J1 Visa Medical Insurance
If you are J-1 exchange visitor in the US, you must carry J1 Visa Insurance for yourself and your J-2 dependents for the full duration of the J-visa program. US government regulations stipulate that if one willfully fails to carry health insurance, then the J-1 sponsor must terminate the exchange visitor program and report the termination to the United States Department of State in Washington D.C.
It is dangerous to be in the US without adequate health insurance. In many countries, the government bears the expense of health care for its citizens and sometimes for visitors. By contrast, individuals and families in the U.S. are responsible for such costs. Since a single day of hospitalization and medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars, many hospitals and doctors refuse to treat uninsured patients, except in life-threatening emergencies.
Most Americans rely on insurance, and you should do the same. Insurance gives you access to better and more timely health care and provides the only protection against the enormous costs of health care in the US.
J1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements
The Department of State has established the minimum requirements for the type and amounts of coverage required to maintain a valid J-1 or J-2 status. As of May 15, 2015, to meet these new J1 visa insurance requirements, the plans must meet the following minimum standards for accident and sickness coverage:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains coverage of at least $25,000
- Medical evacuation coverage to home country of at least $50,000
- Maximum deductible of $500 per accident or illness
- The insurance policy must also be underwritten by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, a McGraw/Hill Financial Standard/Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-“or above, “A-“ or above rating by Fitch Ratings, Inc., ‘‘A3’’ rating or above by Moody’s Investor Services, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above.
How J1 visa medical insurance works
When you purchase a J1/J2 visa insurance, the money you pay (your “premium”) is combined with the premiums of others to form a pool of money. That money is then used to pay the medical bills of participants who need health care. Your coverage remains valid only as long as you continue to pay your premiums. Once you purchase insurance, the insurance company will give you an insurance identification card for you to use when you seek care from a hospital or doctor.
The J1 visa insurance provider which is the insurance company behind the policy, will also provide written instructions for reporting and documenting medical expenses (“filing a claim”). The insurance company will evaluate any claim you file and make the appropriate payment under your policy. In some cases the insurance company pays the hospital or doctor directly; in others the company will reimburse you after you have paid the bills.
J1 Visa Medical Insurance Overview
Understanding J-1 Visa Insurance can be complicated. There are many plans, various coverages, options and restrictions. Deciding on a policy that best suits your needs is not always easy.
One can compare all the major insurance policies, select a quote and purchase a policy that best suits your preferences at J1 Visa Health Insurance.
