Illinois State University: Navigating Student Health Insurance

Illinois State University offers a comprehensive student health insurance plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and meets federal requirements. The plan, rated as a 'Platinum Plan', provides excellent coverage at a reasonable cost, and all students enrolled for at least 9 credit hours (Fall/Spring) or 6 credits (Summer) are automatically enrolled. The insurance includes worldwide medical assistance, such as unlimited emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, and optional vision and dental insurance plans. To access the insurance, students can log in to their MYISU accounts and navigate to the Student Health Insurance page. This page provides information on coverage, benefits, and costs. Students with specific health needs, such as chronic conditions, should carefully review the terms of the insurance plan and consider opting for private insurance if necessary.

Enrolment and eligibility

To enrol in Illinois State University's Student Health Insurance plan, students must first log in to their university accounts. They can then navigate to the Student Health Insurance page, where they will find information about the insurance plan, including coverage and benefits, as well as the cost of the program.

All Illinois State students who enrol in at least 9 credit hours (Fall/Spring) or 6 credits (Summer) are automatically enrolled in the University's Student Health Insurance. Students who are enrolled for fewer than 9 credit hours (or 6 credits in the summer) will not receive ISU Health Insurance Coverage and must opt in by submitting a Student Health Insurance Request Form.

The Student Health Insurance plan is an indemnity plan, which means students pay a premium for the insurance and a fixed percentage of covered expenses, plus any deductibles and co-payments. The plan is rated as a ''Platinum Plan' and is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It also includes OnCall International coverage, which provides benefits such as 24/7 worldwide medical information and assistance, medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, and travel assistance.

International students are expected to have health insurance coverage. While the University Health Insurance plan is available to them, they may opt out if they already have coverage from their home country provider. However, they must provide a copy of their policy in English to the Student Insurance Office, and it must meet the same standards as Illinois State's plan.

Students registered at ISU for Study Abroad are assessed the Student Health Insurance fee and are eligible to apply to expand their coverage period. Insured fall students enrolling for fewer than 9 credit hours in the spring due to dissertation or thesis writing are eligible to purchase spring coverage by applying through MYISU between December 9th and January 27th. Graduating students who will not be enrolled in classes the following term may continue coverage for one additional term.

Coverage and benefits

The student health insurance plan at Illinois State University is an indemnity plan, which means that students pay a premium for the insurance and a fixed percentage of covered expenses, plus any deductibles and co-payments. The plan is rated a 'Platinum Plan' under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the highest rating, and meets federal requirements.

All Illinois State students who enrol in at least 9 credit hours (Fall/Spring) or 6 credits (Summer) are automatically enrolled in the University's Student Health Insurance. The insurance provides worldwide medical assistance, including unlimited emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, emergency transport to your home country if a family member has a life-threatening condition, natural disaster evacuation, and more. The plan also includes OnCall International coverage, which provides 24/7 worldwide medical information and assistance, medical evacuation/repatriation coverage, travel assistance, and a $10,000 accidental death benefit.

Students who are not taking enough credit hours to qualify for the insurance can opt-in by submitting a Student Health Insurance Request Form. Students with existing health insurance coverage from their home country provider can opt out of the University Insurance, but they must provide a copy of their policy in English to the Student Insurance Office. The insurance from the home country must be as good as, or better than, Illinois State's plan.

The Student Health Insurance fee does not buy access to the Student Health Service, and additional charges may apply for appointments. However, prescription benefits are included with each of the health plans. Students can view their claim explanation of benefit statements, along with the latest health information and news, on the secure website, Aetna Navigator.

Cost and fees

The Illinois State University Student Health Insurance plan is available at a reasonable cost and provides excellent coverage. The cost of the insurance is included in the student's tuition/fee bill. Students are automatically enrolled in the insurance plan when they register for nine or more credit hours (which charge mandatory fees) in the fall and spring semesters, and for six or more credit hours in the summer term. Students who are not registered for sufficient credit hours to qualify for the insurance can purchase coverage by applying through MYISU.

