International Scholars

International scholars (and their dependents) must carry health insurance coverage available through SUNY (or comparable coverage) during their time in the United States while they are sponsored by UB. These policies are set by SUNY Administration.

This page is only for international scholars. If you are an international student, please visit the international students page.

Insurance Information 2023-2024

All J-1 scholars and their J-2 dependents are required to purchase the SUNY health insurance upon arrival to the United States and be insured every day that you remain in the country. Coverage for the SUNY plan is by academic year from August 15 to August 14 of the following year. 

If you will receive an employee health insurance plan after the 42 day waiting period, you are required to complete the J-1 waiver packet to provide proof of your employee health insurance. If you are receiving benefits through UB Human Resources, please request a letter stating the start date of your health insurance. If you are receiving benefits outside of University at Buffalo, the Clarification of Benefits form is required to be completed so that we may compare the benefits to the SUNY plan. When a waiver is approved, the scholar and dependents must enroll and purchase the standalone medical evacuation and repatriation insurance to be compliant with their visas. This coverage is not provided by the UB employee health insurance. A waiver must be submitted each year in Agust to extend the medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. 

Enrollment

Request a Waiver

If you have private health insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements, you can request a waiver of the premium. Acceptable plans must be:

  • US-based
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA) Compliant
NYS Essential or Community Plans are NOT Accepted for an International Waiver

You will only be permitted a waiver of the cost of the SUNY health insurance if your policy matches or exceeds the policy available through SUNY, and is approved by Haylor, Freyer and Coon. In some cases, your policy must also match or exceed requirements from the U.S. Department of State (policies that meet SUNY requirements typically meet these requirements; the UHCSR plan available through SUNY far exceeds U.S. Department of State requirements).

Forms

For Enrollees
For Dependents

Related UB Websites

Need Help?

For help understanding and navigating the health insurance process.

1 Capen
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260-2100

Phone: (716) 645-3036

For questions about your plan

UnitedHealthcare Student Resources

Domestic Policy #2022-202767-1
; International Students Policy #2022-203-415-41
; OPT/J1 Policy #2022-203415-44
; Study Abroad Policy #2022-203415-43

Dependent Enrollment Forms and General Inquiries
P.O. Box 809025
Dallas, TX 75380-9025

Phone: (888) 714-6544

UnitedHealthcare Student Resources

Domestic Students Policy #2022-202767-1
; International Students Policy #2022-203-415-41
; OPT/J1 Policy #2022-203415-44
; Study Abroad Policy #2022-203415-43

Claims
UnitedHealthcare Student Resources
P.O. Box 809025
Dallas, TX 75380-9025

Phone: (888) 714-6544