Most students and international scholars must carry health insurance coverage for the duration of their academic registration at UB.
You can enroll in health insurance plans through UB or SUNY, or request a waiver if you have a comparable plan. Enrollment in the UB student plans is automatic when the credit hour threshold is met. Insurance is also available for students, faculty and staff who are going abroad.
These policies are set by UB (for domestic students) and SUNY Administration (for international students).
Part-time domestic students do not need health insurance coverage, but may choose to enroll.
All international students and scholars are required to have health insurance coverage.
| International Students | International Scholars |
|---|---|
| Students are registered for classes (undergraduate or graduate), arrive at UB at the beginning of a semester, and leave at the end of a semester. This includes J-1 student interns. | Scholars are not registered for classes (they may be doing research or specialized training), and arrive and leave UB at any time, depending on their program. |
Students who study abroad, or who go abroad related to their studies at UB, must have health insurance coverage through the University.
Please consult the table below to learn more about health insurance requirements; enrollment and waiver forms; the cost of premiums; and options for covering your dependents.
* Part-time domestic students do not have an insurance requirement. Full-time registration could prompt health insurance billing. Always review your student account to monitor charges.
Effective Fall 2024, UB will discontinue the domestic health insurance plan offered by the university to our students. Additionally, we will no longer mandate health insurance for domestic students attending the University at Buffalo. Health-related programs may require students to have health insurance. Please check with your academic program about specific health insurance requirements. Learn more about the change.
All intercollegiate student athletes are required to have health insurance. Effective for Fall 2024, this mandate will be administered by the UB Department of Athletics. More details will be announced as they become available.
The waiver process for Fall 2023 is closed as of Friday, September, 29, 2023.
| Plan/Type | Rate (Premium) & Coverage Dates for Fall 2022 | Deadline | Coverage Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Students - Full-Time | $2,903.00 8/1/23-7/31/24 | 9/29/23 | |
| * Domestic Students - Part-Time (coverage is optional ) | 9/29/23 | ||
| International Students | $1073.63 8/15/23-1/14/24 | 9/29/23 | |
| International Scholars | Deadlines depend on when you arrive in the U.S. J-1 international scholars have 30 days from arrival into the U.S. to enroll/waive the insurance | ||
| * OPT (Optional Practical Training) (coverage is optional) | At least 2 weeks before current policy expires | ||
| Students Going Abroad | At least 2 weeks before going abroad |
Deadlines listed apply to the health insurance waiver ONLY. If insurance premiums remain on your student account past the tuition due date, late fees will apply.
| Plan/Type | Rate (Premium) & Coverage Dates for Fall 2022 | Deadline | Coverage Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Students | Find an Insurance Plan | ||
| International Students | TBD | TBD | |
| International Scholars | Deadlines depend on when you arrive in the U.S. J-1 international scholars have 30 days from arrival into the U.S. to enroll/waive the insurance | ||
| * OPT (Optional Practical Training) (coverage is optional) | At least 2 weeks before current policy expires | ||
| Students Going Abroad | At least 2 weeks before going abroad |
Health insurance coverage may be available for other groups. Please follow these links to learn more.
For help understanding and navigating the health insurance process.
Student Health Insurance Office
Student Life
1 Capen
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260-2100
Phone: (716) 645-3036
