Medical Insurance
All Duke students are required to maintain adequate medical insurance while enrolled at Duke. As such, they must either enroll in Duke’s Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP) or waive the SMIP if they meet the waiver criteria.
The Graduate School covers the cost of premiums for the SMIP for Ph.D. students in their first six years of study and for Ph.D. students in any year who are serving as research assistants (contact your program if you are not sure about your RA status).
Medical Expense Assistance
Ph.D. students can apply to The Graduate School for financial assistance with medical expenses that are not eligible for reimbursement and which create a significant financial hardship. The assistance program gives grants of up to $5,000.
Dental Insurance
Duke provides a dental insurance plan for students through Aetna. The plan provides 100% coverage (up to the policy limits) at the on-campus dental clinic Campus Smiles, and all in-network providers.
The Graduate School covers the cost of premiums for this dental insurance plan for Ph.D. students in their first six years of study and for Ph.D. students in any year who are serving as research assistants (contact your program if you are not sure about your RA status).
Questions about the dental plan should be sent to dental@duke.edu.
- Dental plan details and enrollment
- Reimbursement form for Marine Lab Ph.D. students (sign in with NetID)
- Note: Unlike medical insurance, students are not required to maintain dental insurance while enrolled. The dental insurance is being offered as an optional resource.