Personal health care insurance is essential in the United States. All Exchange Visitors are required to purchase health insurance for themselves and their dependents. Additionally, medical evacuation and repatriation insurances are also required.
Medical evacuation insurance is used in the event you need emergency transportation from the place where you are injured or become ill to the nearest hospital where appropriate medical treatment can be obtained. If your medical condition warrants transportation to your home country to obtain further medical treatment or to recover medical evacuation insurance will cover this as well.
Repatriation insurance is used in the event it becomes necessary to transport your human remains to your home country.
Insurance Requirements for J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors
The Department of State (DOS) requires all J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors to carry specific types of insurance throughout their program in the U.S.. As a sponsor, the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) monitors exchange visitor compliance. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the loss of J-1 status.
Summary of State Department Health Insurance Requirements
General Provisions - Accident and Illness
- Minimum of $50,000 per accident or illness for medical benefits.
- Maximum co-payment of 25 percent
- Maximum deductible of $500 per accident or illness
- Waiting period for pre-existing conditions consistent with current industry standard
- Coverage for all activities that are part of the exchange program
Medical Evacuation Provision
Minimum of $10,000 allowed for expenses related to the medical transport of the exchange visitor to his/her home country.
Repatriation Provision
Minimum of $7,500 allowed for expenses in the event of death related to the transport of bodily remains to the exchange visitor's home country.
J-1 Students and Employees of KUMC
Exchange visitors may purchase either the KUMC employee or student health insurance plan. J-2 dependents may also be covered by these plans. Coverage under plans offered through KUMC is deducted from the employee's salary or may be added into student fees. Please note that KUMC insurance for employees does not begin immediately. Depending on your start date, it is typically two to three months before you are covered under a KUMC plan. Exchange visitors must purchase an insurance policy to cover the interim time period. KUMC insurance plans for employees do not include medical evacuation and repatriation. This must be purchased separately. Please note that KUMC student plans do include medical evacuation and repatriation.
Tips Relating to Insurance Coverage
All exchange visitors must submit proof of coverage obtained from the home government, foreign employer, other U.S. employer, or private insurance commpany. Be sure to review the insurance information carefully to ensure that policies meet or exceed the requirements listed above. Policies must provide coverage while the exchange visitor is physically present in the United States.
Insurance Company Options
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The University of Kansas Medical Center