Insurance requirements for J-1 visitors

According to USIA policy, all exchange visitors and their families are required to have health and accident insurance coverage during their stay in the United States. Virginia Tech requires that all visiting scholars purchase or show proof of insurance coverage that meets USIA specifications upon arrival.

The minimum policy requirements are as follows:

Insurance policies are permitted that include provisions for co-insurance under the terms of which an exchange visitor is required to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness. The regulations require the university to terminate the program status for willful failure to compy.

Insurance plans are available at the Office of International Research Education and Development (OIRED) in 134 Burrus Hall. The average cost for one person is approximately $70-150 per month depending on the age of the scholar. Coverage for a visiting scholar and family (spouse and children) is $220-350 per month. In some cases it might be cheaper for a scholar to purchase insurance coverage in his/her home country before coming to the United States. Insurance policies purchased outside the United States must also meet the minimum requirements of USIA. The appropriateness of coverage will be checked by the OIRED after arrival.

For further details please contact: