J-2 dependents must obtain and maintain health insurance that meets these
minimum requirements set by the Department of State (DOS). All J-1s must maintain health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members for the duration of their Exchange Visitor Program. If a J-2 dependent arrives in the U.S. after the J-1 Exchange visitor, they must be added to the J-1’s health insurance
within 30 days of their arrival. For additional information, review our
Maintaining J-1 Status guidance.
If you are currently at the NIH and now want your family members to join you (or you recently got married), you can request a Form DS-2019 for your dependent (s) by submitting our Request for Dependent
Form DS-2019 to the DIS. After your dependent(s) arrives to the U.S., notify your IC and the DIS. They must be added to your health insurance as soon as possible due to J-1 requirements.
All paid designations (Pre- and Post-doctoral Visiting & Supplemental Fellows), should notify their Institute or Center (IC) Administrative Officer (AO) about dependent arrival to update the fellowship payroll system for family insurance coverage.
All unpaid designations must take a DIS issued form 829-6 to
FAES to verify coverage within 30 days of your dependents’ arrival to the U.S. if they arrive separately.