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- 1. Domestic Students
- 1.1. Do I really need health coverage?
Yes. The University requires all full-time students to have health insurance coverage. Students who don't have their own plan by the first day of classes must take the UB plan. Although nobody plans a serious illness, hospitals are full of people who didn't think they'd be there. Dealing with unplanned medical expenses can be financially devastating for students and parents.
- 1.2. Am I covered under my parents' policy?
Maybe. Many family policies exclude dependent children when they turn 19, are no longer a full-time student, or when they get married. You might find that your parents' policy does not cover you any longer.
- 1.3. How can I find out if I'm covered under my parents' policy?
You should have your parents check a current copy of their health insurance policy or call their insurance company directly to confirm your coverage. Also, have them request an insurance card for you to carry in case you need medical attention.
- 1.4. What if I'm already covered
If you have comparable coverage outside the University, you may file an insurance waiver by the due date of your first tuition bill for each semester that you are charged. Waiver forms and instructions will be in your "Be Ready" Orientation Packet. Although you may be covered under your parents' policy, it may not be convenient to use that when you are out of the area, at home, or on vacation.
- 1.5. What if I'm not covered by my parent's policy?
You could purchase a policy on your own. Or you can enroll in the University's low cost policy administered by Sub Board One, Inc., a non-profit student-owned corporation on campus through the Student Medical Insurance office. It is the only insurance plan endorsed by the University.
- 1.6. Are all students eligible?
All properly enrolled students registered for one credit hour or more at UB are eligible to become insured. However, only full-time students are billed automatically. If you are part-time, you'll need to enroll. International students are covered under a different policy.
- 1.7. How much does it cost?
The student cost for a full year's coverage is about $1299.
- 1.8. What about family coverage for a student's spouse and children?
Dependents of covered students can also take advantage of the Student Medical Insurance Plan for an additional charge.
- 1.9. How do I prove that I am a full-time student to stay on my
parents’ plan?
The Student Response Center has a Certification clerk who can do that for you. If you have a form from your insurance company employer or union, you can take it to 232 Capen Hall, fax it to their office for completion and the UB certification stamp ( fax number: (716) 645-7762 ) or, if your company did not supply you with a letter to complete, you can request a letter from SRC through their website: http://src.buffalo.edu/record/certification.shtml .
- 2. International Students, Scholars and OPT
- 2.1. Who is eligible for International Medical Insurance?
Any student who is not a U.S Citizen or Permanent Resident is automatically enrolled on the International Insurance Program when they register for one credit hour or more. Visiting Scholars and Practical Training Participants working through a UB Program are eligible but must enroll at the Student Medical Insurance Office in room 223 Student Union. Spouses and/or children or enrolled students are also eligible for the program. Students on an official Leave of Absence who were insured on this program at the time of their leave may purchase the insurance for no more than 2 semesters while on a leave of absence.
- 2.2. Where do I go for health care?
The Health Service is in Michael Hall on South Campus. Students have the fee built into their tuition and fees. To purchase this valuable service, scholars, and practical training participants must provide proof of affiliation with the University. Scholars and practical training participants must obtain a letter signed by their department chair or principal investigator, specifying the date of their affiliation as university academic or research staff. The Student Health Center fee schedule is as follows:
$116.50 per semester (Fall or Spring),
All care (unless it is a life-threatening emergency) should begin at the Health Services in Michael Hall. Call them at 829-3316 to make an appointment. There is also a lab and a pharmacy operated by Sub Board One, Inc. in the same building, taking care of most health care needs in one stop. If you have an emergency and are off campus, dial 911. If you are on campus and have an emergency, call 2222. Campus Security will bring emergency medical personnel to your location.
Dependents are NOT eligible for services at the Student Health Center unless they are also enrolled as students. Scholars may, however, consult with Student Health Center Staff regarding referrals to health care providers for their families.
- 2.3. What happens if I don't go to the Health Services and it is not
an emergency?
You will have to pay a $100 deductible of your own money for each injury or illness you had treated without a referral form the Health Services.
