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Visitor and Dependent Health Insurance

Health Insurance Requirements

The Department of State regulations governing the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program require that all J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents have health insurance coverage that meets the following requirements.

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000;
  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

It is your responsibility to monitor that you and your dependents have such insurance while living with you in the US; failure to comply with this regulation could result in the loss of your J-1 status.

Visiting Scholar Health Insurance Plan

Coverage that meets these requirements is offered through the Visiting Scholar Health Insurance Plan.
  • The University self-insures the Plan and the Office of Risk Management provides program and claims administration.
  • Visiting scholars/exchange visitors who are paid by Northwestern are eligible for NU benefits.
  • Find plan details and learn about enrollment on the Office of Risk Management website.
International and visiting scholars must participate in the plan unless evidence of comparable coverage is presented, and a waiver is filed and approved by the Office of Risk Management.