International Students and Scholars Office

J-1 exchange visitors paid by Brandeis and whose appointment is longer than 6 months are eligible for the Brandeis Employee Health Plan. However, the Brandeis health plan does not include the required medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, so scholars must purchase an additional evacuation/repatriation plan. The ISSO will provide information on a separate medical evacuation/repatriation "rider" (through an outside company, that the J-1 visa holder can enroll in on their own). The combination of the Brandeis Employee Health Plan and the medical evacuation/repatriation rider will meet the J visa health insurance requirements.

An insurance policy secured to meet the benefits requirements must be underwritten by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-I" or above, a Standard and Poor's Claims Paying Ability rating of "A-" or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above. Alternatively, the sponsor may ascertain that the participant's policy is backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country.

All J-1 and J-2 visa holders will need to confirm that they have from home, or will purchase, health insurance coverage that meets these requirements to maintain their immigration status. Maintenance of health insurance coverage, for oneself and dependent family members, is the responsibility of the J-1 Exchange Visitor.

If you have non-Brandeis health insurance during your stay, to avoid tax penalties, make sure that your plan meets the Minimum Creditable Coverage (MCC) for Massachusetts

Short-term insurance plans can be purchased in a variety of plan lengths specifically for visiting the United States.

Insurers to Consider

• Compass Benefit Group (Compass Benchmark Plans)

• The Harbour Group

• ISO Insurance
• International Student Insurance