As a J-1 Exchange Visitor at USC, you must maintain health insurance that meets federal requirements for yourself and any accompanying J-2 dependents throughout your program. J-2 Dependents must hold active insurance even when they are not present in the United States.
Requirements [22 CFR 62.14]
Minimum coverage must provide:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
- Medical evacuation coverage of $50,000; and
- Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
Healthcare in the U.S.
Coverage for families can be very expensive. In the U.S., maternity care and certain kinds of elective medical care, such as eyeglasses or dentistry, are ordinarily not covered by insurance, and they are very expensive. To the extent possible, Exchange Visitors should take care of those needs before leaving home or purchase supplemental policies as needed. For more information on healthcare in the U.S., please see this section of the ISSS website.
- Healthcare in the U.S. is expensive, and there is no national healthcare plan.
- We strongly recommend carrying insurance that exceeds the minimums above.
- Failure to maintain the necessary insurance (including for J-2 dependents) will result in termination of your exchange program.
How to Meet the Requirements:
You may be offered access to health insurance as part of your benefits package at USC, but these plans do not meet DOS regulations due to the policies’ deductible amounts. ISSS recommends in most cases that you decline coverage through PEBA.
PEBA options include the Standard Plan and Savings Plan. See the HR state insurance page for payroll deduction details.
Adding PEBA may be a good idea if you anticipate going to the doctor regularly. Some scholars find that their DOS-approved plan does not pay as much as they expected, and the PEBA plan may be easier to use locally.
If you choose to accept PEBA coverage, you will still need to purchase an independent plan that meets DOS requirements. You can have two medical insurance plans. You will also need medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
Popular medical plans including evacuation and repatriation are ISO, WorldTrips, and CISI (see below); and BETINS International Student Health Insurance for only evacuation and repatriation.
EV Categories: Research Scholar/Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Student Intern
You will need to purchase a third-party insurance policy that meets the DOS requirements. Popular medical plans including evacuation and repatriation: ISO, WorldTrips, and CISI (see below); and BETINS International Student Health Insurance for only evacuation and repatriation.
EV Categories: Research Scholar/Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Student Intern
For degree and non-degree seeking students enrolled at USC: participation in the USC student health plan or third-party insurance plan such as ISO, WorldTrips, and CISI (see below) that meets the Student Health waiver requirements.
EV Categories: Student, Student Non-Degree
For students enrolled at their home institution and engaging in academic learning experiences at USC.
You will need to purchase a third-party insurance policy that meets the DOS requirements. Popular medical plans including evacuation and repatriation: ISO, WorldTrips, and CISI (see below); and BETINS International Student Health Insurance for only evacuation and repatriation.
EV Categories: Student Non-Degree
CISI
Cultural Insurance Services International offers a USC plan for Exchange Visitors that meets the DOS minimum requirements. The rates are $98/month for the J-1 EV and $214/month for each J-2 dependent. You can enroll here:
After you successfully register, you will receive an email immediately from: CISI Enrollments (enrollments@culturalinsurance.com) subject line: CISI Materials, containing your:
- Participant ID Card
- Consulate Letter
- Brochure Claim Form
- Information on how-to create a myCISI log in
- Link to download the CISI Traveler App
- Along with other helpful insurance information
Resources include Remote Behavioral Health Services and Call-A-Doc.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out to j1evp@sc.edu for general information. USC employees can contact PEBA's Customer Service. Those purchasing from a third party can reach out to the provider's Customer Service teams.