Life in Buffalo |
International Health InsuranceFor StudentsAll students attending the State University of New York (SUNY) are required to have a medical insurance policy that provides coverage for them up to certain standards. The SUNY International Student Health Insurance plan, which meets the minimum requirements of the State of New York, is intended for your protection and is very comprehensive. How do I enroll in the plan and what is the cost?All international students who are registered for at least one credit at UB are automatically enrolled in the SUNY health insurance program. The cost for this policy is currently $994.75 for a full year of coverage (8/15/09-8/14/10). You will be billed for your insurance premium along with your other university costs (tuition & fees, etc.) at the beginning of each semester. How do I enroll my spouse or children in SUNY International Student Health Insurance plan?You will need to pick up an enrollment form for your dependents at the Student Medical Insurance Office, Student Union 223, North Campus. There is an additional cost for your dependents. You will have to fill out the form and mail it to the insurance company with your payment. Please contact the Student Medical Insurance Office directly (Tel. 716-645-3036) to obtain the current costs for dependent insurance. Am I eligible to enroll in the SUNY International Student Health Insurance plan if I am on Optional Practical Training after my graduation from UB?Yes. If you have completed your program at UB and are on post-completion OPT, you may enroll in the SUNY health insurance plan. Please contact the Student Medical Insurance Office directly (Tel. 716-645-3036) for instructions on how to enroll in the insurance plan. What are the specifics of SUNY's International Student Health Insurance plan?The Student Medical Insurance Office (a division of Sub-Board I, Inc.) manages your health insurance policy and coverage. For information about SUNY's International Student Health Insurance coverage, please read "Blanket Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Especially for International Students/Scholars Attending the State University of New York". Additional information is available at www.subboard.com/smi/internationalstudents.shtml and www.hthworldwide.com. Note: This insurance policy does not cover dental or vision care except in case of injury. 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 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 the SUNY policy and is approved by UB's Student Medical Insurance Office. We strongly recommend that you have your prospective health insurance reviewed by the UB's Student Medical Insurance Office BEFORE purchasing it. If you buy another policy and it does not meet SUNY's minimum requirements, you will have to pay for both policies. What must my private health insurance policy cover so that I can be approved for a waiver of SUNY's International Student Health Insurance?The minimum coverage required by SUNY in order to be approved for a waiver of the SUNY International Health Insurance must include:
How do I apply for a waiver of SUNY's International Student Health Insurance?We urge you to contact the Student Medical Insurance Office directly (Tel. 716-645-3036) and tell them the name of your policy / insurer that you are considering or already have. They are familiar with many international health insurance policies, and may be able to quickly determine whether or not your policy is sufficient. To have your policy reviewed, please complete the International Health Insurance Waiver Form and submit it directly to the Student Medical Insurance Office. Student Medical Insurance Office 9/08 |