Health insurance requirements for J-1 scholars

J-1 visa holders are required to maintain health insurance throughout the period of stay in the U.S., for themselves and all J-2 dependents that accompany the J- 1. Failure to maintain such health insurance while in the United States will be considered a violation of J-1 status and may lead to termination of the J-1's legal status.

Medical insurance requirements for J-1 visa holders (scholars)

J-1 visa holders are required to maintain health insurance throughout the period of stay in the U.S., for themselves and all J-2 dependents that accompany the J- 1. Failure to maintain such health insurance while in the United States will be considered a violation of J-1 status and may lead to termination of the J-1's legal status.

If you are a J-1 visa holder, you must maintain the following required coverage for yourself and your J-2 dependents. The medical insurance coverage outlined below has been defined by U.S. federal regulations:

• $100,000 of medical coverage per accident or illness
• Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
• Repatriation up to $25,000
• Medical evacuation coverage to your home country of up to $50,000
• Covers pre-existing conditions after a reasonable waiting period
• Includes provision for co-payment that does not exceed 25 percent co-pay by the exchange visitor
• Does not exclude benefits for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange visitor

Must be underwritten by an insurance company that meets the rating requirements of the United States Information Agency (USIA) or backed by the full faith and credit of the exchange visitor's government.

International exchange visitors (scholars)

We strongly recommend that all J visitors purchase a short-term travelers insurance to cover at least the first month in U.S. Even if health insurance is offered as part of the benefit package, the coverage may not begin immediately.

If you are self-funded, or without university provided benefits, we recommend that you purchase a plan that covers the duration of your program.

J-1 scholar health insurance options

Below are your options for obtaining the appropriate medical coverage as a J-1 visa holder (scholar). 

1. You purchase insurance in your home country which meets the federal requirements listed above.
2. You are covered through the University of Nevada, Reno insurance plan through your contracted position. You may need to supplement your insurance for your dependents and to meet the repatriation and medical evacuation requirements for your visa. View medical evaluation and repatriation insurance providers table below.
3. You purchase an insurance plan in the U.S. that meets the federal requirements of your J-1 visa program. View J-1 visa holder insurance plan providers table below.

J-1 visa holders with University of Nevada, Reno health insurance

If you are a J-1 visa holder receiving University health insurance, you are required to buy an additional coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation to your home country. This insurance can be purchased from the following providers:

J-1 visa holder insurance plan providers 

J-1 scholars may purchase health insurance plans from the following insurance providers or any other providers on the market.