Student Insurance
Health Insurance for Graduate Students
BMI pays either all or a portion of the health insurance for all full time, funded MS and PhD students. If a student is enrolled full time and receives funding from any department or program, the university provides a subsidy for the other portion, if needed. Insurance coverage is issued quarterly for graduate students. Find out more about Cardinal Care, the student insurance plan through the Vaden Health Center's website.
Health Insurance Waiver
Students are automatically enrolled in Cardinal Care during registered quarters unless health insurance is waived through Axess. To waive health insurance, students sign a release and need to demonstrate proof of coverage from another source by the deadline. If you intend to waive Cardinal Care, do so BEFORE the quarter begins or you will be charged for health insurance!
BMI will not pay the fee if we have been notified that you have your own coverage.
International students are required to obtain coverage from Cardinal Care. There is NO option to waive out. Too many international students have discovered their policies do not offer complete coverage.
Health Insurance for Postdocs
Postdoctoral students are eligible for several health insurance plans, including medical, dental and vision, through the Postdoc Office.
Postdocs who have their own medical coverage must bring proof of coverage and request waiver of coverage. Waive Cardinal Care in Axess for the entire year. If is almost impossible to reverse the charge after the third week of classes. Postdoc students are required to attend the Postdoc Orientation (see the Postdoc office webpage). After attending Orientation, benefit coverage begins.
For Vaden Student Health Service insurance help, contact 723-2135 9-4 pm, email healthinsurance@stanford.edu.
