Life in Buffalo |
International Health InsuranceFor Visiting ScholarsHealth care costs in the U.S. are very expensive and could easily overwhelm a scholar on a limited budget. Therefore, the U.S. Department of State and the State University of New York (“SUNY”) require all Exchange Visitors and their dependents in the U.S. to have sickness and accident insurance, and medical evacuation and repatriation insurance in effect for the duration of their Exchange Visitor status. The International Medical Insurance policy offered by SUNY meets the minimum coverage requirements; it is intended for your protection and is very comprehensive. You will be required to enroll in and purchase this policy unless you can provide proof of coverage meeting SUNY minimums through another plan. If I am employed by the University at Buffalo, must I enroll in the SUNY insurance program?If you have a University appointment, you may be enrolled in a health insurance program as a benefit of employment. The University will pay a portion of the cost for your (and your dependents’) coverage, but you will also be responsible for a portion of the cost. In addition, you will be required to purchase additional coverage to pay for medical evacuation and repatriation. What are the specifics of SUNY’s international medical insurance program?
How do I enroll in and purchase the SUNY international health insurance policy?
Where will I be able to see doctors?You may choose your own doctors, but we recommend that you sign up to use the services of UB’s Student Health Center. UB’s Student Health Center has made special arrangements allowing visiting scholars to utilize their services for a fee. We recommend this because UB’s Student Health Center is conveniently located (Michael Hall, South Campus) and use of the Student Health Center enables you to waive the $100 medical insurance deductible, which you will be responsible for if you choose to see other doctors. The fee to enroll is $99 for six months; the enrollment periods are January 1 – July 1 and July 1 – January 1. Please contact the Student Medical Insurance Office or the Student Health Center for more information about these services. Be sure to tell them that you are an “International Scholar.” PLEASE NOTE: that use of the services provided by the Student Health Center is optional and not required in order to use the International Medical Insurance Program. The services available at the Student Health Center are not a substitute for the SUNY health insurance requirement and are not an insurance policy of any sort. What about my dependents?You must purchase health insurance for your dependents. If your family does not accompany you, but plans to join you in the U.S. at a later date, health insurance must be purchased for them upon their arrival. Health insurance for your dependents may be purchased from UB's Student Medical Insurance Office, Student Union 223, North Campus . For further information about coverage for dependents, please visit: SUNY_Dependent_Insurance. What if I have other health insurance?If you wish to use a different health insurance plan, you must have your alternate policy reviewed to make sure it meets and/or exceeds the U.S. Department of State's and SUNY's minimum requirements. You will only be permitted a waiver of the cost of the SUNY health insurance if your policy matches or exceeds SUNY minimum requirements and is approved by UB's Medical Insurance Office. Student Medical Insurance Office 9/07 |