Health Insurance & Services
Health care in the United States can be very expensive. Health insurance helps cover the cost of medical treatment if you become sick or injured.
F-1 and J-1 students who are issued an I-20 or DS-2019 by Stony Brook University must maintain health insurance while studying in the United States.
Why Health Insurance Is Required
Unlike many other countries, individuals in the United States are responsible for paying for their own medical care. Without insurance, even basic medical services can be costly.
Health insurance helps you:
- access medical care when you need it
- reduce out-of-pocket medical costs
- receive treatment for illness or injury while studying in the U.S.
Stony Brook University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Most international students at Stony Brook University are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) unless they qualify for and receive an approved waiver.
The SHIP plan provides comprehensive health coverage and access to medical services both on campus and in the surrounding community.
Key points to remember:
- Students are typically automatically enrolled in SHIP each semester.
- The cost of the plan is billed directly to your SOLAR account.
- Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital services, prescriptions, and other medical care.
- Students who already have comparable health insurance may request a waiver if their plan meets the university’s requirements.
For full plan details, including covered services and coverage dates, visit the Student Health Insurance website or contact the ASA Student Insurance Office directly.
ASA Student Insurance Office
📍SBU Campus Store
✉ studenthealthinsurance@stonybrook.edu
☎ (631) 632-6054
Medical Care on Campus
Stony Brook University students have access to Student Health Services, located at the Student Health Center on campus.
Student Health Services provides care for many common medical concerns, including:
- illness and minor injuries
- routine medical visits
- immunizations
- health education and wellness services
For serious medical needs, students may be referred to nearby hospitals or specialists, including Stony Brook University Hospital.
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Insurance Requirements
U.S. federal regulations require all J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents to maintain health insurance for the entire duration of their J-1 program. This requirement is established under 22 CFR 62.14.
In addition, the State University of New York (SUNY) requires all J-1 exchange visitors and their dependents to carry health insurance that meets SUNY’s coverage standards.
You are responsible for ensuring that both you and any J-2 dependents maintain compliant health insurance coverage at all times while participating in your J-1 program. Failure to maintain the required insurance may result in the termination of your J-1 program in SEVIS.
Minimum coverage must include:
Your insurance policy must provide at least:
- Medical benefits: at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Deductible: no more than $500 per accident or illness
- Medical evacuation: at least $50,000
- Repatriation of remains: at least $25,000
Insurance for Paid J-1 Scholars
J-1 scholars who are employed by New York State or the Research Foundation will be automatically enrolled in UnitedHealthcare (UHC) insurance upon arrival in the United States.
This coverage provides 28 days of temporary insurance and serves as interim coverage
until your employee health insurance becomes active, if you elect to enroll in the
employee plan.
Insurance for Non-Salaried J-1 Scholars
Non-salaried J-1 scholars will be automatically enrolled in UnitedHealthcare (UHC) insurance upon arrival in the United States. This coverage will remain active until the end of the current billing period.
After enrollment, you will receive an email from the Student Health Insurance Office
notifying you that an insurance charge has been added to your SOLAR account. Please
ensure that this fee is paid within one week of receiving the notification to maintain
your coverage.
Before Purchasing Health Insurance
We strongly advise against purchasing independent health insurance outside of
the process described above. The State University of New York (SUNY) system mandates
that all J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors have health insurance coverage that complies
with SUNY’s specific requirements.
If you are considering an external insurance plan, please contact Visa and Immigration
Services prior to purchasing any plans from outside providers.
Health Insurance After Graduation
If you remain in the United States after graduation, including while participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT), you may be eligible to continue your international student health insurance plan for a limited period.
To enroll in the extension plan, you must not have any lapse in coverage between your required student insurance and the extension coverage. To request enrollment, contact the Student Health Insurance Office at: studenthealthinsurance@stonybrook.edu
Maintaining health insurance while in the United States is strongly recommended to protect you from unexpected medical expenses. If you choose not to continue your student insurance plan, you should obtain other health insurance coverage, either through your employer or another provider.