Medical Insurance for J-1 Scholars
As a J-1 Scholar, you are required to have health insurance that meets the requirements for yourself, and for any accompanying J-2 dependents, during the entire time you are a scholar at Swarthmore College.
Medical insurance that meets the J-1 regulations is required for all J-1 Visa holders, and accompanying J-2 dependents, for the duration of their program. According to the U.S. Department of State, minimum requirements include:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to home country in the amount of $50,000
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
Proof of insurance must be provided before entering the United States. Willful failure to purchase and maintain the minimum required insurance coverage for you, and your J-2 dependents, will result in the termination of your exchange program.
If you are receiving employee benefits, enrolling in the Keystone HMO or Personal Choice PPO plans offered by the College will cover several of the requirements above. Read more on the insurance plans. These plans do not cover the medical evacuation or repatriation requirements so you will need to purchase supplemental insurance to cover those components. This additional plan must be valid for the duration of your program.
If you are not eligible for Swarthmore College employee benefits, you must purchase a plan that meets all the above requirements. Your plan must be valid for the duration of your program. If you are in a multiple-year program, you must purchase in annual installments and provide annual proof to the ISC. Not all health insurance plans will meet the minimum requirements so be sure to choose carefully.
Further information on required medical insurance will be provided after accepting a position at Swarthmore College.
