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country.
  3. Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor.
  4. Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization or eligible Competitive Medical Plan as determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In addition, insurance policies:

  • May include provisions for co-insurance under the terms of which the exchange visitor may be required to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness; and
  • Must not unreasonable exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange program in which the exchange visitor participates.

 

Choosing an Insurance Policy

While HPU does not endorse or hold agreements with specific insurance providers, the list below can help you find policies that will meet the DOS requirements and your specific needs. Companies like ISO Student Health Insurance, International Student Insurance, and Cultural Insurance Services International allow you to narrow policies based on your visa and other demographics. The plans they offer should meet DOS requirements if you’re searching by J-1 student or scholar status; however, it is important to review the policies carefully to ensure they meet each of the regulatory requirements. 

J-1 Health Insurance Providers

HPU Health Insurance Programs

HPU offers both a student and employee insurance program, but it’s important to know the health insurance plans offered by High Point University do not sufficiently meet the regulatory health insurance minimums for exchange visitors. Therefore, the J-1 principal must acquire supplemental or private health insurance for themselves and their dependents no later than the day they arrive in the U.S. for their exchange visitor program.

Exchange visitors enrolled full time in a program of study may be eligible for the High Point University Student Health Insurance program. The plan is administered by HPU’s Office of Student Accounts and includes a plan through United Healthcare. Read more about the Student Health Insurance program, fees, coverage, and more.

Research scholars and visiting professors may be eligible for HPU Employee Benefits, including the employee health insurance plan. The plan is administered by HPU’s Office of Human Resources and offers a plan through MedCost. Check with your departmental supervisor or the Office of Human Resources to understand if you qualify for HPU Employee Benefits and for fees, coverage, and more.

Coverage for Dependents

Coverage for family members is very expensive and can cost $3,000 or more per year for an adult couple with additional costs for children. In the U.S., certain kinds of elective medical care, such as eyeglasses or dentistry, are ordinarily not covered by insurance, and they are very expensive. To the extent possible, Exchange Visitors should take care of those needs before leaving home or purchase supplementary vision or dental insurance.

Remember, J-1 regulations require both the principal visa holder and each dependent to be fully insured with a qualifying insurance policy for the duration of their exchange visitor program.