Insurance Changes for the 2016-2017 academic year

As you begin to evaluate your health insurance options for the next academic year, we hope you will familiarize yourself with upcoming changes in the International Student Insurance plan for the upcoming academic year. Complete details can be found on the International Student Health Insurance webpage here.

Important highlights:

What is the annual premium this year?

The 2016-17 premium will be $1720 annually per person enrolled on this plan. This means that if you are a student and plan to enroll both a spouse and a child, your total cost will be $5160 ($1720 for student + $1720 for spouse + $1720 for child).

Any dependents will need to be added through the AETNA website by the posted enrollment deadline found here.

Does the AETNA plan cover immunizations?

Yes. The AETNA plan does cover preventive care. Most of the vaccinations and immunizations now required by the IUPUI Campus Health policy are covered under this plan at no cost. Most substitute plans do not cover this vaccinations and immunizations at all. Cost for these at the IUPUI Campus Health locations will be around $600 that you must pay in addition to the amount you paid for your health insurance policy.


What should I do if I know I want the IUPUI plan?

Beginning on July 25, you will see the “Insurance Enrollment or Renewal” eForm. If you wish to be enrolled in the IUPUI plan, you can complete the Insurance Enrollment or Renewal eForm for a quicker enrollment. This will allow us to turn in your information to AETNA early. Your coverage period will still be from August 10 - December 31, you will just be enrolled in the plan earlier.

What charges can I expect to see on my Bursar account?

IUPUI bills twice a year:

Fall: $721 billed September 3, 2015; coverage period is from August 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016

Spring: $999 billed January 20, 2017; coverage period is from January 1, 2017 - July 31, 2017

When will I get my insurance card?

You should get your insurance card approximately September 30th . It will be sent to your LOCAL address in your One account. You can find instructions on how to update your LOCAL address here.

Can I go to the doctor before I get my insurance card in the mail?

Yes. You can obtain a temporary card from the AETNA website here (after you have been enrolled). Another option is to pay for your appointment (at your doctor's office) and submit a reimbursement claim to AETNA.

What should I look for in another plan?

We believe that the IUPUI AETNA plan is superior to most other plans available to international students; be sure you educate yourself on your options before you decide. As you evaluate your other insurance options, keep in mind that if you plan to enroll in a different insurance plan, your plan must meet our waiver guidelines found on our website here.

If you do decide to look at other plans, be sure to evaluate things like:

  • Cost of preventive care (regular doctor visits)

  • Cost of prescription medications (both name brand and generic)

    • Is there a maximum limit or cap on the amount the insurance will pay for your prescriptions?

  • Cost of doctor visits (also called co-pays)

  • Network of physicians and labs (insurance companies generally charge you more if your doctor is not included in their network)

  • Maximum amount the insurance company will require to you pay if you get sick – this is called the out-of-pocket limit

  • Maximum amount the insurance company will pay your provider if you get sick – this is also called the maximum benefit per sickness/injury

  • Most importantly you want to review any limitations and exclusions on the policy you are investigating

What do I do if I want to apply for a waiver?

Beginning on June 22, you will see the “Mandatory Health Insurance Waiver Request” eForm.  If you wish to provide your own health insurance, you must complete the insurance waiver by September 2nd. All students without a waiver on file will be billed for the IUPUI plan on September 3, 2016.


Questions?

If you have further questions about the plan, you may contact the student health care representatives on campus at studenhc@iu.edu. If you have questions about billing or waivers, you may contact the Office of International Affairs at iadvisor@iupui.edu.