Health Insurance Requirements for J-1 Scholars

As a J-1 scholar, you are required by U.S. federal regulations to maintain health insurance for yourself and any J-2 dependents for the entire duration of your program in the United States. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

In addition, The State University of New York (SUNY) requires that your health insurance coverage meets SUNY-specific standards. You must remain continuously covered and ensure that your plan complies with both federal and SUNY requirements.

Health Insurance for Paid J-1 Scholars

If you are employed by New York State or the Research Foundation, you will be automatically enrolled in UnitedHealthcare (UHC) insurance upon your arrival in the United States.

This coverage is temporary and lasts for 28 days
It provides coverage until your employee-based insurance becomes active (if you choose to enroll)

You will receive an email from the Student Health Insurance Office when the insurance charge is added to your SOLAR account. You must pay this fee within one week of receiving the notification.

Enrolling in Employee-Based Insurance

As an employee, you will receive information from Human Resources (HR) about your eligibility to enroll in an employer-sponsored health insurance plan.

You are strongly encouraged to enroll within:

30 days of your appointment (New York State employees), or
60 days of your appointment (Research Foundation employees)

Employer-based plans are typically more affordable and provide comprehensive coverage.

If you need assistance, contact: hrs_benefits@stonybrook.edu

After You Enroll in Employee-Based Insurance

Once you enroll in an employer-sponsored plan:

Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) will notify the Student Health Insurance Office
You will be removed from UHC coverage
You will be enrolled in Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance (MedEx) for the remainder of the billing period and future billing periods while in J-1 status.

You must pay the MedEx fee within one week of being billed.

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance (MedEx)

MedEx coverage is required for all J-1 scholars and J-2 dependents. This coverage includes:

Medical evacuation
Medically necessary repatriation
Repatriation of remains
Bedside visit benefits
Family travel assistance

Enrolling J-2 Dependents

If your spouse or children will accompany you in J-2 status, you must enroll them separately in health insurance.

To enroll your dependents, email:
studenthealthinsurance@stonybrook.edu

Health Insurance for Non-Salaried J-1 Scholars

If you are not employed by New York State or the Research Foundation, you will be automatically enrolled in UnitedHealthcare (UHC) upon your arrival in the United States.

Your coverage will remain active through the current billing period:

Fall: August 15 – January 14
Spring: January 15 – May 14
Summer: May 15 – August 14

You will receive an email when the insurance charge is posted to your SOLAR account. You must pay this fee within one week.

Enrolling J-2 Dependents

J-2 dependents must be enrolled separately.

To enroll your dependents, email:
studenthealthinsurance@stonybrook.edu

Important Notice About External Insurance

You should not purchase health insurance outside of the SUNY-approved process without prior approval.

SUNY requires that all J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors maintain insurance that meets specific standards. Many external plans do not meet these requirements.

Before purchasing any outside insurance plan, you must contact Visa and Immigration Services (VIS).

Health Insurance Waivers

You are required to maintain health insurance and MedEx coverage for the entire duration of your program.

A waiver may be granted only if your insurance plan is comparable to the SUNY-approved UnitedHealthcare plan. Waivers are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Plans That Do Not Qualify for a Waiver

The following types of plans are not eligible:

Travel insurance
Non-U.S.-based insurance
ISO plans
Kimber Health
International Medical Group

How to Request a Waiver

If you believe your insurance meets SUNY requirements:

Email vis_scholar@stonybrook.edu to request the J-1 Health Insurance Waiver Form
Complete the form in full
Submit the form to VIS and the Student Health Insurance Office
Your request will be reviewed by an insurance broker

You must wait for approval before relying on any external insurance plan.

Questions

If you have questions about your health insurance coverage or requirements, contact Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) at vis_scholar@stonybrook.edu