Health Insurance

All J-1 Scholars and Their Dependents Must Have Health Insurance

If you do not comply with the health insurance requirement:

• You will be terminated from your UNO program.
• Your J-1 nonimmigrant status and status for dependents (J-2) will be revoked.
• You could jeopardize UNO’s J-1 program designation rights.

All J-1 scholars must provide International Advising with proof of coverage (for themselves and any dependents) upon arrival at UNO and before any extension of stay will be granted.

Health Insurance Policy Requirements

Below, you can find the minimum amounts for coverage required by the U.S. Department of State. UNO recommends that scholars consider additional insurance coverage beyond the minimum to cover current medical costs in the U.S.

Health insurance coverage for J-1 and J-2 visa holders must include:

1. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per illness or accident.
2. Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
3. Medical evacuation benefit in the amount of $50,000.
4. Payment for repatriation of remains in the event of death in the amount of $25,000.

The insurance corporation underwriting the insurance policy must meet or exceed the following ratings:

• A.M. Best or Insurance Solvency International rating of A-
• Standard & Poor’s claims-paying ability rating of A-
• Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+

Health insurance coverage backed by the full faith and credit of the scholar's home country's government may meet this requirement.

Review U.S. Department of State Requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors

Where to Get Health Insurance

J-1 Scholar Employed by UNO, Eligible for Benefits (Professor)

All UNO J-1 employees eligible for benefits must enroll in UNO’s health insurance and supplemental medical evacuation and repatriation insurance to meet the U.S. Department of State coverage requirements for nonimmigrant status.

As a J-1 scholar, you must select the basic or high health insurance benefit plan option. The lowest option does not meet legal coverage requirements.

• Learn more and enroll for Health Benefits (nebraska.edu).
• Supplemental insurance to meet U.S. medical evacuation and repatriation requirements is offered through Global Travel Plus.

Visiting Scholars (Research and Short-Term)

Visiting scholars not employed by UNO are encouraged to purchase UNO’s voluntary student insurance policy for themselves and their dependents.

• Preferred Policy: UNO UnitedHealthcare Voluntary. Review a summary of the coverage.
• Acceptable Option: International Student Insurance, with enrollment in elite or select plans only. Dependents are not included.

J-2 dependents enrolled in U.S.-based policies that meet Department of State requirements may be reviewed for a waiver but are not guaranteed acceptance.