Benefits
GW offers a competitive benefits package for postdocs. The package includes comprehensive medical and pharmacy coverage as well as dental, vision, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD&D). In addition, several well-being programs and voluntary benefits like Headspace, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pet insurance and ID theft are offered.
- Full benefits details can be found on the GW Postdoc Benefits webpage
Please note that the way a postdoc receives their compensation, i.e., fellowship or stipend vs. salary, does have an impact on certain benefits, including pre-tax programs, retirement, and tuition remission/exchange.
A Note for International Postdocs
The GW medical plan meets all health insurance requirements for J1/J2 visa holders.
International postdocs holding a J-1 visa (and their J-2 dependents) DO NOT need to purchase supplemental medical evacuation and repatriation coverage to meet J-1 and J-2 visa requirements. The Life/AD&D plan satisfies these requirements, even if the postdoc waives the medical, dental and vision coverage.
Open Enrollment
Postdocs will receive annual open enrollment messages and instructions directly from GW Benefits.
Qualifying Life Events
Certain life events allow postdocs to make changes to their insurance coverage that otherwise are only allowed during the annual Open Enrollment period. Examples of a qualifying life event include, but are not limited to, marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, loss of prior
coverage, relocation, and the arrival of a dependent from another country.
- Visit EasyEnroll within 30 days of a qualifying life event to review and make changes to your benefits.
- Review the Postdoc Benefits Guide for additional details and instructions.
Effective Date of Change
The coverage effective date for most benefits is the first day of the month following the change in status date. If the status change date is the first day of the month, the coverage effective date for most benefits is the status change date.
Wellbeing
GW is committed to supporting the mental, physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing of all postdocs. The Postdoc Benefits webpage outlines wellbeing programs available to the postdoc community.
Lerner Health and Wellness Center, located at the corner of 23rd and G Streets, is available for use by current GW postdocs. Visit their website to learn more about membership, classes, equipment, etc.
Tuition Remission and Exchange
Tuition remission and tuition exchange benefits are available to Postdoc Associates. Read more on the Postdoc Benefits Program webpage.