The Department of State requires specific medical insurance coverage for all J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 family members.
Obtaining Health Insurance Coverage:
Effective September 1, 2024, WSU exchange visitors (J-1/J-2) are required to either have WSU employee insurance (employee selects the plan in Workday) or the WSU insurance plan managed by Cougar Health Services. No other health insurance plans will be accepted.
Additional information specific to benefits-eligible J-1 scholars is provided upon issuance of the DS-2019 in the J-1 Pre-Arrival Guide.
Minimum coverage requirements
Below are insurance requirements for J-1/J-2 visa holders. Each accompanying dependent must be covered by insurance in the same amounts.
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- Medical evacuation $50,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
The period of required coverage is the actual duration of the exchange visitor’s program as shown on the DS- 2019. Coverage confirmation must be provided upon check in with International Programs and with requests for J-1 program extension.
Take the medical insurance requirement seriously
Willful failure to maintain required insurance coverage for the duration of the J-1 program is a violation of the law. Your participation in the exchange visitor program could be terminated as a consequence.
Other helpful information
- Health Insurance Basics: How Do I Choose the Right Plan? YouTube video with captioning and transcript available
- How insurance premiums and deductibles work YouTube video with captioning and transcript available
- What Are Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Copays? YouTube video with captioning and transcript available
- What is in- and out-of-network? YouTube video with captioning and transcript available
Questions?
If you have questions about the insurance requirement, contact an advisor in International Programs International Student and Scholar Services.