Insurance

Postdoctoral Scholars

At USF, the postdoctoral experience emphasizes scholarship and continued research training for individuals who have recently completed a doctoral degree. Our postdocs engage in research training under the general oversight of a faculty mentor in preparation for a career position in academia, industry, government or the non-profit sector. In addition, postdoctoral scholars enrich the research community with their expert knowledge and experience, and provide mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students.

The University strives to enhance the postdoctoral experience by providing a stimulating and constructive environment, and by encouraging mutual respect and understanding. Our goal is for you to have an excellent professional and personal development experience during your postdoctoral employment at USF.

USF postdoctoral scholars are eligible for benefits that include medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. To participate, you must enroll for medical, dental, and/or life insurance within 60 days of beginning employment at USF, or during the annual fall open enrollment period.

For more information on any available plan options, please contact the Central Human Resources Benefits office at benefits@usf.edu.

Important Benefits Change for USF Postdoctoral Scholars Currently Covered Under AHP 

Effective August 1, 2026, USF Postdoctoral Scholars will no longer be enrolled in the USF Postdoc Health Insurance Plan administered by Academic HealthPlans (AHP) with coverage through Aetna. The AHP/Aetna plan will end on July 31, 2026, and coverage under this plan will not be available for renewal.

Beginning August 1, 2026, eligible postdoctoral scholars will participate in the State of Florida Employees Group Insurance Program, administered by People First. Information regarding available medical, dental, vision, life, and other benefit options can be found through the resources below.

If you have a J1 or F1 visa, please note that the medical plans through People First do not meet your visa immigration requirements.  You can enroll in the AES (Academic Emergency Services) policy to cover this requirement and stay compliant.  Please view the AES information below for further details and how to enroll.

If you were enrolled in the AHP/Aetna Postdoc Health Insurance Plan prior to August 1, 2026, please retain your plan documents and member identification information. Questions regarding claims, coverage, or services received while the AHP/Aetna plan was active should continue to be directed to Academic HealthPlans and/or Aetna. For assistance, contact AHP Customer Service at 888-896-5797, or via http://help.ahpcare.com/ . You can also contact Aetna directly using the customer service number listed on your member ID card.

For information regarding benefits effective August 1, 2026, please contact USF Benefits at benefits@usf.edu. Visit People First and the State of Florida Benefits website for enrollment and plan information.

Health insurance and benefits - HOW TO ENROLL

USF Postdoctoral Scholars are eligible to participate in the State of Florida Employees Group Insurance Program, administered by People First. Eligible employees may enroll in medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other available benefit plans, subject to state eligibility requirements and enrollment deadlines. PLEASE NOTE:  All benefits through People First are paid one month in advance via payroll deduction.

Newly hired postdoctoral scholars must make their benefit elections within the enrollment period (60 days) established by People First following employment. Annual Open Enrollment is also conducted each year to allow eligible employees to review and make changes to their benefit elections. If you separate from USF and end your employment, your People First benefits will remain active until the last day of the following month, after your date of separation.

For information about available People First plans, coverage options, costs, and enrollment instructions, visit:

For assistance with benefits enrollment or eligibility, contact USF Benefits at benefits@usf.edu.

Important for J-1 and F-1 Visa Holders: Individuals holding J-1 or F-1 visas, who are subject to immigration requirements for medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, must obtain a supplemental policy to satisfy these requirements. Individuals can enroll in the Academic Emergency Services (AES) policy available through Academic HealthPlans (AHP). Please note that the AES policy is not a comprehensive health insurance plan; it only provides the medical evacuation and repatriation benefits required for immigration compliance. The cost is $96.00, per covered individual, for the full annual term and cannot be purchased on a monthly basis. Payment is made directly to AHP at the time of enrollment through your online portal; payroll deduction is not available. Please see the attached AES flyer for additional coverage details. New Postdoctoral scholars will receive an email from AHP Academic HealthPlans, inviting them to activate their account.  Starting on 7/15/26, individuals that require the AES policy may enroll using the link provided. https://students.care26.com/login

Academic Emergency Services (AES) Flyer  AES supplemental policy

Office of postdoctoral Affairs

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs site contains details on all benefits available to postdoctoral scholars, including helpful information about University and research resources, the Tampa Bay area and more.

OTHER Benefits

Retirement