Required Medical Insurance

Health insurance is a requirement of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. While you may have a home country/university health insurance plan, it will not be accepted.

To comply with Department of State’s regulations, you will need to purchase and enroll into an appropriate plan approved by our International Student & Scholar Program Coordinator and university system.  More information on health insurance options for J1 visa holders can be found in this brochure.

We ask that you purchase this insurance before arriving in the U.S. The period of required health insurance coverage is the actual duration of the exchange visitor’s participation in the program. Dates are listed on the visitor’s Form DS-2019 .

International Postdocs

Postdocs are eligible to sign up for the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance plan through REDE Postdoctoral Affairs. This is available at no cost; however, dependents are not included in the plan.

Gap Insurance Requirement if Postdoc chooses BCBS

BCBS coverage does not start until the 1st of the next month after employment. You are required to purchase J-1 approved health insurance plan from your arrival until the BCBS start date.

Visit the Postdoctoral Affairs: ECU Postdoc Benefits for more information

J-2 Dependents

Dependents must maintain the proper insurance coverage from the time they enter the US until the end of the J-1 program or they permanently return home. Temporary travel internationally must also be covered.