Howard University Students: Using Health Insurance Elsewhere

Howard University students are required to enrol in a comprehensive health care programme that provides protection against certain medical expenses. The insurance covers medical expenses resulting from accidents or sickness during the coverage period. While the student insurance coverage applies 24 hours a day, 12 months a year, and is supplementary to any existing insurance, it is valid only at the Howard University Student Health Center and University Counseling Service, which are covered by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR). Students with external insurance must also be covered by UHCSR and can arrange dual coverage. International students can purchase alternative insurance that meets state and university requirements and then apply for a waiver.

Howard University health insurance requirements

At Howard University, student health is considered imperative for student success. All students are required to enroll in a comprehensive health care program that provides protection against certain medical expenses. This insurance covers medical expenses resulting from accidents or sickness during the coverage period. It is important to note that student health insurance is supplementary and should not replace any existing health insurance policies.

All students at Howard University are mandated to be covered by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR), even if they have alternative health coverage. This insurance covers services at the Student Health Center and University Counseling Service. Students with pre-existing insurance policies can arrange dual coverage by contacting UHCSR. The Student Health Portal provides a convenient platform for students to submit their mandatory health requirements and upload supporting documentation.

To access the Student Health Portal, students need to use their Howard Student Bison email and password. The registration deadlines for the fall semester are July 1, and for the spring semester, it is December 1. Students must use their Howard University Student ID and Bison email to submit the required documents. The Howard University Student Health Center is available to assist students with any queries or concerns regarding their healthcare needs.

It is worth noting that, except in extreme emergencies, students must report to the Howard University Student Health Center before utilizing other healthcare facilities to ensure insurance benefit availability. Current registration and identification cards are necessary for service eligibility. Overall, Howard University prioritizes student health and provides the necessary resources to ensure students can access the healthcare services they need.

International student insurance

International students at Howard University are required to have health insurance. The university offers group health insurance to its students, provided by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR). All students must be covered by UHCSR, even if they have other health coverage.

Howard University's international student insurance plans are designed to meet the requirements of students on F-1 visas. The plans are available at three different rates: $450 per year (in-network), $250 per year (in-network), and $0 per year (in-network). These rates are for students aged 24 and under.

International students can also purchase health insurance from companies that specialise in student insurance, such as International Student Insurance and American Visitor Insurance. These companies offer a range of plans with different benefits and costs, allowing students to find a plan that meets their specific needs and budget.

It is important for international students to carefully review the requirements of their student visa and the insurance requirements of Howard University to ensure that they have adequate health insurance coverage. Students with existing health insurance should check with the university to confirm if their current plan meets the requirements and if they need to arrange dual coverage with UHCSR.

Additionally, international students should be aware that their student health insurance is supplementary and should not replace any existing health insurance they have. The student insurance coverage is valid 24 hours a day, 12 months a year, and provides protection against certain medical expenses incurred due to accidents or sickness during the coverage period.

Alternative health insurance

All students at Howard University are required to enrol in a comprehensive health care programme, such as UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR), which provides protection against certain medical expenses. However, this insurance is supplementary and should not replace any existing health insurance. Students are also free to buy alternative health insurance from providers elsewhere, as long as it meets the requirements of the State and Howard University.

Aon Student Insurance

Aon offers an alternative health insurance product that meets Howard University's requirements. It also includes:

• 24/7 HealthiestYou: online/telephone medical advice
• 24/7 Student Assistance Program: crisis support, financial and legal advice, mediation, and a living well portal
• Virtual Counselling: access to mental health providers

Aon's insurance is accepted by around 2,300 US universities and is, on average, $100 cheaper per month than most universities' insurance offerings.

Applying for a Waiver

If you choose to buy alternative health insurance, you will need to apply for a waiver. The university will then review and approve the insurance, confirming that it is at least as good as the insurance they offer. It is important to check the specific procedure and deadline for submitting the waiver, as this can vary between universities.

Dual coverage

At Howard University, all students are required to enroll in a comprehensive health care program that provides protection against certain medical expenses. This student health insurance is supplementary and is not intended to replace any existing health insurance plans a student may have. In other words, students can have dual coverage.

To arrange dual coverage, students must contact UHCSR. The process may involve providing information about both insurance plans and ensuring that the benefits offered by each plan are complementary rather than overlapping. It is important to understand how the two plans will coordinate benefits to ensure that the student's medical expenses are appropriately covered.

Having dual coverage can provide several benefits to Howard University students. For instance, it can offer more comprehensive coverage, lower out-of-pocket costs, and a wider selection of healthcare providers. In the case of an accident or sickness, having dual coverage can provide added peace of mind and financial protection.

Insurance waivers

All students at Howard University are required to enrol in a comprehensive health care program that provides protection against certain medical expenses. The insurance covers medical expenses resulting from accidents or sickness during the coverage period. However, it's important to note that Howard University's student insurance is supplementary and intended to be additional coverage to any existing health insurance plans.

If you are an international student studying on an F-1 visa, specific insurance plans are available to meet the school's requirements. These plans are offered at different rates, ranging from $0 to $450 per year (in-network) for students aged 24 and under. To waive the school's insurance plan, you need to purchase an alternative policy and then submit a waiver form to the relevant department for processing. The waiver process typically takes 48 business hours, and the approved waiver will be sent directly to your school.

For non-US citizens studying in the United States, international student insurance is mandatory, and proof of student health insurance is required for university registration. While universities will offer their own health insurance products, you are not obligated to purchase them. You have the option to buy alternative health insurance that meets the state and university requirements. In this case, you will need to apply for a waiver, allowing the university to review and approve the external insurance plan. It is important to adhere to the specific procedures and deadlines for submitting the waiver, as they may vary across universities.

Even with alternative insurance, you may still have access to the University Health Centre. Additionally, some insurance providers, like Aon, offer comprehensive insurance packages that meet university requirements and provide additional benefits such as 24/7 medical advice, crisis support, and virtual counselling. It is worth noting that Aon or the insurer cannot apply for the waiver on your behalf; you will need to submit the waiver application independently.

Frequently asked questions