J-1 students and scholars must have health insurance coverage that meets the minimum coverage guidelines as set by the U.S. State Department.
J exchange visitors are required to have adequate insurance coverage for themselves and any dependents they bring with them to the U.S. The minimum coverage for each individual shall provide:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness.
- A deductible of up to $500 per accident or illness
- In case of death, payment for repatriation (preparation and transportation of remains to home country) of $25,000
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country up to $50,000
To comply with these regulations, health insurance policies must be underwritten by corporations that have 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 might specify
- or the policy must be backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the Exchange Visitor's home country.
Exchange Visitors and their dependents may also be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.
Certain J-1 exchange visitors are eligible for Dartmouth College insurance benefits because they are considered full-time regular employees.
J-1 exchange visitors who are not eligible for Dartmouth College insurance benefits must secure their own insurance coverage sufficient to meet U.S. Department of State requirements during their entire stay in the United States.
J-1 exchange visitors may opt to purchase insurance overseas. They may also buy insurance from a provider in the U.S. before arrival. Insurance coverage must be in effect for the duration of the J-1 program.