International Student Health Insurance 2009-2010 FAQ
Why does the University of North Texas (UNT) require international students to have health insurance?
The United States Government has certain requirements for all persons applying for a non-immigrant visa (e.g., student visas) to enter the United States. These include certain financial qualifications - such as being able to meet all personal financial liabilities while in the US, and not becoming a "public charge" while in the U.S. Given the extraordinarily high cost of medical care in the U.S., UNT requires that all non-immigrant students have health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment.
Who is covered by the requirement?
All enrolled students at UNT in any non-immigrant status (not U.S. citizens, not Permanent Residents, not Refugees).
Why has UNT selected only one insurance company for this insurance?
UNT undertook a competitive and open process in accordance with governing law and regulation to solicit bids from interested insurance carriers. Based on the competition, UnitedHealthcare was awarded the contract for academic years 2009-2010.
Are there any waivers?
Yes, the insurance premium will be waived in three instances:
- The international student has a government sponsored plan that guarantees payment of all health care expenses including evacuation and repatriation.
- The insurance premium will also be waived for students who provide documented evidence of health insurance coverage, including evacuation and repatriation, by a United States employer. Students with UNT provided insurance will be required to purchase medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
- The international student has obtained coverage, including evacuation and repatriation, through the employment of a parent or relative in the U.S.
Note: Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance can be purchased to supplement employer provided health insurance from UnitedHealthcare.
Why are waivers limited?
Waivers are limited to assure that international students at UNT maintain adequate insurance coverage to pay for potential expenses arising from unexpected medical issues. Otherwise, such expenses could jeopardize the student's ability to cover her/his expenses while in the visa status, as well as make the student vulnerable to becoming a "public charge" (which is a factor precluding qualifying for a non-immigrant visa) while in the United States.
When are waiver applications due?
Waiver applications must be submitted by the last day of late registration.
What is the procedure for submitting waiver requests?
Students who meet one of the waiver criteria may obtain the waiver request form by downloading it from http://healthcenter.unt.edu/international-students/insurance or by picking one up at the Billing/Insurance Department (Room 205) of the Student Health & Wellness Center (SHWC) located in Chestnut Hall. The completed form should be submitted to the SHWC based on the dates and times listed at the above website. Forms may be submitted in person, via fax to (940) 565-3190, e-mail to shari.ruhberg@unt.edu, or by mail to:
UNT SHWC, Attn: Waivers
1155 Union Circle #305160
Denton, TX 76203-5017.How long does it take to get a waiver decision?
Routine waiver decisions will be completed during the times posted at http://healthcenter.unt.edu/international-students/insurance.
How can I appeal if my waiver request is denied?
Appeals can be submitted in writing to the Executive Director or the Administrative Director of the Student Health and Wellness Center, P.O. Box 305160, Denton, TX 76203. The appeal must explain for which of the waiver categories the student believes s/he qualifies. Appeals must be filed within 10 business days of an initial denial.
Do I have to apply for the waiver every semester?
Yes.
Now that I've purchased UnitedHealthcare coverage, when and where can I get my insurance card?
Insurance cards will be mailed by the insurance company to the student's address after receiving your enrollment information. Temporary cards will be available from the Billing/Insurance Department of the Student Health and Wellness Center located at Chestnut Hall once the student has paid for the health insurance. Cards can also be obtained online at www.uhcsr.com.
If I have to pay for the insurance, can I get the Medical Service fee waived from my tuition bill?
No. The UnitedHealthcare Policy premiums are based on student utilization of Student Health Services at the Student Health and Wellness Center for routine medical appointments. The insurance policy provides coverage for prescription medicines, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and medical care, subject to policy provisions, rendered outside the Student Health and Wellness Center.
Do I need to pay the medical services fee to be eligible for medical care at Student Health Services?
Yes.
Where can I find information about UnitedHealthcare insurance?
How do I pay and when must I pay by?
The cost will be charged to your student tuition and fee account. Students need to pay for their insurance at the same time they pay their other fees to the University. Deadlines for payments to the University are available at www.essc.unt.edu/registrar/schedule; go to Academic/Registration Calendars.
2009-2010 Fees:
Spring $430.00 Fall $497.00 Spring/Summer $735.00 How does the plan work? Can I see any doctor?
The UNT plan is a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. Student Health and Wellness Center providers and referral nurse can assist you in locating a specialized physician when necessary. The Student Insurance plan pays for prescriptions medications. Students can also find an approved in-network doctor outside the health center by logging on to www.uhcsr.com or by calling 800-767-0700.
Does the University of North Texas student insurance plan cover 100% of my medical bills?
The UnitedHealthcare plan provides benefits for covered expenses for a loss due to an injury or sickness up to $100,000 per policy year. There is a $300 annual deductible and benefits are paid at 80% for services rendered by in-network provider outside of the Student Health and Wellness Center. It is important that the students pay their medical services fee so they can receive routine medical care at the Student Health and Wellness Center. Student Health services include doctors' visits, well woman exams, laboratory tests, and x-rays. At the Student Health and Wellness Center Pharmacy, the deductible expense is waived and prescription co-pays are $10 for generic drugs and $35 for name brand drugs. Outside of the Student Health and Wellness Center Pharmacy, the prescription benefits are based on a three tier program with co-payments of $10, $25, or $40.
Not all medical expenses may be covered by insurance. Students are responsible for all charges not covered by insurance, regardless if they were incurred at the Student Health Center or at another medical facility.
What is the difference between the UNT Employer (RA/GA/TA) Plan and the Student Plan?
The UNT employer plan is administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield and has some higher benefits. The UNT employer plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation. Students with UNT employer insurance must purchase a separate policy for medical evacuation and repatriation.
The Student Plan is administered by UnitedHealthcare. It does not include abroad coverage, but it meets the needs of most students and includes medical evacuation and repatriation. It is less expensive than the employer plan and the Student Health & Wellness Center will file your insurance claims on your behalf.
What are the dates of coverage?
Annual Policy 08/15/2009 to 08/14/2010 Fall Semester 08/15/2009 to 01/08/2010 Spring/Summer 01/09/2010 to 08/14/2010 Summer I 06/01/2010 to 08/14/2010 Summer II 07/10/2010 to 08/14/2010 Summer III 05/11/2010 to 08/14/2010 If a student elects to use the UNT employer-based insurance (RA/TA/GTA), what must be done during the 90 day waiting period?
Students must purchase a short-term policy to cover the 90 day waiting period. UnitedHealthcare offers such a policy. It is important for health insurance to not lapse for more than 30 days in order to avoid claims being denied to a pre-existing condition.
The student plan is underwritten by UnitedHealthcare. Can other UnitedHealthcare policies be substituted for the UNT policy?
The student plan is written specifically for our students based on their coverage needs. Other UnitedHealthcare policies may be substituted if the criteria for waivers are met as explained above in question #4.
Does the non-immigrant student insurance requirement apply to Post-Doctoral fellows?
No. Only enrolled students are eligible to participate in the UNT Student Health Insurance Plan. Post-Doctoral fellows who are employed by the University are eligible for UNT employee insurance.
Why does the University require non-immigrant students to purchase a higher level of coverage than domestic students?
There is only one level of insurance available on the 2009-2010 Student Insurance Plan which is available to both international non-immigrant and domestic students.
Is a student required to buy insurance for a dependent spouse and/or child?
No. The UNT requirement only applies to an enrolled student; however, it is strongly recommended that dependents have health, evacuation and repatriation insurance. Students in J-1 status must have insurance for any J-2 dependents under rules of the U.S. Department of State.
