Insurance Requirements

Federal law requires J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents to have sickness and accident insurance for the duration of the J-1's program. Minimum coverage must provide medical benefits ($50,000 per accident or illness), a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness, expenses associated with the medical evacuation to the home country ($10,000), and repatriation of remains ($7,500). Note that many domestic health insurance policies, including policies provided by the UW to benefits-eligible employees, do not include medical evacuation and repatriation insurance, and the Exchange Visitor may have to purchase medical evacuation and repatriation coverage separately.

Exchange Visitors should make insurance arrangements before departing their home country to begin their program. Frequently, relatively inexpensive international travel insurance is available for purchase in the home country. Many U.S. insurance companies offer policies designed for Exchange Visitors, but benefits vary and policy details are often available only in English. It is important that the Exchange Visitor consider what type of coverage is needed and who will be included on the plan. For example, some policies provide coverage only to the J-1 but do not provide coverage for J-2 dependents. Some policies exclude coverage for pregnancies, or coverage for care received in the Exchange Visitor's home country. Before choosing a plan, the Exchange Visitor should carefully consider his or her personal and family health needs.

Some insurance providers are listed below. It is possible to enroll in most insurance plans by completing an on-line registration form, using a credit card for payment. The policies listed below do not represent an endorsement by the University of Washington. The Exchange Visitor is solely responsible for procuring and maintaining suitable health insurance.

• Gateway USA
• Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
• International Student Organization
• CMI

International SOS offers a policy that provides medical evacuation and repatriation benefits only.

A Statement of Compliance with the insurance requirements must be presented to ISS at the Tuesday check-in.