• U.S. immigration law requires that every  J-1 exchange visitor and J-2 dependent maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the United States. Note: J-2 dependents must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the period of the J-1 scholar program as indicated on the DS-2019. 
• Failure to obtain and maintain health insurance will lead to termination of the J-1 scholar's program and therefore eligibility to remain in the U.S. 

Changes to J-1 Scholar Health Insurance Policy

• Effective April 1, 2013, all new J-1 scholars and J-2 dependents will be required to enroll in an appropriate University of Iowa health insurance plan.  
• Scholars arriving in the U.S. after March 31, 2013 will identify an appropriate University of Iowa insurance plan during J-1 scholar check-in. Health insurance options for J-1 scholars without University of Iowa funding are described in the "Unpaid J-1 Scholar" brochure. For information about plans for J-1 scholars receiving University of Iowa funding, please visit the University Benefits website. 
• Current scholars and dependents who previously purchased insurance policies that were approved by ISSS will be “grandfathered” in and may choose to continue being covered by their current private insurance program. Note: Scholars who request changes to the DS-2019 (program extension, addition of dependents, etc.) after March 31, 2013 must change to UI insurance at the time of the request.
• Questions regarding J-1 scholar insurance policy should be directed International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at ISSS@uiowa.edu.