The U.S. Department of State requires that all exchange visitors in the J status
maintain an adequate level of health insurance coverage throughout their program
whether they are physically inside or outside the United States. The requirements
are:
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
An insurance policy secured to meet the benefits requirements must be underwritten
by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above, an Insurance
Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-I" or above, a Standard and Poor's
Claims Paying Ability rating of "A-" or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating
of B+ or above. Alternatively, an exchange visitor may hold a policy that is backed
by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country.
Proof of health insurance is required upon arrival and checking in with UCSB’s Office
of International Students and Scholars and when the DS-2019 form is extended.
If an exchange visitor fails to maintain the required health insurance coverage,
the university is required to terminate the scholar’s J-1 exchange program.