Benefits for Every Stage of Your University of Iowa Journey
The University of Iowa offers benefits that support your health, finances, and overall well-being. Whether you are joining the university, working here, studying here, or remaining part of our community in retirement, you will find programs and resources designed to help you make informed decisions about your coverage.
Benefits available to you depend on your relationship with the University and your eligibility status.
Start Here
Start Here
Select the group that best describes you to learn about available benefits, enrollment requirements, and important deadlines.
New Hires and Newly Eligible Employees
Learn about your benefits and the steps you need to take when you become eligible for coverage. Review enrollment deadlines, health and retirement plans, and resources to help you get started with confidence.
Employees
Explore benefits available to University of Iowa employees, including health and dental coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, disability benefits, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and well-being resources.
Students
Learn about University of Iowa student health and dental insurance plans, including eligibility requirements, enrollment periods, coverage details, and resources to help you manage your care while you are a student.
Retirees
Review health insurance options and other programs available to University of Iowa retirees. Find information about eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and resources to help you navigate retirement benefits.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Important Dates and Deadlines
Benefits actions are time-sensitive.
Employees
- New Employees Must Enroll:
- Benefits: Within 30 days of the start/newly eligible date.
- Mandatory Retirement Plan: Within 60 days of the start/newly eligible date, if applicable.
- Benefits take Effect: First of the month after your start date or newly eligible date.
- Qualifying Life Event: Requests must be submitted within 30 days (60 days for birth or adoption).
- Coverage is effective the first of the following month, or the month of birth/placement for birth or adoption.
- Annual Open Enrollment: Takes place late October to mid-November. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
Students
- Student Open Enrollment per Semester:
- Fall - August 1 to September 9
- Spring - January 1 to February 9
- Summer - May 1 to June 9
- Coverage Effective Date: Based on the enrollment period (Fall, Spring, or Summer) and the start month selected (e.g., Aug 1 or Sept 1 for Fall) during enrollment process.
- Qualifying Life Event: Submit within 30 days (60 days for birth/adoption).
- Coverage begins the first of the month after the event (birth/adoption starts the month of birth or placement).
Retirees
- Retirees Must Enroll: Within 30 days of their retirement/termination date from the University.
- Coverage Effective Date: Retiree coverage will begin the first of the month following the retirement date.
- Retiree Annual Open Enrollment: Takes place every October 15 through December 7 with a new effective date of January 1 of the following year.
Watch the mail for an Open Enrollment letter from the Benefits Office. - Cancellation of Coverage: Retiree must notify University Benefits in writing before the first of the month in which they wish to cancel coverage.
Resources
Find forms, enrollment instructions, eligibility information, and answers to common questions.
Need Help?
University Benefits is available to help you understand your options, enrollment requirements, and important deadlines. Explore the resources above or contact University Benefits for assistance.
ABOUT OUR SITE:
Our website's information describes only the plans' highlights and does not constitute official plan documents. Additional terms and conditions apply. If there are any discrepancies between the data contained herein and the official plan documents, the plan documents will govern.