Health Insurance Requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors

Description

J-1 exchange visitors and any accompanying J-2 dependents are required to maintain comprehensive health insurance for the full duration of the J-1 program. Coverage must be effective on the program start date listed on the Form DS-2019 and must remain active, without interruption, while the exchange visitor is in the United States in J-1 status.

J-1 postdoctoral trainees may purchase eligible coverage for themselves and eligible J-2 dependents through Penn’s postdoc benefits plan. As of July 1, 2026, J-1 postdoctoral trainees who enroll in Penn’s postdoc benefits plan must select either Keystone HMO or Aetna POS II to meet J-1 visa health insurance requirements. The PPO plan does not meet the J-1 visa health insurance requirement.

J-1 postdoctoral trainees who wish to waive Penn health insurance coverage must provide documentation showing that their alternate insurance meets J-1 visa health insurance requirements. Alternate coverage must be reviewed before the waiver can be approved.

Failure to maintain required health insurance coverage may result in a violation of J-1 status and possible termination from the J-1 program.

Postdoctoral trainees should review Penn HR benefits information and consult the appropriate Penn office if they have questions about benefits enrollment, alternate insurance coverage, or J-1 visa requirements.

Penn Policy and Related Guidance

For current J-1 health insurance requirements, postdoctoral trainees should review Penn HR benefits guidance and consult International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) as needed.