Health Insurance Requirements

J-1 exchange visitors and their accompanying J-2 dependents are required to hold primary insurance and medical evacuation and repatriation insurance for the entire duration of the J exchange visitor program. J-1 exchange visitors will be required to provide proof of insurance at their check-in and orientation with ISSS.

Minimum levels of health insurance coverage must provide:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000
  • The deductible cannot exceed $500 per accident or illness
  • Exchange visitors and dependents may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act
  • Maintain continuous coverage for exchange visitor and dependents in the United States

Government regulations require that J programs be terminated if a scholar or their J-2 dependent willfully fails to comply with insurance requirements. Unfortunately, if a scholar's program is terminated due to lack of insurance coverage for the J-1/J-2, the scholar is not eligible to apply for reinstatement.

Need help finding insurance? Here are some options:

Contact Us

International Student Scholar Services (ISSS)
Williston Hall

Phone: 815-753-1346
Email: isss@niu.edu

Staff Office Hours

Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Walk-in Appointments

No scheduled appointment needed in these hours

Monday-Friday
10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.