The HIO has information regarding alternative health insurance plans for those who are not eligible for Harvard employee benefits. These plans satisfy the U.S. Department of State health insurance requirements for J visa holders.

For a PDF with a more comprehensive list of health insurance plans that meet the J visa requirement, see here.

Long-term Coverage

• Compass Student Insurance (coverage for J-1 scholars as well)
• Wallach & Company
• International Scholar Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP); Contact your HIO advisor to get a copy of this plan.
• International Student Protection (ISP)

Short-term Coverage

• Wallach & Company

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage

• Harbour Group

Dependent-Only Coverage Available

• Compass Student Insurance

Massachusetts Health Reform

All residents of Massachusetts are required to have health insurance. In an attempt to make health insurance more affordable to residents, an independent state agency called the Health Connector was created to help Massachusetts residents find health care coverage. You may be eligible for some of the plans offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.