HEALTH INSURANCE

The University at Buffalo requires all international students to have health insurance that meets the requirements mandated by the State University of New York. The UB international health insurance policy meets these requirements and all international students are automatically enrolled in this policy. The cost of the policy is billed to the UB student account. The current cost is approximately $415 per semester.

This policy is intended for your protection and is very comprehensive. It is administered by the UB Student Medical Insurance (SMI) office. The policy includes regular coverage through HTH Worldwide and medical evacuation/repatriation coverage through MEDEX. Details of both are available on the SMI web site:
www.subboard.com/smi/internationalstudents.shtml.

It is possible to waive this insurance after you arrive at UB but only if you have proof of insurance that meets or exceeds the UB requirements. Very few international insurance plans are considered comparable so you are advised not to purchase other insurance before coming to UB. The inability to cancel another insurance policy will not release you from the requirement to purchase the UB policy if the coverage is not deemed comparable to the UB policy.

If you wish to request a waiver, you must complete an International Health Insurance Waiver Form and have your insurance company complete the Clarification of Insurance Policy Benefits Form. These forms are available on the SMI web site: www.subboard.com/smi/internationalstudents.shtml. The forms must be returned directly to the SMI office (223 Student Union). If they do not accept your insurance you will be required to keep the UB policy.

For questions on how to use the UB policy, please see the Frequently Asked Questions section of the SMI web site:www.subboard.com/smi/faq.shtml.