International Center

J-1 scholar and J-2 dependent insurance requirements

U.S. Federal Regulations state that all J-1 visa holders and their dependents must meet insurance coverage requirements for the duration of their stay.  These requirements are as follows:

• Minimum Coverage – Insurance shall cover: (1) medical benefits of at least $50,000 per person per accident or illness; (2) repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500; (3) expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $10,000; and (4) deductible shall not exceed $500 per accident or illness.
• Maintenance of Insurance – Willful failure on your part to maintain the required insurance will result in the termination of your exchange program.

You can purchase insurance coverage from a company of your choosing before you travel to the United States or after you arrive, but the plan must cover your entire stay. Visiting scholars can choose from three options in obtaining adequate health insurance:

1. MU Employee Benefits Plan: available to visiting scholars who are paid by the University of Missouri, such as post-doctoral fellows paid by the hosting department. Contact your hosting department for information on how to sign up for this plan.  If you have this insurance plan, you must purchase additional Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage (2011/12).
2. Aetna Student/Scholar Health Insurance:  this plan covers all of the insurance requirements and is available through the International Center. You can download the enrollment form (2011/12) or pick one up when you check in at the International Center. This policy is not mandatory and can be expensive if you add dependents. J-2s (spouses and children) cannot be covered by Aetna unless the J-1 is also covered by Aetna.
3. Other: you can purchase a plan of your choosing from an insurance company in your home country or in the United States as long as it meets the specified requirements. You must provide a copy of your insurance plan in English.

This chart illustrates these requirements as well as the different options available. For all of these plans, you must show proof of your coverage by providing us with a copy of your insurance enrollment form and payment.    

** If you are planning to extend your J-1 status, you must demonstrate proof of insurance coverage for the extended period before we will create a new DS-2019 for you.

J-1 scholars can use the Student Health Center if they pay the health fee ($94.17 per semester). Spouses can also use the Student Health Center for $125 per semester (if the J-1 has also paid the health fee). You can pay this fee at the Student Health Center.