What are the J-1 health insurance requirements?
FAQ.
Answered by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
What are the J-1 health insurance requirements?
By federal regulation (22 CFR 62.14), you must maintain qualifying health insurance for your entire J-1 program (including extensions), and also for any J-2 dependents. Your insurance plan must meet State Department minimums, and failing to maintain it can cause your J-1 program to be terminated.
Minimum coverage
• Medical benefits: at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Medical evacuation: at least $50,000
• Repatriation of remains: at least $25,000
• Deductible: no more than $500 per condition
Other key points
• J-2 dependents must also maintain qualifying coverage for their entire stay.
• Foreign/home-country plans qualify only if they fully meet the standards (e.g., issued by a highly rated company, government-backed, a sponsor group plan, or a U.S. federally qualified plan).
• Some institutions auto-enroll scholars; others (often non-employee visiting researchers) require you to buy your own. Either way, you are responsible for maintaining compliant coverage.
References: 22 CFR 62.14
