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International Office

J-1 Exchange Visitor's Health Insurance

Department of State Requirements:

J-1 scholars are required to maintain health insurance for themselves and any J-2 dependents throughout their J-1 exchange visitor program in the U.S.  Failure to maintain such health insurance while in the United States will be considered a violation of J-1 status and may lead to termination of the J-1’s legal status. The requirements for health insurance that are outlined below summarize the requirements defined by U.S. federal regulations.  These are the minimum requirements for each J-1 scholar and J-2 dependent.  Based on current medical costs, a minimum coverage of $300,000 per illness/injury is strongly recommended.

  • Medical benefits per accident or illness of at least: $100,000 minimum
  • Repatriation of Remains: $25,000
  • Expenses related to Medical Evacuation: $50,000
  • Deductible per accident or illness not to exceed $500
  • The insurance must cover “pre-existing conditions” after a reasonable waiting period  

Purchasing Health Insurance Plan through Fresno State:

  1. When checking in with International Office upon arrival, J-1 visiting scholars are required to purchase health insurance through Fresno State, which fulfills Department of State requirements. The monthly rate of J-1 insurance is around $, subject to change without further notifications.
  1. J-2 dependents are not covered under the insurance plan offered by Fresno State. They can purchase an individual insurance plan through the following companies: International Student Insurance, IMG Insurance, HTH Travel Insurance  or BETiNS.com
  2. Evacuation Insurance can be purchased through BETiN.com to meet the Department of State Requirements https://www.betins.com/Products/Evacuation/Evacuation.aspx