Health Insurance Requirement
J-1 Exchange Visitors and any accompanying J-2 dependents are required by U.S. federal regulations to maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of their J-1 program. This coverage must meet specific minimum standards set by the U.S. Department of State. Failure to maintain proper insurance may result in termination of your J-1 status.
Minimum Levels of Health Insurance Coverage:
1. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per illness or accident;
2. Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness;
3. Expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000;
4. Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
5. Coverage for pre-existing conditions after a 6-month waiting period;
6. Provision for co-insurance/co-payment that does not exceed 25 percent of the covered benefits per accident or illness; and
7. Policy underwritten by an insurance company that meets the rating requirements of the US Department of State or backed by the full faith and credit of the home country government, designated sponsor, or Exchange Visitor’s employee group plan. *
UC Merced Visiting Scholar Health Insurance Plan
UC Merced has partnered with Gallagher through the UC Merced Visiting Scholar/Student Insurance Program to offer health insurance that meets all J-1 minimum requirements.
This plan:
- Provides comprehensive medical coverage
- Includes medical evacuation and repatriation
- Is structured to satisfy U.S. Department of State requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents
You can review and enroll in available plan options or request a waiver from this program at the Gallagher portal: https://clients.garnett-powers.com/vs/ucm/. DO NOT ENROLL UNTIL YOU ARE NOTIFIED OF ACCEPTANCE TO THE PROGRAM.
Insurance From Another Provider (Waiver Requirement)
If you choose to obtain health insurance from another provider (for example, in your home country), your plan must meet all J-1 minimum requirements listed above.
In addition:
- You must submit a waiver request via Gallagher to have your alternate coverage reviewed and approved.
- Coverage from another provider is not accepted automatically without Gallagher’s approval.
- If your alternate coverage is not approved by Gallagher, you will need to enroll in the UC Merced Visiting Scholar Insurance Program.
