According to the exchange visitor program regulations you and your J-2 dependents are required to have sickness and accident insurance in effect for the duration of your exchange visitor program. This includes coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
Many host employers may offer health insurance as part of a salary package. Obtaining such an insurance plan does not relieve you of this responsibility.
As part of the J1 visa requirements, you (and any family members traveling with you) will be required by the Department of State to maintain adequate health insurance coverage for the full duration of your trip that meets the following main requirements:
Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the J1 visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
Exchange visitor insurance must cover the entire year. Monthly (pay as you go) insurance plans are not accepted by GEC and a willful failure to carry insurance is an extremely serious violation of program and may result in immediate termination of your J-1 status.
The start date of your first insurance coverage must match the program start date on your DS-2019 form.
Your exchange visitor insurance must be renewed for the next 12 months on July 1st every year. In other words, on July 1 every year, you must prove GEC that you and your J2 dependents have your exchange visitor insurance coverage fully paid for 12 months ahead (end date must be June 30) For this, you are required to upload your (and dependents) renewed insurance plan in MyGEC.
GEC provides you a pre-approved J-1 insurance plan that meets the program requirements. To learn the details of the GEC insurance plan, please see the GEC Teacher Insurance Certificate in your MyGEC Resources.
We strongly recommend that you use the J-1 insurance plan offered by GEC to avoid potential waste of time and money. If you prefer a different insurance plan, you will need to enter your insurance information into MyGEC and wait for GEC to review and verify your plan, which typically takes 7-14 business days. Please note that GEC will only accept your insurance plan if it meets all of the above rules.