All J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents are required by law to carry a certain level of medical insurance coverage while participating in their sponsor's exchange program. This level of coverage is outlined below (from 22 CFR 62.14).

Please note that J-1 students with Emory University as program sponsor and enrolled in courses (but not their J-2 dependents) must meet additional insurance requirements beyond those stipulated by federal regulations.

If the Exchange Visitor is benefits eligible an Emory insurance plan will suffice, as will the "International Scholar Health Insurance Plan" (T.W. Lord and Associates, (770) 427-2461 or 1-800-633-2360; brochures are available from the ISSP office, at 7-3300 or isspmail). For all extension requests for J-1 scholars, the ISSP office will request proof that the Exchange visitor and any J-2 dependents are currently insured at an appropriate level. A photocopy of the insurance card is sufficient for either Emory health care plans or the "International Scholar Health Insurance Plan;" for all other plans, documents must be submitted that show the Exchange Visitor and J-2 dependents are currently insured under the plan and that it meets the following requirements:

• Sponsors shall require each exchange visitor to have insurance in effect which covers the exchange visitor for sickness or accident during the period of time that an exchange visitor participates in the sponsor's exchange visitor program. Minimum coverage shall provide:
• Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness;
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500;
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000; and
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
• An insurance policy secured to fulfill the requirements of this section:
• May require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions which is reasonable as determined by current industry standards;
• May include provision for co-insurance under the terms of which the exchange visitor may be required to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness; and
• Shall not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange program in which the exchange visitor participates.
• Any policy, plan, or contract secured to fill the above requirements must, at a minimum, be:
• Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-i" or above, a Standard & Poor's Claims-paying. Ability rating of "A-" or above, a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above, or such other rating as the Department of State may from time to time specify; or
• Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country; or
• Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor; or
• Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.