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 health insurance options brochure (PDF).

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.

Visit ECU Postdoc Benefits for more information.

Gap Insurance Requirement if Postdoc chooses BCBS
BCBS coverage does not start until the first of the month following employment. Visiting Scholars are required to purchase a J-1 approved health insurance plan from the date listed on the Form DS-2019 until the start date of your BCBS coverage.

More information can be found in the Health Insurance Options Brochure (PDF).

J-2 Dependents

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

Note: GeoBlue only covers J-1 individuals or J-1 with J-2(s). It cannot cover individual J-2 dependents. Please look at other companies listed above for individual J-2 options.

Pre-existing conditions

A pre-existing condition is a health problem that you have before your new health insurance plan begins. It can include any illness, injury, or condition for which you’ve received treatment or advice, or that has caused symptoms before the start date of your new coverage. Common examples include diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and mental health conditions like depression.

GeoBlue is the only listed company that covers pre-existing conditions as of the plan’s start date. The other companies listed do not start coverage for pre-existing conditions until 6-12 months after the plan start date.

If you are concerned about a condition and its coverage, please contact the health insurance company first.