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Postdoc Benefit Plans

Open Enrollment Ends 11/8/2024

Open Enrollment: October 21 through November 8 for benefits effective 1/1/2025.

Postdoctoral Benefit Plans

Northwestern offers a benefit package for postdocs across the University.  This benefits package will create parity between all postdocs regardless of funding.  The benefits offered to postdocs align with benefits offered to faculty and staff, and in many cases will have lower premiums.  This benefit package will is administered by Gallagher Benefit Services. If you have any questions, please contact Gallagher at 844-315-4550 or UniversityServices.GBS.nupfbp@ajg.com.

A detailed guide on the benefit package along with rates can be found here for 2024The benefits guide for 2025 will be available soon!

An on-demand Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Information video is also available to learn more about the plans.

Visit the Postdoctoral Benefits Elections website to enroll and to find plan documents and information.

Who's Eligible

If you don't know your job code, use this guide to navigate to your appointment type in myHR.

Postdoctoral Fellow/Scholar Primary Job Code
Postdoctoral Fellow/Scholar 100006
National Research Service Award (T32) Primary Job Code
Postdoctoral Fellow-NRSA 100091
Department of Ed Postdoc 105565
Other Categories Primary Job Code
Postdoctoral Fellow-Direct Fellowship 107021
Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow 103073

Those not eligible include Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow (100118), WCAS Affiliate (107352), and Postdoctoral Fellow/Scholar on the Qatar Campus.

available benefits

Newly Eligible Postdoctoral Fellows/Scholars

Upon hire, all postdocs who wish to enroll in Northwestern University health, dental, vision, FSA, LTD, and life plans MUST enroll within 31-days of their hire date.  Enrollment utilize two systems: Gallagher Benefits Services for health, dental, vision, and life; and myHR for FSA, LTD, and Legal benefits. To begin enrollment, login to myHR then follow the steps on this Step-By-Step Guide.

All questions regarding benefits for postdoc plans should be directed to Gallagher Benefit Services at 844-315-4550 or UniversityServices.GBS.nupfbp@ajg.com

Newly Eligible NRSA Postdoctoral Fellows and Dept of Ed. Postdoctoral Fellows

Upon hire, all postdocs who wish to enroll in Northwestern University health, dental, vision, LTD, and life plans MUST enroll within 31-days of their hire date.  Enrollment utilize one system, accessed via Gallagher Benefits Services.

All questions regarding benefits for postdocs plans should be directed to Gallagher Benefit Services at 844-315-4550 or UniversityServices.GBS.nupfbp@ajg.com

Newly Eligible Direct Funded Postdoctoral Fellows

Upon hire, all postdocs who wish to enroll in Northwestern University health, dental, vision, LTD, and life plans MUST enroll within 31-days of their hire date.  Enrollment utilize one system, accessed via Gallagher Benefits Services

All questions regarding benefits for postdocs plans should be directed to Gallagher Benefit Services at 844-315-4550 or UniversityServices.GBS.nupfbp@ajg.com

Newly Eligible Visiting Postdoctoral Fellows

As a visiting postdocs you should maintain your health care coverage at your home institution.  In the event health, dental, or vision coverage is needed, you are eligible for limited benefits through the Postdoc Benefit Program administered through Gallagher Benefits Services. You are eligible for health, dental, and vision only and MUST enroll within 31-days of their hire date.  Enrollment utilize one system, accessed via Gallagher Benefits Services.

All questions regarding benefits for postdoc plans should be directed to Gallagher Benefit Services at 844-315-4550 or UniversityServices.GBS.nupfbp@ajg.com.