All J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 dependents are required by federal regulations to maintain health insurance for the entire duration of their J-1 Exchange Visitor Program that meets the following requirements:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of exchange visitors to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000; and
- Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
In order to ensure compliance with this requirement, Appalachian has contracted with GeoBlue to provide a plan that meets the coverage requirements pursuant to federal regulations [22 CFR 62.14]. All participants of Appalachian’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program in the Professor, Researcher, and Short-term Scholar categories are required to enroll in the GeoBlue plan. No alternative health insurance plans will be considered.
Failure to maintain enrollment in the GeoBlue health insurance may result in the termination of your J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and you and any accompanying dependents will be required to depart the U.S. immediately. Per 22 CFR 62.14:
(i) Exchange visitors who willfully fail to maintain the insurance coverage set forth above while a participant in an exchange visitor program or who make material misrepresentations to the sponsor concerning such coverage will be deemed to be in violation of these regulations and will be subject to termination as an exchange visitor.
(j) Sponsors must terminate an exchange visitor’s participation in their program if the sponsor determines that the exchange visitor or any accompanying spouse or dependent willfully fails to remain in compliance with this section.”
Please contact issso@appstate.edu for the most up to date insurance rates.