J-1 insurance requirement

U.S. law requires J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents to have sickness and accident insurance for the duration of your program.

Minimum coverage must include all 4 items listed below:

Item	Minimum Coverage
Medical benefits*	$100,000
Repatriation of remains	$25,000
Medical evacuation	$50,000
Deductible per accident or illness*	$500

*Note that not all health insurance policies or Health Savings Accounts available to UW employees through UW Benefits or the Washington Health Plan Finder meet these coverage requirements. Scholars must choose a plan or combination of plans that meets or exceeds these requirements. Many domestic health insurance policies, including policies provided by the UW to benefits-eligible employees, do not include medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. If you use one of these plans for health insurance, you will have to purchase medical evacuation and repatriation coverage separately.

Pre-Travel Insurance Arrangements

Exchange visitors are often able to obtain inexpensive international travel insurance in their home country. In the U.S. many insurance companies offer policies designed for exchange visitors, but benefits vary and policy details are often available only in English. It is important to consider what type of coverage is needed and who will be included on the plan. For example, some policies cost less because they do not provide coverage for J-2 dependents. Some policies exclude coverage for pregnancies, or coverage for care received in the home country. Before choosing a plan, carefully consider your personal and family health needs.

It is possible to enroll in most insurance plans by completing an online registration form, using a credit card for payment. The policies listed below do not represent an endorsement by the UW.

You are solely responsible for procuring and maintaining suitable health insurance.

Statement of Compliance

You must provide a Statement of Compliance with the insurance requirements of the exchange visitor program as part of your Mandatory Remote J-1 Check-In documents. ISO will not validate your record in SEVIS without a completed and signed Statement of Compliance.