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Cornell University

Office of Risk Management and Insurance

Student and Exchange Visitors Insurance

Student Insurance

The Cornell Student Health Plan (SHP) offers platinum-level health insurance coverage to undergraduate, graduate, professional, and medical students, as well as their dependents. All degree-seeking students at the university must be enrolled in SHP or possess alternative insurance that meets university standards. Certain students are mandated to enroll in SHP and cannot opt out of this coverage.

Please note that Cornell does not provide insurance coverage for personal property belonging to students in the event of damage or theft while they are enrolled at Cornell. Students are advised to obtain a separate insurance policy to cover their personal belongings or review the terms of any applicable homeowner’s insurance policy.

For inquiries about the Student Health Insurance program, please contact the Office of Student Health Benefits.

It is strongly recommended that students obtain insurance coverage for their personal belongings. Student Personal Property Insurance, which safeguards student possessions worldwide against specified causes of loss, is available through Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.  Please be advised that Cornell does NOT receive any form of compensation for offering this service to its students.

International Travel Insurance

Cornell University provides comprehensive accident, sickness, and emergency care insurance coverage, coupled with 24/7 travel assistance, at no charge to registered travelers participating in Cornell-related international trips. This coverage applies to students, faculty, and staff registered in the travel registry who are traveling outside their home country. For non-U.S. citizens, “home country” refers to their current country of residence or domicile. Please note that this insurance excludes coverage for preventative or routine care, as well as treatment of pre-existing conditions. All individuals—students, faculty, and staff—engaged in Cornell travel are eligible for this insurance, provided they are registered in the travel registry and not residing in their home country at the time of travel.

See Travel Insurance Certificate Letter and other insurance coverage information

GeoBlue Health Insurance for Exchange Visitors

According to US Government regulations, all exchange visitors (J1 visa holders) and their dependents (J2) must maintain health and accident insurance to be eligible for participation in Cornell’s Exchange Visitor Program. Additionally, federal regulations prohibit the extension of J1 status beyond the dates specified on the DS-2019 form without adequate insurance coverage for both the J1 visa holder and their family members.

Cornell offers a health insurance plan that is available to many international scholars holding academic appointments, subject to the specific conditions of their appointment. For eligibility details, individuals are advised to consult with their university department’s human resources or hiring manager. Additional information can be accessed at Working at Cornell.

For those who are ineligible for Cornell insurance, the university offers a health insurance plan through GeoBlue. This plan surpasses the minimum requirements set by the Department of State and is accepted by medical providers in the Ithaca area. However, it’s important to note that all insurance policies have limitations and exclusions..

It’s crucial to note that elective medical services, like eyeglasses or dental care, are typically not covered by insurance in the United States and can incur significant costs. Exchange Visitors should consider addressing their dental and eye care needs before departing from their home country.