Planning to participate in a work or study-based exchange program in the United States? You’re likely aware that the U.S. government requires most international visitors to possess a visa in order to enter the country.

But if you’re applying for a J-1 visa, you’ll need more than just the standard visa requirements, like a birth certificate and valid passport. You’ll also need proof of travel medical insurance that meets J-1 visa requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of State.

What Is a J-1 Visa?

A J-1 visa is a short-term, non-immigrant visa issued to international visitors by the United States. The visa allows approved individuals to enroll in work-and-study-based exchange programs in order to teach, study, conduct research, or receive on-site job training in the USA.

J-1 visa programs include:

• Au pair
• Camp counselor
• College or university student
• Government visitor
• Intern
• International visitor
• Physician
• Professor and research scholar
• Secondary school student
• Short-term scholar
• Specialist
• Summer work travel
• Teacher
• Trainee

 

How Do I Apply for a J-1 Visa?

To apply for your J-1 visa, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Choose the program that best applies to you and use the State Department’s Designated Sponsor List to find a certified sponsor. Your sponsor will be your main point of contact throughout the length of your program as well as the facilitator of your J-1 visa application process.
2. Through your certified sponsor, acquire and complete the Form DS-2019.
3. Apply for your J-1 visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
4. Prepare for and complete your visa interview.
5. Obtain travel medical insurance that meets all J-1 visa requirements.

 

What Are My J-1 Visa Insurance Options?

The type of program you are enrolled in will help you determine which travel medical insurance plan is right for you. For the J-1 visa applicant, Tokio Marine HCC – MIS Group offers two travel medical plans with varying levels of coverage – both of which meet J-1 visa requirements:

• Atlas Travel®: Designed for those traveling to the U.S. for leisure travel or work-related reasons.
• StudentSecure®: Designed for those planning to enroll as a student in the U.S. To help meet your specific needs and budget, StudentSecure is offered in 4 different levels of coverage:
  • StudentSecure Elite
  • StudentSecure Select
  • StudentSecure Budget
  • StudentSecure Smart

Upon your purchase of an Atlas Travel or StudentSecure plan, Tokio Marine HCC – MIS Group will send you a visa letter to serve as proof of insurance.

 

How Atlas Travel and StudentSecure Meet J-1 Visa Insurance Requirements

 

Explore J-1 visa insurance requirements and learn how the two plans compare below:

J-1 Visa Insurance Requirements	Atlas Travel	StudentSecure
Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness	✔ Up to $2,000,000 in maximum coverage for those under age 65	✔ Coverage options begin at $100,000 per accident/illness and go up to $500,000
Repatriation of remains in the amount of at least $25,000	✔ Coverage is included in the overall maximum limit and begins at $50,000	✔ Plans cover repatriation of remains from $25,000 to $50,000
Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of at least $50,000	✔ $1,000,000 lifetime maximum for emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility. Costs for air or ground transportation ticket home are also provided for eligible injuries/illnesses.	✔ Plans offer coverage from $50,000 up to $500,000 for emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility. Costs for air or ground transportation ticket home are also provided for eligible injuries/illnesses.
A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness	✔ Deductible options start at $0	✔ Deductibles range from $25 to $50