J1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements

U.S. Department of State Requirements


In accordance with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Vol. 22, section 62.14, October 2014 exchange visitors coming to the USA on a J-1 visa must maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and any dependents on a J-2 visa throughout their stay in the USA. Failure to maintain insurance will lead to loss of legal status and termination from the program. The U.S. Department of State requires that a minimum coverage shall provide:

The insurance policy must be underwritten by an insurance corporation having one of the following ratings:

Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness

Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000

Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000

Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

May require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions which is reasonable as determined by current industry standards

May include provision for co-insurance under the term of which the exchange visitor may be required to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness

Must not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange program in which the exchange visitor participates.

The insurance policy must be underwritten by an insurance corporation having one of the following ratings:

an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above

a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above

a McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor's Claim-paying Ability rating of "A-" or above

a Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of "A-" or above

a Moody's Investor rating of "A3" or above

insurance coverage backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country

Health Insurance Offered at the Getty

Getty Scholars or Fellows participating in a Getty Scholar Program for 12 weeks or more must purchase the medical insurance offered at Getty:no exemptions.
The Getty offers you health insurance in compliance with the U.S. Department of State Requirements listed above for a reasonable monthly fee for one person. Here are the monthly premium costs for Medical and Dental insurance.

Getty Interns/Trainees participating in the Getty Graduate Intern Program must purchase the medical insurance offered at Getty: no exemptions.
The Getty offers you health insurance in compliance with the U.S. Department of State Requirements listed above for a reasonable monthly fee for one person. Here are the monthly premium costs for Medical and Dental insurance.

Getty Scholars participating in a Getty Scholar Program for less than 12 weeks
You will not be eligible to enroll in the health coverage offered at the Getty and you will need to purchase/retain your own insurance plan.


Not Covered By Getty Insurance


Please be aware that if you will be in residence less than 12 weeks, or you decline Getty coverage, or Getty coverage is not offered in your invitation letter/contract, the Getty will not provide you or your family members with any health coverage whatsoever, and the Getty will not be able to help you with questions related to any other coverage you buy.


Pre-Existing Conditions

Please know that the health insurance offered at the Getty provides coverage also for pre-existing conditions.


Travelling with Medications

Please bring a sufficient supply of any medicines you require, and check that they are legal in the U.S. Carry a copy of your original prescription, and ensure that both the generic and trade names of the drug are included in case your medication is lost or stolen and you need a replacement. We recommend you bring a note from a doctor describing why you are taking the medication. If you require syringes for a medical condition such as diabetes, carry a supply sufficient to last for a while, as well as a medical certificate that states that they are for medical use only. Syringes are usually prohibited in carry-on luggage due to security concerns. Contact your airline before departure to verify the regulations about transporting syringes.


Health Insurance for B1-B2 visas and ESTA

If you are traveling on a J-1 visa but your dear ones are traveling on a B visa or ESTA and do not qualify to be covered under your plan, please make sure that they get the proper insurance coverage too. We strongly suggest that you arrange for them to have a health insurance coverage of at least five hundred thousand U.S. dollars while they are staying in the U.S. (30-day visitor coverage should be available from your travel agent, a local insurance company, or online for a relatively low cost.) As usual, the policy must be written in English and it must contain a U.S contact/billing address to avoid having to pay for all medical expenses at the time of service, be it an office visit or a hospital stay.

Where to Purchase Insurance Plans

Insurance plans can be purchased at:

  • Private companies in your home country
  • Online Insurance Companies
  • Many other insurance companies that you may find online, or via your local U.S. Consular Office, or via colleagues' suggestions, etc.


What to Ask the Insurance Company

When purchasing a policy, you should ask specific questions such as:

  • How do I find out which doctors and hospitals are covered by this insurance policy in the area close to my LA home?
  • Will I have to pay any expense upfront?
  • Will I have to submit any forms for reimbursement?
  • Where can I find the forms?
  • Who should I contact for questions and assistance related to the use of this insurance policy while I am in the U.S.?
  • U.S. Hospitals will not make international calls. Will your policy provide a U.S. phone number to be used by hospitals in case of an emergency or hospitalization?


AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA)


The U.S. Department of State wants you to know that J-1 and J-2 visitors may also be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to maintain compliant health insurance or to pay the tax penalty for not carrying it.

In general:

Non-resident aliens for tax purposes are not subject to the ACA requirements
Resident aliens for tax purposes are subject to the ACA requirements
For purposes of this exemption J-1 Exchange Visitors such as Research Scholars, Short-Term Scholars, Specialists, Trainees and Interns are usually considered non-resident aliens for the first two calendar years (the year they first enter the US and the following year).

However, if you were in the U.S. prior to the two exempt years, click on the following link to take the substantial presence test to verify whether you are considered resident or non-resident.

If you will be a resident for tax purposes know that the UnitedHealthCare insurance plans offered at the Getty meet the ACA requirements.

Please be aware that it is your responsibility to understand your health insurance requirements and comply accordingly. Please know that health insurance plans from sources in your home country, including government insurances, are usually not recognized by the ACA as meeting the minimum essential coverage.

For more information visit this web site:
http://www.nafsa.org/Find_Resources/Supporting_International_Students_And_Scholars/ISS_Issues/The_Affordable_Care_Act_And_Nonimmigrant_Students_and_Scholars/

For any questions, please contact OSIP at: OSIP@getty.edu

Invited Professionals


Helpful Information for Invited Professionals

Have a Question?



Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact OSIP


Office of Scholars, Interns and Professionals
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, California 90049-1688
Fax: (310) 440-7782
osip@getty.edu