J-1/J-2 Student Insurance
The U.S. Department of State requires J-1 students and their dependents to carry medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance throughout their participation in the J-1 program and while in the U.S.
Related Pages
Willful failure of J-1 students to maintain insurance that meets requirements for them and their dependents will lead to termination of their participation in the J-1 program.
Minimum coverage requirements
All J-1 students and their dependents must meet the following Department of States minimum coverage requirements:
| Medical benefits | $100,000 |
| Repatriation of remains | $25,000 |
| Medical evacuation | $50,000 |
| Deductible per accident/ illness | $500 |
All exchange visitors and their dependents may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act [22 CFR 62.14(a)]
To meet federal solvency guidelines, the insurance meets at least one of the minimum requirements listed below:
- Is underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-” or above, a Standard and Poor’s Claims-paying Ability rating of “A” or above, a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above, or such other rating service as the Agency may from time to time specify; or
- Is backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country; or
- Is part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor; or
- Is offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
UT Dallas insurance requirement for J-1 students
- Upon enrollment for each term, the cost for a semester of student health insurance will be assessed to your account.
- The UT System student health insurance requirements for the 2014-2015 academic year have changed to comply with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
- Your dependents can be added to the health insurance policy for an additional cost. Contact the Student Health Center to add dependents to your insurance.
- If you are a J-1 student and will not enroll in classes for summer, contact the Student Health Center to have the insurance continue during summer semester.
- Learn more about Insurance for International Students, the UT System requirement and the waiver process.
Alternative insurance for J-1 students and their dependents
If you are a J-1 student and have alternative insurance, ensure that the plan:
- Meets or exceeds the minimum requirements established by the U.S. Department of State.
- Covers you and your dependents throughout your stay in the U.S.
- Provides you with appropriate documentation to complete the UT System and J-1 insurance requirement no later than Census Day of each semester.
If you have alternative insurance you can:
- Have the insurance fee in your account waived by the Student Health Center.
- Buy the medical evacuation and repatriation insurance offered by UT Dallas if enrolled in classes at UT Dallas. For details contact the Student Health Center at stuhealthinsurance@utdallas.edu.
Complete the ISSO J-1 insurance requirement
- Submit copies of acceptable proof of alternative insurance to the ISSO by e-mail at ISSOJ1@utdallas.edu or in person during office hours. The documents of proof of insurance need to meet requirements:
Government Sponsored Insurance
- Coverage letter indicating coverage dates and benefits summary.
Private Insurance (non-employment), submit copies of
- Medical insurance card. Front and back showing the name of the insured and coverage dates
- Benefits summary page only. Highlight medical and deductible amounts
- Medical evacuation/repatriation coverage. Card or benefits summary page
Employer Insurance (U.S. employer, TA/RA, Academic Training)
- Medical insurance card. Front and back showing name of the insured
TA/RAs can submit copies of the following documents:
- UT Touch email sent when the policy was first elected
- Copy of the Benefits Summary page from Galaxy
- Medical evacuation/repatriation coverage. Card or benefits summary page
TA/RAs with UT Dallas employee insurance can purchase repatriation/evacuation insurance at the Student Health Center. For details contact the Student Health Center at stuhealthinsurance@utdallas.edu.
