Medical Care & Safety
Medical Insurance for Students
All students are required to maintain adequate medical health insurance during their enrollment at Duke University. Enrollment in the Duke Student Insurance Plan can be waived if your alternative plan meets specific criteria. If enrollment in the Duke Student Medical Insurance plan is not waived, enrollment in the Duke plan will be automatic. For all international students holding a F1 or J1 visa, the enrollment is mandatory.
Can I Waive Insurance? A Student might waive if:
- The Claims administrator is based in the United States and has a US telephone number and address for submission of claims
- The plan provides both emergency and non-emergency health care and mental health benefits in the Durham, N.C. area
- Out of state Medicaid and state Children’s Health Insurance Plans do not cover non-emergency care in Durham
- The plan has participating hospitals, physicians, pharmacies, and mental health providers in the Durham, NC area to include Duke Medicine
- The plan provides inpatient and outpatient mental health care (with at least 30 visits per year) and chemical dependency benefits are comparable to the coverage provided by the Duke SMIP
- The plan provides coverage for prescription medication
- The lifetime benefit is at least $500,000 or more
Please direct all health insurance related questions to:
Anna Salinas
Manager, Student Health Insurance
919-684-1481
anna.salinas@duke.edu
Duke Student Health Center
If you are enrolled in a program that requires the payment of the student health fee, the student health center is a source for general medical care, basic nutrition counseling, immunizations, allergies, etc. Most services are covered by the student health fee. Check with them for details.
Medical Care Related Links
Duke Police
Duke University has a 24hr police department on campus. Learn about crime prevention efforts from Duke Police.
- Emergency 911
- Non-Emergency: 919-684-2444
Duke Van Safe Rides
Duke Safe Rides are available to all students, faculty and staff and provide safe rides to locations without bus service within the van service boundaries.
