Federal Health Insurance Requirements

J-1 Visiting Students are able to select an insurance policy that best fits their and their dependents’ needs. Federal regulations require all J-1 Visiting Students 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

If you purchased health insurance in your home country, please ensure that it covers all of the requirements listed above.

The Department of State requires the Office of Global Services (OGS) to confirm that all J-1 Visiting Students 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 Visiting Student’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: