Uarizona Students: Iso Health Insurance Coverage Options

Health insurance is an important consideration for students, especially those on a budget, as medical costs can quickly add up. While some students may be covered by their parents' insurance plans, others may need to explore alternative options. The University of Arizona offers a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) with nationwide coverage and worldwide emergency benefits. This plan is available to a range of students and scholars but does not include dependent coverage. International students on non-immigrant visas are required to carry health insurance unless they qualify for an exemption. ISO, a company providing international student health insurance, offers plans starting at $39/month, covering medical services for injuries and sicknesses, as well as mental health services and medical evacuation/repatriation.

University of Arizona's Student Health Insurance Plan

The University of Arizona offers a top-tiered Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) with nationwide coverage and an emergency benefit worldwide. SHIP is administered by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR) and is available to UA students, graduate assistants/associates, post-doctoral fellows, J1 visiting scholars, and J1 student interns. The plan is designed to provide coverage to students who are currently uninsured, need a less expensive alternative, or need an Arizona provider network.

The University of Arizona strongly urges every student to maintain adequate health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses. While UA students who are registered for classes do not need health insurance to access healthcare at Campus Health, they can do so via a daily user fee. Alternatively, they can enrol for other available healthcare options.

International students on non-immigrant visas are required to carry the UA Student Health Insurance Plan unless they qualify for an exemption. Graduate assistants/associates with a signed and filed "Notice of Appointment" have their health benefits paid for by the university.

The Student Health Insurance Plan can be added, cancelled, or changed only during the published open enrolment period. Once enrolled, students will be automatically re-enrolled and billed the premium in future semesters. To cancel coverage, students must do so during the published open enrolment.

UA Students' access to health care

The University of Arizona offers a Student Health Insurance Plan (UA SHIP) underwritten by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR). This insurance is available to UA students, graduate assistants/associates, post-doctoral fellows, J1 visiting scholars, and J1 student interns. The insurance has nationwide coverage and includes an emergency benefit worldwide. Campus Health is the primary care provider under this policy.

UA students registered for classes do not need health insurance to access health care at Campus Health. However, the university strongly urges students to maintain adequate health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses. Arizona Online, Southern Arizona, and Distance Learner students can access care at Campus Health by paying a daily user fee or enrolling in the available healthcare options.

Student Discounted Rate

Registered UA students are eligible for services under the Student Discounted Rate. This option is ideal for students with high deductibles, limited benefits, or no coverage for charges incurred at the Campus Health Service.

International Students

International students on non-immigrant visas are required to carry the UA Student Health Insurance Plan unless they qualify for an exemption.

Alternative Insurance Options

Students may already have health insurance through their parents or employer. Students are advised to carry their health insurance cards with them at all times. Students can also consider the following insurance options:

• Stay on Parents' Plan: Full-time students may be eligible to remain on their parents' health insurance plan. However, if studying out-of-state, coverage levels may be lower, and costs could be higher.
• School-Sponsored Plan: Some colleges offer their own health plan, but these may not cover off-campus services, and part-time students may not be eligible.
• Student Health Plan: This plan is for full-time students typically between 17 and 29 years old. The coverage travels with the student across the US, but it may require a single lump-sum premium payment, and it is not available in every state.
• Individual and Family Plans: Individual and family health insurance offers a range of coverage benefits depending on the selected plan.

International students' health insurance requirements

International students are required to have health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses. This is mandatory for all international students on non-immigrant visas, regardless of their degree type, tuition status, or resident status.

The University of Arizona requires all international students to carry the UA Student Health Insurance Plan, also known as SHIP, unless they qualify for an exemption. This insurance plan is available to UA students, graduate assistants and associates, post-doctoral fellows, J1 visiting scholars, and J1 student interns. It provides nationwide coverage and has an emergency benefit worldwide.

There are various insurance providers that cater specifically to international students, such as ISO and ISI. These companies offer affordable insurance plans that meet the specific needs of students' school waiver requirements and visa statuses. For example, ISO offers dedicated OPT plans starting at $39/month, while ISI offers plans starting at $29/month.

When choosing an insurance plan, it is important to consider factors such as university requirements, country requirements, coverage limitations, and minimum medical coverage. University requirements vary, but most universities and colleges require international students to obtain a minimum level of medical coverage for their enrollment period. Additionally, the host country may have specific insurance requirements for international students, so it is crucial to verify the visa requirements before purchasing coverage.

Overall, it is essential for international students to have adequate health insurance to ensure they are protected in case of unexpected medical expenses during their studies abroad.

School-sponsored health plans

The University of Arizona, for example, offers a Student Health Insurance Plan (UA StudentHealth Insurance Plan) that is available to its students, including graduate assistants/associates, post-doctoral fellows, and visiting scholars. This plan is underwritten by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR) and provides nationwide coverage, with emergency benefits worldwide. However, it is important to note that this particular plan is not available to Arizona Online students.

Another example of a school-sponsored health plan is the one offered by Arizona State University (ASU). ASU provides its students with the option of enrolling in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), which is also administered by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR). SHIP is designed to provide coverage for students who are currently uninsured, seeking a more affordable alternative, or in need of an Arizona provider network. The plan is inclusive and takes into account the diverse needs of the student body in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, and national origin, and it is non-binary and transgender inclusive.

It is worth noting that school-sponsored health plans may have certain limitations or restrictions. For instance, dependent coverage may not be available, as is the case with the University of Arizona's plan. Additionally, there may be specific eligibility requirements, such as enrollment status or credit hour requirements, that students must meet to qualify for the plan. In some cases, international students on non-immigrant visas may be automatically enrolled in the school's health insurance plan as a condition of their enrollment, as seen with ASU's SHIP.

While school-sponsored health plans can provide valuable coverage for students, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the specific plan offered by your educational institution. It is also worth considering other options, such as staying on a parent's health insurance plan, purchasing a student health plan, or exploring individual and family health plans, to ensure you find the coverage that best suits your needs.

Student Health Plan

The University of Arizona offers a Student Health Insurance Plan (UA Student Health Insurance Plan or SHIP) underwritten by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR). Coverage extends nationwide and has an emergency benefit worldwide. Campus Health is the assigned primary care provider under this policy. This plan is available to UA Students, Graduate Assistants/Associates, Post-Doctoral Fellows, J1 Visiting Scholars, and J1 Student Interns.

The Student Health Insurance Plan is designed to provide coverage to students who are currently uninsured, need a less expensive alternative, or need an Arizona provider network. The plan is inclusive for all students with attention to the unique needs of the student body in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, and national origin, and is non-binary and transgender inclusive.

The Student Health Plan is for full-time students typically between the ages of 17 and 29. The major advantage of this plan is that the coverage will travel with you wherever you go in the US. However, it may require you to pay your premium in a single lump sum, and it is not available in every state.

Students, whether they have health insurance or not, are eligible to use ASU Health Services. However, the University strongly advises every student to maintain adequate health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses.

Frequently asked questions