Starting a J-1 program this year or renewing for 2026–27? Your sponsor (the school or organization named on your DS-2019) must confirm that you and any J-2 family members have health insurance that meets U.S. Department of State regulation 22 CFR 62.14, for every day of your program. Here is what that rule requires, in plain language, what's changing this year, and how to show your sponsor that you're covered.
The minimum coverage, in plain language
| Requirement | Minimum | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Medical benefits | $100,000 per accident or illness | The plan must pay at least $100,000 for each separate illness or injury, not $100,000 in total for the whole year. |
| Medical evacuation | $50,000 | Covers the cost of transporting you to your home country if a doctor decides you need it for medical reasons. |
| Repatriation of remains | $25,000 | Covers returning a person's remains to the home country. |
| Deductible | No more than $500 per accident or illness | The amount you pay before insurance starts paying can't be higher than $500. |
| Coinsurance | No more than 25% | After the deductible, your share of the bill can't be more than 25%. |
| Insurer rating | A.M. Best "A-" or higher (or an equivalent rating) | The company backing the plan must be financially strong. A plan backed by your home government can also qualify. |
The plan also can't exclude coverage for risks that are a normal part of your program activities and any waiting period for pre-existing conditions must be reasonable.
These amounts are minimums. Many sponsors and schools set their own higher requirements. Some don't accept any coinsurance, for example. Always check your sponsor's rules as well as the federal ones.
J-2 family members need coverage too
Your spouse and children in J-2 status must have insurance that meets the same minimums. They don't have to be on the same plan as you, but each person must be covered for as long as they are in the U.S. in J-2 status. If your school or employer covers you but not your family, you'll need to buy a separate plan for them.
What's new for 2026–27
The coverage amounts haven't changed; they have been the same since May 2015. What could change is how strictly gaps in coverage are treated. On July 30, 2026, the State Department published a proposed rule that would require sponsors to end the program of any exchange visitor who fails to keep the required insurance. Today the rule says "willfully fails" and the proposal would remove that word. The comment period closed on September 28, 2026. As of November 2026 the rule is still only a proposal and the final version could be different.
The practical advice is the same either way: don't let your coverage lapse, even for a day. Renew before your current plan ends and make sure your new coverage starts the day after the old one ends.
How to show your sponsor proof of coverage
Most sponsors ask for proof before your program starts and again whenever you renew or extend. Have these ready:
- A visa letter or certificate of coverage. It should list the medical maximum, evacuation, repatriation, deductible and coinsurance, so the sponsor can see each requirement is met.
- Your coverage dates. The dates should cover your full DS-2019 program dates. If your plan is shorter, show when and how you will renew.
- Everyone covered. Make sure each J-2 dependent is named or send a separate letter for each person.
- The insurance company's name. The sponsor may check the company's rating.
- Your insurance ID card.
Some sponsors use their own form that you or your insurer fills out. Ask your program officer which format they want. If you extend your program, send proof of the extended coverage as soon as you have it.
TaiAn plans that meet the J-1 requirements
TaiAn's student and scholar plans meet the State Department minimums when you choose a medical benefit of $100,000 or more per illness or injury. Each plan has a FAQ in our Help Center:
- TaiAn Patriot Exchange (Plan B): no coinsurance, with deductible options from $0 to $500.
- TaiAn Exchange Select (Plan S): a lower-cost option with coinsurance: 20% in the UnitedHealthcare Options network and outside the U.S., and 30% for out-of-network care in the U.S. Check that your school accepts coinsurance.
- Student Health Advantage (Plan A): designed for students and scholars staying a year or more.
After you buy online, IMG emails your ID card and visa letter within minutes, so you can send proof to your sponsor right away.
Not sure what your sponsor requires? Look up your school to see its insurance requirements and the plans that meet them, or contact TaiAn. Our live agents speak English and Chinese and are available Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time.