Under US Department of State requirements, all J-1 Exchange Visitors (including J-1 students and J-1 scholars) and their J-2 dependent family members are required to have insurance that meets or exceeds the requirements listed in the table below. Failure to maintain adequate insurance may lead to termination of J-1 / J-2 status. For this reason, it is essential that you understand and obtain adequate insurance coverage that meets the J visa obligations.
Insurance plans must provide you and any J-2 family members with benefits to cover medical expenses. In addition, the plan must include a low deductible per accident or illness, and coverage for expenses including medical evacuation to your home country and repatriation of remains in the case of death.
Coverage Item | Minimum Coverage Requirement |
---|---|
Medical Benefits | $100,000 per accident or illness |
Medical Evacuation | $50,000 |
Repatriation of Remains | $25,000 |
Deductible | $500 maximum per accident or illness |
If your insurance plan provides only medical benefits but does not provide for medical evacuation or repatriation of remains, you may need to purchase a supplemental insurance plan that covers these requirements.
If you are a J-1 student pursuing degree studies or studying at Tufts as a J-1 exchange student, you are required to enroll in Tufts's student health insurance plan.
This information is for J-1 scholars who are employed by Tufts University in positions that are eligible for benefits, including health and dental insurance. If you are eligible for benefits, your department should schedule an orientation with the Human Resources soon upon your arrival.
IMPORTANT:
This information does not apply to Tufts University scholars who are self-funded or Tufts Medical Center-sponsored scholars.
If you are a J-1 scholar who will NOT be employed by Tufts, or are employed in a position that is not eligible for health insurance benefits through Tufts, you are required to obtain or purchase an insurance plan that meets or exceeds J-1 insurance requirements. Failure to obtain adequate insurance will lead to termination of your J-1 status. As a result, please be prepared to verify your insurance coverage upon arrival at Tufts University.
There are a variety of private insurance companies that offer J-1 insurance plans. Please note: it is up to each individual Exchange Visitor to find a J-1 insurance policy that meets their specific insurance and health coverage needs. The information listed below is for your convenience. Tufts does not recommend or endorse a specific insurance provider.
Please note that J-1 degree or non-degree exchange students who are required to enroll in Tufts's student health insurance plan may NOT use the plans below to qualify for a waiver of the student health insurance requirement.
Any insurance plan used to meet J-1 visa requirements must be provided either be backed by the full faith and credit of your home government, or underwritten by a corporation having one of the following industry ratings: