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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Insurance Questions
Who is required to have health insurance?
All full-time undergraduate domestic students registered for 9 units or more
(excluding the College of Professional Studies and Visiting Students)
All international students on an F-1 or J-1 visa and registered for at least 1 unit
(this includes undergraduate, graduate, and law students)
Students who reside in the University-operated housing (including graduate and professional students)
Who is automatically enrolled in the automatic insurance policy?
All full-time undergraduate domestic students registered for 9 units or more (excluding the College of Professional Studies and Visiting Students) and all international students on an F-1 or J-1 visa and registered for at least 1 unit (this includes international undergraduate, graduate, and law students) will be automatically enrolled in and have their accounts billed for the University-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan.
If I am automatically enrolled and already have my own insurance can I apply for a waiver?
Yes. Students who are able to prove that they have coverage comparable (equal or better) to the University-sponsored plan under a United States-domiciled health insurance company may waive this requirement each academic year. Domestic students may waive this requirement through the online waiver form International students must waive it in person at the Health Promotion & Services office (UC 200). The last day to apply for a waiver is 7 days prior to the University census date for each semester (February 6, 2009 for the spring 2009 semester). If the waiver is approved, the student's account will be credited accordingly. Students are expected to maintain comparable health insurance coverage at all times during their waiver period. If the online waiver is denied, students may appeal the waiver denial at the Health Promotion & Services office.
When and how do I apply for an insurance waiver?
Click here to apply for a waiver. All students, including incoming freshman and transfers, will have until February 6, 2009 to waive out of the automatic insurance. All domestic students must apply for the waiver online. International students must apply for a waiver in person in UC 200. Please do not mail or fax any insurance documents as they will not be accepted for the waiver. Students who successfully waived the fall 2008 semester are waived for the academic year and do not need to take action.
If I am enrolled in the plan when will I receive my insurance card?
Insurance cards will be mailed after the census date for the semester.
How does payment work for automatically enrolled students?
Student health insurance fees will be billed to student accounts each semester for students who are automatically enrolled in the plan. The fall semester fee is $433 for insurance coverage from 8/13/08 - 1/14/09. The spring semester fee is $586 for insurance coverage from 1/15/09 to 8/12/09. Students can pay the insurance fees in the same way tuition fees are paid.
If I waive out of the insurance for the full 2008-2009 academic year but decide in the spring 2009 semester that I would like to enroll in the insurance can I?
Yes. You will need to contact Health Promotion & Services at 415-422-6809 or studentinsurance@usfca.edu to make this request.
If I am automatically enrolled in the insurance for the fall 2008 semester and I would like to apply for a waiver for the spring 2009 semester can I?
Yes. You will need to contact Health Promotion & Services at 415-422-6809 or studentinsurance@usfca.edu to make this request.
I am planning to live in University-operated housing and I am not automatically enrolled in the health insurance because I am a Graduate, Professional or Visiting student what are my requirements?
Graduate, Professional and Visiting students who reside in the University-operated housing are not automatically enrolled in and not billed for the University-sponsored health plan but are required to have health insurance. These students must purchase the coverage or mail in a copy of his/her insurance card (both sides) in order to comply with the USF health insurance policy. Mail to: The Office of Residence Life, Attn: Frederique Evans, 2130 Fulton St., PH 140, San Francisco, CA 94117. Click here to enroll.
I am not automatically enrolled in the University health insurance. How can I voluntarily enroll and pay for the University-sponsored insurance plan?
Graduate, Professional, Regional and Visiting students, who do not reside in University-operated housing, and are registered for at least 6 units at the School of Law, College of Professional Studies or a graduate program can elect to purchase the University-sponsored health insurance plan online and pay by credit card. Click here to enroll.
What are the dates and fees for the University-sponsored medical plan for students and their dependents?
Annual 2008 - 2009:
Coverage begins 8/13/08 and expires 8/12/09
Enrollment/Waiver deadline: 9/19/08
Student fee: $1019
Spouse/LDA fee: $3252
Child fee: $919
Fall 2008:
Coverage begins 8/13/08 and expires 1/14/09
Enrollment/Waiver deadline: 9/19/08
Student fee: $433
Spouse/LDA fee: $1382
Child fee: $390
Spring/Summer 2009:
Coverage begins 1/15/09 and expires 8/12/09
Enrollment deadline: 2/13/09
Student fee: $586
Spouse/LDA fee: $1870
Child fee: $529
Summer 2009:
Coverage begins on 5/19/09 and expires on 8/12/09
Enrollment deadline: 5/30/09
Student fee: $242
Spouse/LDA fee: $769
Child fee: $218
How can I enroll my dependents on the plan?
If you are eligible for the plan and enrolled in the plan then your spouse/LDA and/or children are eligible for the plan. Click here to enroll.
What is the insurance plan?
Click here to view 2008-2009 Aetna benefit highlights.
Will I be covered by the University-sponsored plan if I am outside of the United States?
When students who are enrolled in the University-sponsored plan are out of the country coverage is limited to emergencies only.
Will I be covered by the University-sponsored plan if I am away from San Francisco on break traveling domestically or home for the summer?
Yes. Students who are enrolled in the University-sponsored plan have benefit coverage throughout the United States. Students who are more than 15 miles away from the USF Student Health Clinic students are not required to go to the Clinic first. Instead, they can find a provider in their area by searching: http://www.aetna.com/docfind/home.do
What are the deductible and co-pay amounts of the University-sponsored plan?
The deductible is $150 per benefit year (waived for office visits and preventative care). After the deductible has been met, the plan pays 90% of the charges and the student pays 10% of the charges for in-network services. After the deductible has been met, the plans pays 70% of the charges and the student pays 30% of the charges for out-of-network services.
Are prescriptions covered?
Yes. There is a co-pay for each prescription at participating pharmacies of $10 (generic), $20 (brand name formulary), or $35 (brand name non-formulary).
Does the University-sponsored plan cover dental visits, vision visits, eyeglasses or contacts?
The University plan is an accident and sickness insurance plan, therefore it does not cover dental, vision, eyeglasses or contacts.
Click here for a partial list of dental and vision insurance companies and resources available in the San Francisco Bay Area. USF does not endorse these companies and all questions regarding the plans should be directed to the companies.
Students who are members of the University sponsored Aetna plan, can also take advantage of vision services, discounts, and programs. These are not underwritten by Aetna. To learn more about these additional services and search for providers visit, www.aetnastudenthealth.com.
If I have the University-sponsored plan must I go to the USF Student Health Clinic at St. Mary's Medical Center first?
Yes. If the insured student receives medical care without a referral, the expenses will not be covered, except under the following conditions:
-a medical emergency (the student health clinic must determine that the services were for an emergency and follow up care must be handled by the student health clinic)
-when the student health clinic is closed
-when service is rendered at another facility during break or vacation periods
-medical care received when the insured student is more than 15 miles from school campus
-medical care when the student is no longer able to use the USF Student Health Clinic due to a change in student status
-when services are received for maternity care and psychotherapy.
What is considered an emergency?
Click here to determine when you should go to the USF Student Health Clinic or directly to an emergency room.
When is the USF Student Health Clinic open?
Clinic Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Appointments:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Drop-In Hours:
Monday-Friday
2:30p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
If I don't have the USF-sponsored insurance, can I still be seen at the USF Student Health Clinic at St. Mary's Medical Center?
Yes. All currently enrolled students can be seen by a nurse practitioner at the USF Clinic. Students should bring their valid USF ID and insurance card if possible. Services such as evaluation and treatment of acute illnesses and minor injuries, health education and evaluation of health concerns, womens health issues, annual exams, smoking cessation counseling and stress management counseling are offered without charge.
Are there any fees associated with the USF Student Health Clinic at St. Mary's Medical Center?
Charges may be incurred if laboratory or radiological tests are needed to evaluate a problem or a concern.
If I buy insurance for the Spring/Summer term and don't take summer classes will I still be covered?
Yes. Students who enroll in the Spring/Summer term are covered until the Summer expiration date.
When I graduate or leave USF what happens to my coverage?
Students' coverage terminates on the expiration date of the enrolled period. It is the student's responsibility to find alternate coverage after the expiration date.
Whom do I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact Health Promotion & Services/Student Insurance Office with comments, questions and additional information you think we should add to our FAQs at 415.422.6809 or at studentinsurance@usfca.edu.
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