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Travel insurance requirements, by visa type.
Every visa has different insurance rules. Pick your situation below to see the exact coverage minimums, what your certificate must show, and the mistakes that get applications rejected — then compare compliant A-rated plans in two minutes.
01 · Requirements
US Visitor (B1/B2 & ESTA)
Who it’s for: Tourists, parents and relatives visiting the US, and short-term business travelers on B1/B2 visas or the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA).
There is no government-mandated insurance requirement for B1/B2 or ESTA visitors — but going without coverage exposes you to the full cost of US healthcare, where a single ER visit averages around $2,200 and a serious hospitalization can run into six figures.
Coverage requirements
- —No legal minimum, but a policy maximum of $100,000–$250,000 is widely recommended; $500,000–$1,000,000 for older travelers.
- —A deductible you can afford (commonly $0–$500).
- —Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
- —For travelers over ~60, look for acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage.
Your certificate
- —Proof of coverage is generally not required at the border, but carry your policy confirmation and ID card.
- —If a US sponsor requests it, your confirmation should show the coverage dates and policy maximum.
Common mistakes
- —Buying a low policy maximum (e.g. $50,000) for an older parent — a stroke or cardiac event can exceed it.
- —Assuming home-country insurance pays US providers directly (most do not).
02 · Requirements
J1 Exchange Visitor
Who it’s for: Au pairs, research scholars, professors, interns, trainees, camp counselors, and Summer Work Travel participants — plus J2 dependents.
J1 insurance is federally mandated by the US Department of State under 22 CFR 62.14. Coverage must be maintained for the entire program, and failing to do so can end your program.
Coverage requirements
- —Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness.
- —Repatriation of remains of at least $25,000.
- —Medical evacuation to your home country of at least $50,000.
- —A deductible no greater than $500 per accident or illness.
- —Coverage must be backed by a carrier rated A- or above by A.M. Best (or equivalent).
Your certificate
- —Your certificate must clearly list each of the four DOS minimums above so your sponsor can verify compliance.
- —J2 dependents (spouse and children) must be covered to the same minimums.
Common mistakes
- —Buying a cheap travel plan that does not meet the $100k / $50k / $25k / $500 thresholds.
- —Letting coverage lapse between program segments or during a status change.
03 · Requirements
F1 / M1 International Student
Who it’s for: F1 and M1 students, plus those on OPT, CPT, and STEM OPT — and F2/M2 dependents.
There is no single federal student-insurance figure; instead each school sets its own requirement (the "SHIP" plan), and most allow you to waive it with comparable private coverage that meets their published criteria.
Coverage requirements
- —Meet or exceed your school’s published minimums (policy maximum, per-illness limit, deductible cap, repatriation, and evacuation).
- —Many schools require a policy maximum of $50,000–$100,000+ and specific evacuation/repatriation figures.
- —Coverage must usually be in force from the program start date with no gap.
Your certificate
- —Your waiver submission must show coverage that satisfies every line of the school’s checklist.
- —Keep the certificate handy for the waiver deadline — submitting late can lock you into the school plan.
Common mistakes
- —Assuming any private plan qualifies — always check the school’s exact waiver criteria first.
- —Relying on a waiver before it is approved (cancel a new plan only within the free-look window if rejected).
04 · Requirements
New Immigrant / Green Card
Who it’s for: New lawful permanent residents, K1 fiancé(e) visa holders, and H-1B/L-1 transferees bridging the gap before benefits begin.
There is no insurance "requirement" to enter, but new residents often face a coverage gap: employer benefits may not start immediately, and many lawful permanent residents are subject to a 5-year waiting period before Medicaid eligibility.
Coverage requirements
- —Short-term or bridge medical coverage sized to your expected gap (weeks to months, sometimes longer).
- —A policy maximum appropriate to age and health (higher for older sponsored parents).
- —Acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage where available, especially for older applicants.
Your certificate
- —No government certificate is required, but keep proof of coverage for any employer or marketplace transition.
Common mistakes
- —Leaving a gap between arrival and the first day of employer or marketplace coverage.
- —Overlooking the 5-year Medicaid bar when sponsoring older parents.
05 · Requirements
Schengen Visa
Who it’s for: Anyone applying for a short-stay Schengen visa to visit the 27 Schengen-area countries.
Schengen visa insurance is mandatory: applicants must show travel medical insurance with a minimum of €30,000 in coverage, valid across the entire Schengen area, including emergency treatment and repatriation.
Coverage requirements
- —Minimum €30,000 (about $32,000–$35,000) in medical coverage.
- —Valid in all 27 Schengen member states for the full trip.
- —Covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Your certificate
- —A visa-ready certificate stating the €30,000 minimum, validity dates, and Schengen-area coverage — issued in a format consulates accept (often same-day).
- —Some consulates have additional formatting preferences — check your specific consulate’s checklist.
Common mistakes
- —Submitting a certificate below €30,000 or that does not list repatriation.
- —Buying coverage that does not span the full requested visa validity.
Questions
Visa insurance, answered.
Is travel insurance required for a US visitor visa?
No US law requires B1/B2 or ESTA visitors to carry insurance, but US medical costs are among the highest in the world, so coverage with a $100,000+ maximum is strongly recommended.
What are the J1 visa insurance requirements?
Under 22 CFR 62.14, J1 (and J2) coverage must include at least $100,000 in medical benefits per accident or illness, $50,000 medical evacuation, $25,000 repatriation, and a deductible of no more than $500, backed by an A- or better rated carrier.
How much Schengen visa insurance do I need?
At least €30,000 in medical coverage, valid across all 27 Schengen countries, including emergency treatment and repatriation.
Can I waive my university student health plan?
Often yes — most US schools allow an F1/M1 student to waive the school (SHIP) plan with private coverage that meets the school’s published criteria, submitted before the waiver deadline.
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