- 2.4. Where can I go for prescriptions if the Sub Board Pharmacy in Michael
Hall is closed?
You can have your prescription filled at any pharmacy. However, many pharmacies will ask you to pay for your prescription in advance. If that happens, you will have to fill out a claim form. Ask the pharmacist for an insurance receipt. Bring the claim form from the Health Services with the receipt form the pharmacy to our office for assistance. If you are unable to come to our office, the address to mail the claim and receipt are at the top right of the claim form. If you do not have a claim form, you can find it online at www.hthstudents.com.
- 2.5.Where can I go for medical treatment if I am unable to visit the
Health Services?
You can go to any doctor, anywhere, although if you have a chance to choose, you should visit a provider who participates with the Beech Street network (www. beechstreet.com) . Insurance benefits are very limited in your home country. If you go for medical treatment off campus and it is not an emergency, you will pay the $100 deductible (see question 2.3). If the Health Service is closed, and it is not an emergency, you can wait until the Health Service opens or call the on-call medical provider for medical advice over the phone. If it is a medical emergency, you can visit any medical facility.
- 2.6. What do I do if I don't have my insurance card but I need medical
treatment?
Have the doctor's office call HTH Worldwide Insurance Services or the SBI Student Medical Insurance Office. You can also print a card out directly at www.hthstudents.com or stop by the SBI Student Medical Insurance Office and pick up a temporary insurance card.
- 2.6. What do I do if I already have private medical insurance?
If you already have insurance, you can request a waiver form from the Student Medical Insurance Office in room 223 of the Student Union. Waivers are only accepted up to the due date of the first bill on which the insurance charge appears. Only insurance policies that meet or exceed the SUNY plan benefits are eligible for a waiver. If you are a visiting scholar, you should receive a letter asking if you have a plan from home. You can stop by the office in 223 Student Union if you wish to take care of this before you receive the letter.
- 3. Study Abroad
There are no FAQ's for Study Abroad at this time. Please contact the SMI office or email askSMI@buffalo.edu with any questions regarding Study Abroad Insurance.
- 4. General
- 4.1 Where do I go to receive medical care?
All care should begin at the Student Health Center in Micheal Hall on South Campus. If you are not feeling well, and if your condition is not a life-threatening emergency, call the Student Health Center first. If needed, you will then be referred to a community based provider, covered by the Student Medical Insurance Program. The phone number for the Student Health Center is 829-3316.
- 4.2 Is there a pharmacy on campus?
The SBI Pharmacy is located in the basement of Michael hall on UB's South Campus and has over the counter and prescription drugs that are usually much cheaper than outside pharmacies. Please visit the SBI Pharmacy website www.sbi-pharmacy.buffalo.edu for more information.
- 4.3 What if my coverage from home only covers me here in an emergency?
If your current plan covers you only in an emergency or if you get permission form your primary physician, you may want to ask your insurance company to make the campus Helath Center your primary care provider while you are on campus. You may also want to consider taking the student plan in addition to your current plan for the ease of use on campus and in the Western New York area.
- 4.4 How can I sign up?
Visit our Enrollment-Waive page , select your student status, fill out the form and return it to the SBI Student Medical Insurance Office.
**Note: All new full-time students, or part time international students will automatically be enrolled.
- 4.5 Who is eligible for this insurance?
All students enrolled in at least one credit hour are eligible for the SBI Student Medical Insurance. Spouses and/or children or enrolled students are also eligible for the program. Visiting Scholars and Practical Training Participants working through a UB Program are eligible. Students on an official Leave of Absence who were insured on this program at the time of their leave may purchase the insurance for no more than 2 semesters while on a leave of absence. If you have previously waived coverage or are a part-time student, and now want to enroll, call the Student Medical Insurance Office for enrollment information and instructions.
- 4.6 What should I do if I have other questions?
Additional information is in the Parent Guide for orientation. You may also call the SBI Student Medical Insurance Office at 645-3036, email us at AskSMI@buffalo.edu or stop by room 223 in the Student Union on UB North Campus.
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