Federal Health Insurance Requirements

J-1 Scholars are able to select an insurance policy that best fits their and their dependents’ needs. Federal regulations require all J-1 Scholars and J-2 dependents to obtain health insurance that meets the following requirements:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • In case of death, repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Expenses in the amount of $50,000 associated with the medical evacuation of the J Exchange Visitor to his or her home country
  • A deductible amount not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
  • Continuous coverage for the duration of the program

For benefitted Northeastern J-1 Scholars (such as Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, and Non-Tenure Track Faculty):

  • You will have the option of selecting a health insurance plan through Northeastern.
  • Please note that the Northeastern health insurance plans do not cover repatriation or medical evacuation. J-1 Scholars will either have to purchase repatriation and medical evacuation insurance separately or select a health insurance plan through a provider other than Northeastern (see next section below).
  • If your appointment start date is not on the first day of the month, please note that your Northeastern health insurance plan may not go into effect until the following month. We strongly recommend you have a separate private insurance plan to cover you from your date of entry to the U.S. and for the first few months of your program until you have confirmation of the effective date of your NU benefits.

If you purchased health insurance in your home country or have insurance from your home institution or home government, please ensure that it covers all of the J-1 requirements listed above and the covers you during your period of time in the U.S.

The Department of State requires the Office of Global Services (OGS) to confirm that all J-1 Scholars have health insurance that complies with the federal regulations. OGS reserves the right to request proof of health insurance at any time during the J-1 Scholar’s program.

Health Insurance Resources

The following vendor has created a health insurance plan specifically for Northeastern J-1 visitors that meets all of the J-1 visa requirements:

Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk

The additional vendors below also offer plans for international students and visitors. OGS is not affiliated with these companies and does not endorse any one specific provider.

Cultural Insurance Service International (CISI)
Compass Benefits Group
Gateway
The Harbour Group, LLC
HCC Medical Insurance Services
Insubuy
Insurance Services of America (ISA)
International Student Protection (ISP)
Visitors Insurance

Evacuation/Repatriation Coverage-Only Plans: The vendors above may offer plans that exclusively cover the evacuation/repatriation requirement. The vendor below also has a standalone plan that only covers evacuation/repatriation. If your health insurance does not cover this requirement (i.e. Northeastern benefits-eligible employees with NU employee health insurance), you will need to also purchase a standalone plan to meet this requirement.

Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk

Below, please find additional health-related resources: