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Architect-US
Owen Beard

Medical care and insurance is covered up to what extent in the J1 Exchange Visitor Visa program?

Whether you are a architecture talent interested in the J1 Visa or a decision maker at a US architecture firm, it is always necessary to understand what medical insurance is covered under the J1 Exchange Visitor Program. Under the State Department’s guidelines every participant must have medical insurance covered before going to the USA. The insurance may be purchased as a standalone policy or be provided through the sponsor by payroll deduction. We go into more detail regarding what health insurance must be covered.

A company should always consider the health of their workers as a top priority, and part of protecting their health is knowing what kind of insurance they are able to obtain. For an international candidate it may seem more difficult, but the process is very similar when it comes to your J1 participant receiving medical attention.

The J1 Exchange Visitor Program is administered by the US State Department and has guidelines set out in regards to the J1 participant’s health insurance. Under 22 CFR § 62.14, exchange visitors with J-1 visas now must typically prove that they have medical insurance with the following minimum coverage amounts:

  • Minimum coverage of $100,000
  • Minimum coverage for medical evacuation of $50,000
  • Minimum coverage for repatriation of remains of $25,000
  • Maximum deductible of $500
  • Proof that the coverage will remain in effect for the duration of the J-1 visa holder’s stay in the U.S.

The insurance can come in the form of a standalone policy or it can be provided through the sponsor by payroll deduction or through the sponsor’s insurance program. In the case of Architect-US, the participant must cover their own health insurance expenses and this is included in the pricing of the J1 visa process.

Photo by National Cancer Institute

J-2 visa holders who travel to the US along with the J-1 participant can also provide proof of visitor insurance to cover them during the duration of their stays. The insurance requirements for J-2 visa holders is the same as the J-1 visa holders. 

Any insurance provided to the J1 participant must abide by the Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010. To comply with it you must have an insurance policy that has an actuarial value of at least 60% as well as the following coverages:

  • Laboratory services
  • Emergency services
  • Prescription drugs
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Maternity and newborn services
  • Pediatric services, including vision and dental care
  • Rehabilitative services and devices
  • Ambulatory patient services
  • Chronic disease management and preventive and wellness services
  • Hospitalization

Another key part of the ACA, is that health insurance cannot be denied to you based on a pre-existing medical condition.

Please keep in mind that if you allow your insurance or any of your dependent’s insurance to expire or end while you are in the U.S. then you will be violating the regulations that govern your J-1 program. Please make sure you keep up to date with your health insurance policy!

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