Postdoctoral Scholars/Fellows at the University of Iowa are engaged primarily in research unique from either students or faculty members. Therefore, there are two classifications for Postdoctoral Scholars and Fellows.
- Postdoctoral Research Scholars (appointment code FP01)
- Postdoctoral Research Fellows (appointment code FP02)
- Non-NRSA Postdoctoral Research Fellows (appointment code FP03)
The University Benefits Office will send a welcome email when the appointment begins. This email will include information regarding what benefits you are eligible for and how to make your elections.
Available Benefits
Health and Dental Insurance
Coverage begins the first day of the month after your hire date. The University of Iowa contributes toward the cost of health and dental insurance for Postdoctoral Research Scholars and Fellows. You may enroll in the student health and dental insurance plans offered to our employed graduate students. The premium is based on the plan you elect and who is covered on the plan.
You may choose from two health plans (UIGRADCare and SHIP) and one dental plan.
SHIP
The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan that provides coverage for preventive care, hospitalization, surgery, maternity, well-baby/well-child care, emergency care for accidents or illness, medically necessary physician care, prescription drugs, and mental health.
Providers: Alliance Select PPO
UIGRADCare
The UIGRADCare plan is a comprehensive health care program that covers hospital, medical, surgical, outpatient, and other health care services such as physical therapy. Coverage is also provided for routine physicals, newborn care, well-child checkups, and prescription drugs.
Providers: Must use Student Health or UI Health Care only.
Student Dental Plan
All students may receive coverage through the Student Dental Plan, a 3-tier Delta Dental of Iowa provider network. Covered services include checkups, teeth cleaning, cavity repair and tooth extractions, endodontic services, periodontal services, and more.
Providers: Care can be obtained from any provider
Monthly Premiums (AY 2025-2026)
Please note that the academic year 2025-2026 premium rates are pending approval by the Iowa Board of Regents at their meeting on June 10-12, 2025.
Rates are effective September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2026
| Student Plan | Employee Only | Employee + Spouse | Employee + Children | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHIP | $29.20 | $324.00 | $269.40 | $375.90 |
| UIGRADCare | $47.20 | $277.80 | N/A | $714.30 |
| Student Dental | $3.75 | $14.10 | $20.10 | $24.00 |
Monthly Premiums (AY 2024-2025)
Rates are effective September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025
| Student Plan | Employee Only | Employee + Spouse | Employee + Children | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHIP | $27.30 | $324.00 | $251.70 | $351.30 |
| UIGRADCare | $46.30 | $272.70 | N/A | $667.80 |
| Student Dental | $3.75 | $14.10 | $20.10 | $24.00 |
How to Enroll
Here's how to get started with your benefits enrollment:
Step 1: Check Your Email
You'll receive a welcome email from the University Benefits Office around your first day. This email includes benefits information, including a link to your enrollment form.
Step 2: Complete the Form
- Print out the form from the email.
- Fill it out completely.
- Email the completed form to: benefits-students@uiowa.edu
- Deadline: You must submit your enrollment form within 30 days of your start date.
- If you did not receive the welcome email, please contact our office right away.
Note:
- If you do not want to enroll in health or dental benefits, no action is needed.
- You must actively enroll in your mandatory retirement plan within 60 days of your start date.
Mandatory Retirement Plans
Postdoctoral Scholars are required to participate in a retirement plan. Serious consideration must be given to choosing a retirement plan, as your decision is irrevocable and must be made within 60 days of your hire date. As a default, you are enrolled in IPERS, and if you do not elect TIAA, your IPERS election will remain.
There are two plan options for US citizens and lawful permanent residents:
- IPERS (the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System) - Defined Benefit Pension 401(a) Plan
- TIAA (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association) - Defined Contribution 403(b) Plan
You can learn more about each plan on the Retirement Plan Options webpage.
Employees who are international scholars will automatically be enrolled in TIAA.
Mandatory Retirement Plan Enrollment
If the scholar wishes to participate in the TIAA retirement plan, they must log in to Employee Self-Service, select "Benefits & Wellness," then "Retirement," and complete their election within 60 days of their hire or eligibility date.
International scholars will automatically default to TIAA.
The retirement plan election is a one-time opportunity and cannot be changed after the 60-day enrollment window.
Voluntary Retirement Savings
Postdoctoral Research Scholars may also save extra for retirement by participating in the 403(b) VRSP and/or the 457(b) programs if they have taxable income.
To review your options and instructions on how to enroll, please visit the Voluntary Plan Options.
Social Security
Postdoctoral Research Fellows (FP02 and FP03) are exempt from payment of FICA (Social Security) and Medicare taxes; therefore, they are also exempt from the payroll deduction for IPERS or TIAA. Federal and State tax deductions will not be withheld from paychecks; however, the individual may still be responsible for the payment of taxes. Individuals in this category are not eligible to participate in a VRSP.
Workers' Compensation and Disability
Workers' Compensation covers postdoctoral scholars only. Postdoctoral fellows, however, are not covered because this type of appointment is not classified as a university employee. In addition, the University's long-term disability insurance covers neither Scholars nor Fellows.
Well-Being Services
Postdoctoral Scholars and Fellows and their family members are eligible to receive services from the Employee Assistance Program and the University Counseling Service.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Any Scholar or Fellow who has income subject to state and federal tax withholding may participate in these accounts. For more information on them, along with the advantages of participating and the enrollment process, visit the Flexible Spending Account website.
Paid Leave
Postdoctoral Scholars at the University of Iowa are entitled to annual paid leave of 15 working days and annual sick leave of 18 working days but do not accrue vacation and are not entitled to vacation pay. The agency supporting a Postdoctoral Fellow may require different policies. The appointing department is responsible for arranging and accounting for leave for Postdoctoral Scholars.
Access to University Facilities and Activities
Postdoctoral Scholars/Fellows will receive a university identification card. This card provides access to library and information resources, cultural and athletic events, and the ability to charge items to a university billing account.
More information for Postdoctoral Scholars/Fellows can be found on the Graduate College website.
Annual Notices
Federal law requires the University to broadly disseminate certain policies to faculty, staff, and students on an annual basis. The University of Iowa Benefits Office is committed to being environmentally friendly whenever possible while still accomplishing our objectives, so we have moved these notice
ABOUT OUR SITE:
Our website's information describes only the highlights of the plans and does not constitute official plan documents. Additional terms and conditions may apply. If there are any discrepancies between the information contained herein and the official plan documents, the plan documents will govern.