J-1 Health Insurance
According to revised federal regulations governing the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (22 CFR sec. 514.14, 3/19/93), all Exchange Visitors in the United States must purchase sickness and accident insurance for themselves and for all dependents for the duration of their stay. Failure to purchase such insurance will lead to loss of legal status and termination from the program.
Minimum coverage must provide:
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
- Expenses for medical evacuation of the visitor to his/her home country of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
"An exchange visitor who willfully fails to maintain the insurance coverage set forth above... or who makes a material misrepresentation to the sponsor concerning such coverage shall be deemed to be in violation of theses regulations and shall be subject to termination as a participant." [22 CFR 514.14(h)]
Brandeis University offers insurance coverage meeting these requirements to all its students and employees. Other policies are acceptable if they meet the specifications. Students and employees must generally pay for part or all of that coverage.