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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

J-1 Scholars who are employed by New York State or the Research Foundation will be automatically enrolled in United Healthcare insurance upon arrival in the U.S. This coverage lasts for 28 days and serves as interim coverage until your employee-based insurance becomes active, should you choose to opt-in.

You will receive an email from the Student Health Insurance Office notifying you that the insurance charge has been posted to your SOLAR account. It is important to pay this fee within one week of receiving the notification.

Enrolling Dependent Family Members
If you have J-2 dependents, a separate enrollment process is required to ensure their coverage. To enroll your dependents, please email studenthealthinsurance@stonybrook.edu with your dependent's details.

Transitioning to Employee-Based Insurance
As a paid employee, you will receive an email from Human Resources (HR) regarding your eligibility to enroll in an employment-based insurance plan. This plan is typically more affordable than continuing with UHC for the duration of your program, and we strongly recommend that you opt-in within 30 days of your appointment if employed by New York State or within 60 days of your appointment if employed by Research Foundation. For assistance with enrollment, 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.

Once you have enrolled in employee-based insurance, our office will notify the Student Health Insurance Office to remove you from UHC and enroll you in medical evacuation and repatriation insurance (MedEx) for the remainder of the billing period. You must pay the MedEx fee within one week of being billed.

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

For Non-Salaried J-1 Scholars

Upon your arrival in the U.S., you will be automatically enrolled in United Healthcare (UHC) insurance, which will remain active until the end of the current billing period. The billing periods are as follows:

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

You will receive an email from the Student Health Insurance Office notifying you that an insurance charge has been added to your SOLAR account. Please ensure this fee is paid within one week of receiving the email.

Enrolling Dependent Family Members
If your spouse and/or children will be accompanying you in the U.S. under J-2 status, a separate enrollment process is required for their insurance. To enroll your dependents, contact studenthealthinsurance@stonybrook.edu with their details.

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

Important Notice:
We strongly advise against purchasing independent health insurance outside of the process described above. The State University of New York (SUNY) system mandates that all J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors have health insurance coverage that complies with SUNY’s specific requirements.

If you are considering an external insurance plan, please contact Visa and Immigration Services prior to purchasing any plans from outside 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