Health Insurance
Regulations
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor in the United States, you are required to carry health insurance for yourself and your J-2 dependents for the full duration of your J-1 program. Government regulations stipulate that if you willfully fail to carry health insurance for yourself and your dependents, your J-1 sponsor must terminate your program, and report the termination to the United States Department of State (DOS) in Washington.
Coverage Requirements
While you hold J-1 or J-2 status, you are required to carry the following type and amounts of coverage:
| Accident or illness coverage (Amount of the cost of care that the insurance plan will cover) | $50,000 minimum for each accident or illness |
| Evacuation (Insurance to cover the cost of return travel home due to serious illness) | $10,000 minimum |
| Repatriation (Insurance to cover the cost to send your remains to your home country should you die in the United States) | $7,500 minimum |
| Deductible (Amount you are responsible to pay before insurance begins its coverage) | $500 maximum |
| Coverage periods | If your program is 6 months or less: insurance must be purchased for the entire program If you program is for more than 6months: insurance must be purchased for 6 months or more. |
Insurance Options
You have many different options to comply with the health insurance requirements. The following options are available to you based on if you are or are not employed at least 50% with the University of Maryland.
| Paid by University of Maryland (at least 50% time) | |||
| Maryland Benefits Plan | All insurance plans offered meet health insurance requirements. To include evacuation and repatriation, you must also select Accidental Death and Dismemberment or you may purchase a supplemental policy through the university health center. | Contact your department or click view the University Human Resources benefit information. | |
| Do not receive funding from University of Maryland | |||
| You may choose from 3 types of health insurance plans: | Insurance from your home country Proof in English detailing the requirements of your coverage must be provided to OIS. | Before purchasing a plan from your home country to use while you are at the University of Maryland, please verify that it meets all requirements and specifications. | To obtain a document from your insurance company that it meets the requirements, you may submit this letter. |
| UMD Student Health Insurance This insurance meets all of the requirements and specifications. | As a scholar you are eligible to purchase UMD student health insurance. This can be done at the health center with a letter from OIS. | For more information: United Health Insurance policy website | |
| Insurance from another U.S. company These policies differ greatly, so if the plan is not indicated here, we must see proof detailing that the coverage meets the requirements. | The following policies meet all health insurance requirements, but vary greatly. We advise you to read any plan you are considering carefully and make the best decision based on your personal situation. | ISO Student Health Insurance | |
Additional Health Insurance information
If you have questions concerning the J-1 insurance regulations, contact OIS at internationalservices@umd.edu.