The Student Health Insurance fee does not buy access to the Student Health Service. All students who register for one or more credit hours and pay a Student Health Services fee can use the services at the on-campus clinic for that semester. There is a $20 appointment fee for each visit, and additional charges may apply for certain services. The Student Health Services Medical Clinic does not submit insurance claims on behalf of students.

The Student Health Insurance plan is an Open Choice PPO, and students are encouraged to use preferred providers. Using medical providers who are in-network with Aetna can reduce a student's out-of-pocket costs. The plan also includes a vision discount provision and optional vision and dental insurance plans are available. Outpatient contraceptive drugs and preventive care, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act, are also covered by the plan.

Students with other insurance coverage can coordinate with the Student Health Insurance plan to maximize their benefits. The plan can help cover deductibles, co-insurance, co-pays, out-of-network charges, and amounts above usual and customary charges or otherwise unpaid by the other insurance plan. Students with dependents must purchase separate insurance for them from a private company or an insurer from their home country.

Immunization history

All students who enroll at Illinois State University are required by state law to verify their immunization history. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their immunization history to Student Health Services by August 1 for the Fall Semester and January 1 for the Spring Semester. Students can submit their immunization records by logging in to their secure health portal and clicking "submit immunizations". The university accepts immunization records on medical provider, military, and educational institution forms. However, the submitted records must be in English.

Students can also choose to submit the Immunization History Form, which can be downloaded from the Student Health Services Immunization Requirements webpage. Alternatively, students can submit Immunization Records from their home country physician, but these must be original signed documents in English. Translated documents or documents in languages other than English will not be accepted.

International students at Illinois State University are required to have completed a Tuberculosis (TB) Screening by the 10th day of class for the semester. TB Screenings must be performed by ISU Student Health Services, and appointments can be scheduled by calling (309) 438-2778 or visiting the Student Services Building.

Based on Illinois State Law and University Policy, all students taking coursework coded as "On Campus" are required to provide proof of immunity for specific diseases. This includes Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Meningitis. Students born before 1957 are exempt from the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella requirement. Additionally, students age 21 or younger must have received one meningococcal conjugate vaccine, with a second vaccine required if the first was given before age 16.

International students

All international students at Illinois State University are expected to have health insurance coverage. The university offers its own Student Health Insurance plan, which provides excellent coverage at a reasonable cost. This plan is an indemnity plan, meaning that you pay a premium for the insurance and a fixed percentage of covered expenses, plus any deductibles and co-payments. You can choose your physician and refer yourself to specialists.

All students who take at least 9 credit hours in the Fall/Spring semester or 6 credits in the Summer semester are automatically enrolled in the University's Student Health Insurance plan. You don't need to sign up for this plan, and information about coverage and benefits can be found on the Student Health Services website. The plan is rated a 'Platinum Plan' and is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It also includes OnCall International coverage, which provides 24/7 worldwide medical information and assistance, medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, travel assistance, and a $10,000 accidental death benefit.

If you already have health insurance coverage from your home country provider, you may opt out of the University's Insurance plan. To do so, you must provide a copy of your policy in English to the Student Insurance Office, proving that your insurance is as good as, or better than, Illinois State's plan. You can then cancel your Illinois State coverage by completing a form.

If you are enrolled for fewer credit hours than the requirement for automatic enrolment, you will not receive ISU Health Insurance Coverage. In this case, you can opt in by submitting a Student Health Insurance Request Form in your My Illinois State Account. It is important to note that dependents (spouse/children) are not covered by Illinois State University's Student Health Insurance, so you will need to purchase separate insurance for them.

When choosing a health insurance plan, it is essential to consider your specific needs and situation. Some key questions to ask include: Which treatments are covered, and what is excluded? How much must you pay towards a deductible or copayment? Does the insurance cover any pre-existing medical conditions? Is there a wide selection of affiliated physicians, specialists, and hospitals or clinics? Are there any maximum amounts that the insurance will pay annually or over the lifetime of your coverage?

Frequently asked questions