The J-1 visa is for exchange visitors — au pairs, interns, trainees, camp counselors, research scholars, teachers and others. Unlike most visitor visas, J-1 comes with insurance rules set by the US government, and keeping coverage is a condition of your status for the whole program.
The four J-1 insurance minimums
The US Department of State sets a floor every J-1 plan has to meet. All four apply at the same time:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness.
- Medical evacuation of at least $50,000 to take you to your home country.
- Repatriation of remains of at least $25,000.
- A deductible no higher than $500 per accident or illness.
A plan has to clear every one of these — strong medical cover with a $1,000 deductible, or no evacuation, does not qualify. There are also rules about the insurer's financial strength; your program sponsor confirms the plan meets them.
J-2 dependents count too
If your spouse or children are here on J-2 status, they each need coverage to the same minimums, for the length of the program. Build that into your plan from the start.
Your sponsor has the final say
Your program sponsor confirms your insurance meets the rules, and some sponsors set stricter terms than the federal floor. Check with your sponsor before you buy, keep proof of coverage for the whole program, and renew before it lapses — a gap can put your status at risk.
What to look for in a plan
- Every minimum met at once — medical, evacuation, repatriation and the deductible cap, not just the headline medical number.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, which the J-1 rule singles out — see our medical evacuation guide.
- Coverage for the whole program, with proof you can give your sponsor.
Pre-existing conditions are handled differently by each plan; our pre-existing conditions guide explains what to check.
Get a quote
Choose "Traveling to the US", enter each person's age, your program dates and home country, and compare plans. Because all four minimums have to line up, it's worth a call: Protect Travel at 877-720-6696 (Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–1pm ET) can help you pick a plan that meets every J-1 minimum and get the confirmation your sponsor needs.
Get a quote from Protect Travel →
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See the plan details on our website before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Is insurance required for a J-1 visa?
Yes. The US Department of State requires every J-1 exchange visitor — and any J-2 dependents — to carry insurance that meets set minimums for the whole program, and keeping it is a condition of your status.
What are the J-1 insurance minimums?
Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness, medical evacuation to your home country of at least $50,000, repatriation of remains of at least $25,000, and a deductible no higher than $500 per accident or illness.
Do J-2 dependents need their own coverage?
Yes. A spouse or children on J-2 status must be covered to the same minimums for the length of the program.
Does my program sponsor decide what counts?
Your sponsor confirms your insurance meets the rules and can set stricter terms, so check with them before you buy, and keep proof of coverage for the whole program.
What if my plan doesn't meet all four minimums?
All four have to be met at once — a plan that is strong on medical but has a $1,000 deductible, or no evacuation, does not qualify. Call us and we'll help you find a plan that meets every minimum and get the confirmation your sponsor needs.
This guide is general information, not legal, medical or immigration advice. The federal minimums can change and your sponsor may require more; confirm the current rules with your sponsor.
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See the plan details on our website before you buy.