Study Abroad

Health Insurance for Students Studying Abroad

All full-time UR students must have health insurance coverage while studying abroad. Students can enroll in the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance plan offered through UHS, or they can remain on their parent's or their own health insurance.

Students who will be studying abroad year must complete the Health Insurance Selection Process before the start of the semester or year in which they will begin their program. You have two choices:

You can enroll in the UR-sponsored BCBS health insurance: Your coverage includes the mandatory health fee and Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance. You will be billed for the mandatory health fee and BCBS insurance. The charges will appear on your tuition bill. The BCBS Summary of Benefits is available on the UHS web site.

You can waive the UR-sponsored BCBS health insurance if you have your own insurance: If you choose this option, you will not be charged for the mandatory health fee, which means you are not eligible to participate in the Student Health Program through UHS. When you return to the University after your time abroad, you can come to UHS on a fee-for-service basis until you resume paying the mandatory health fee.

The University-sponsored BCBS plan provides coverage for hospitalization, surgery, and diagnostic lab tests anywhere in the world. Visits to a doctor's office are not covered by the plan. If you are on another insurance plan, it is a good idea to check your coverage outside the U.S. before you begin your study abroad. We recommend carrying your insurance card with you at all times.

If you have questions about health insurance and/or completing the Health Insurance Selection Process: Contact Laurie Strang, UHS Insurance Advisor, at insurance@uhs.rochester.edu or (585) 275-2637.