Insurance Requirements

The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) requires that all J-1 and J-2 visa holders carry health insurance during their entire stay in the United States. Details of 22 C.F.R. § 62.14 Mandatory Health Insurance for Exchange Visitors regulations can be found on the U.S. Department of State in the Insurance section.

As of May 15th, 2015, mandatory health insurance must cover:

  • Minimum $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Medical evacuation to the visitors home country in the amount of $50,000
  • Deductibles cannot exceed $500 per accident or illness

Coverage must begin by the program start listed on the DS-2019. OISS will require proof of insurance before validating the exchange visitors status, and it must be shown at the time of the arrival orientation. 

OISS can only provide limited support with the health insurance process, departments are encouraged to provide any assistance to the exchange visitor deemed necessary. The list of providers below are not endorsed by OISS or Eastern Michigan University, but a sample of potential companies that can be researched. Exchange visitors are responsible for ensuring that the coverage meets the minimum requirements regardless of the company they use. 

Skip Section Navigation