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HomeImmigration StatusJ-1 Scholar & Student InternHealth Insurance

International Health Insurance

Federal regulations require J-1 visa holders to maintain a minimum level of health insurance for themselves and any J-2 dependents for the duration of their stay in the United States.  There are no exceptions to this requirement. In addition, The State University of New York (SUNY) system requires that J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors have health insurance coverage that meets SUNY's requirements.


For Paid J-1 Scholars Through NY State or Research Foundation

You will be enrolled in United Healthcare insurance upon arriving in the US for a 28 day period if employed by Research Foundation or a 42 day period if employed by NY State until your employee based insurance becomes active (if you opt in).

You will receive an email from the Student Health Insurance Office notifying you that an insurance charge has been posted to your SOLAR account - you should pay this fee within 1 week.

A separate enrollment process is required to enroll your dependent family members. If you currently have J-2 dependents, you will email studenthealthinsurance@stonybrook.edu directly with your dependent's details.

As a paid employee, you should receive a separate email from Human Resources (HR) notifying you of your eligibility to enroll in the employment-based insurance plan - this plan is less expensive than continuing your enrollment in the UHC plan for the duration of your program and we strongly encourage that you opt in within 60 days of being appointed. For assistance enrolling, please contact hrs_benefits@stonybrook.edu.

Once you have enrolled in employer based insurance, our office will send your information to the Student Health Insurance Office so that you can be removed from UHC and added/billed for medical evacuation and repatriation insurance (MedEx) through the current billing period - you should pay this fee within 1 week.

MedEx covers medical evacuation, medically necessary repatriation, repatriation of remains, bedside benefits, and family airfare expenses. This coverage is required by J- Exchange Visitor Regulations for J-1 scholars and their dependents in J-2 status.

The billing periods are as follows:

  • Fall: August 15th to January 14th
  • Spring: January 15th to May 14th
  • Summer: May 15th to August 14th


For Non-Salaried J-1 Scholars

Upon arriving in the U.S., you will be enrolled in United Healthcare insurance until the end of the current billing period.

You will receive an email from the Student Health Insurance Office informing you that an insurance charge has been added to your SOLAR account - you should pay this fee within 1 week.

A separate enrollment process is required to enroll your dependent family members. If you will be having your spouse and/or child(ren) accompany you in the U.S. in J-2 status, you must contact studenthealthinsurance@stonybrook.edu directly with your dependent's details.

The billing periods are as follows:

  • Fall: August 15th to January 14th
  • Spring: January 15th to May 14th
  • Summer: May 15th to August 14th

For United Healthcare policy information, including rates, enrollment deadlines, and other frequently asked questions, click the link below.

Health Insurance Policy Information

 
Please Note: We strongly advise that you do not purchase your own independent health insurance policy outside of the process outlined above as The State University of New York (SUNY) system requires that J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors have health insurance coverage that meets SUNY's requirements. If you would like to see if you qualify for a health insurance waiver please contact Visa and Immigration Services prior to purchasing plans with outside service providers.

Health Insurance Waivers

All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required by the U.S. Department of State to have health insurance coverage plus medical evacuation/repatriation insurance for themselves and any accompanying dependents on J visas for the duration of their J program. The State University of New York (SUNY) system also requires participants in international educational exchange (J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors) to have health insurance coverage that meets SUNY’s requirements.

Waivers are granted on a case by case basis and the plan needs to be comparable to what is included with UHC.

Examples of Insurance Types/Providers NOT Eligible for a Waiver:

  • ISO
  • Travel Insurance
  • Non-US based insurance
  • Kimber Health
  • International Medical Group
  • ISO - Student Health Insurance

If you believe you qualify and still wish to pursue a waiver, please email vis_scholar@stonybrook.edu to obtain the J-1 Health Insurance Waiver Form. Once complete, you will email it back to us and the Student Health Insurance Office and then it will be forwarded to our broker for approval.


J-1 Scholar & Student Intern
J-1 Scholar & Student Intern