J-1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements
The U.S. government does not have standard public health insurance for the general public.
- You are responsible for getting your own health insurance for you and your family within 30 days of arriving in the U.S. An attestation with our office will be required after you attend International Orientation.
- Health insurance in the U.S. is very expensive (paying $200-$650 a month per person for health insurance is normal).
- The U.S. government requires that J-1 Exchange Visitors buy health insurance for themselves and any accompanying J-2 family members. Massachusetts and federal laws also require that you buy health insurance.
J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents must purchase a health insurance plan that meets ALL of the requirements as outlined in the image below. For a detailed description of the requirements, refer to the sections Part A and Part B on this page.