Health Insurance Requirements for J-1 and J-2
The information in the following sections is intended for both J-1 students and all other J-1 exchange visitors.
All J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents are required by law to maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage that meets DOS standards for the duration of their program. Willful violation of this requirement is considered a status violation, results in termination from the program, and requires departure from the United States.
Exchange visitors must provide proof of insurance no later than 15 days after the program start date, during a one-on-one meeting with an OIP Advisor.
Insurance Coverage Requirements
The following minimum requirements must be met in order for the insurance to qualify under federal regulations:
- 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 to home country in the amount of $50,000; and
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
For complete regulatory requirements, visit 22 CFR 62.14 - Insurance.
UTEP Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
International students, except students from Mexico, will be enrolled automatically in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), with the cost of coverage included in the tuition and fee bill. UTEP will seldom grant health insurance waivers to J-1 students.
J-1 Paid Employees (e.g., professors, research scholars, short-term research scholars, interns, research assistants, teaching assistants, etc.)
- J-1 UTEP employees will be granted a comprehensive benefit package
- Contact HR Benefits with any questions about employee health insurance.
J-1 Non-paid employees (e.g., research scholars, short-term research scholars, and student interns)
- J-1 non-paid employees visitors do not qualify for UTEP issued health coverage.
- Unpaid J-1 exchange visitors must purchase health insurance, according to the specification required by the U.S. State Department (see insurance coverage requirements above).
Other Insurance Plans
The Office of International Programs has provided a list of different type of health insurance plans for exchange visitors. The OIP does not endorse any one of the health insurance companies listed below. They are listed solely forecourt convenience:
Compass Benefits Group
Toll Free in the U.S....: 1-800-683-1468
The Harbour Group L.L.C
Toll Free in the U.S....: 1-800-252-8160
ISO Insurance
Toll Free in the U.S....: 1-800-244-1180
Seven Corners
Toll Free in the U.S....: 1-800-335-0611