Graduate students in good or satisfactory academic standing who are supported by a stipend are eligible for Parental Relief for the care of a newly born infant or adopted child under 16 years of age.  Graduate students may request Parental Relief up to two times during their tenure as a student at Brown. In instances in which co-parents are both graduate students at Brown, both parents are eligible for Parental Relief. The relief provides a stipend for one semester or a summer.

The Parental Relief Policy provides a stipend for the duration of a semester or summer, otherwise covered by stipend support, regardless of funding source. The stipend is at the standard rate set annually by the Graduate School. Eligibility requirements and other information about the policy can be found in the Graduate School Handbook.

Students who are not eligible for parental relief should contact the Associate Dean in the Graduate School or the Division of Master's and Professional Programs to request modifications of academic responsibilities because of the birth or adoption of a child. Such students include many Master’s students and doctoral students beyond year 6. The Associate Deans will provide guidance to the student and, in close consultation with faculty advisors, department chairs or DGSs, arrange for reasonable accommodation of parenting demands when possible.

Details
Dependents of graduate students may be enrolled in SHIP at an additional cost. Eligible dependents include a legal spouse or domestic partner, children up to the age of 26, or a child born while the graduate student is covered by SHIP. A spouse or partner is generally expected to be living with the covered student in order to be eligible for coverage. Students submit documentation of marriage or domestic partner status through the HF&C website and will be contacted by HF&C if additional information is needed. 

MFA students who receive health coverage through their financial support packages from the University receive a 75% subsidy on the cost of enrolling dependents. 

Enrollment Period

Dependents can be enrolled during the annual open enrollment period (June 15 - September 1) through the HF&C website, or within 30 days of a qualifying life event by contacting HF&C at student@haylor.com or 1-866-535-0456.  

Coverage for dependents enrolled during the open enrollment period will begin August 15. Coverage for dependents enrolled after a qualifying life event will begin upon processing of the premium payment.

Qualifying Events

• Qualifying life events that allow for enrollment outside of the annual window include:
• Birth of child (this allows for enrollment of the child - not a spouse)
• Loss of coverage under another insurance plan
• Marriage
• Divorce
• Spouse entering the US for the first time

Rates
See the 2023-2024 Brown University Student Health Insurance Plan Summary Brochure for dependent coverage rates and visit the HF&C website to enroll dependents.

Enroll

Details

Dependents of graduate students may be enrolled in Delta Dental coverage at an additional cost. Eligible dependents include a legal spouse or domestic partner, children up to the age of 26, or a child born while the graduate student is covered by the Delta Dental plan. A spouse or partner is generally expected to be living with the covered student in order to be eligible for coverage.

MFA students who receive dental coverage through their financial support packages from the University receive a 75% subsidy on the annual premium cost of enrolling dependents. 

Enrollment

To enroll a dependent, use the enrollment portal on the HF&C website. The deadline to enroll dependents for 2023-2024 annual coverage is September 1, 2023.

ENROLL