insurance question

[scofield24]

Does anyone know If you get an unofficial admission from a school and they are covering all tuition and a stipend, but no health insurance is offered. Does this mean I will have to buy my own insurance? Is there a possibility the final acceptance letter will include it?

[Angua]

Start by checking with the school, probably via the webpage- at many, students all have some kind of health benefits included with their fees. At least, this is the case with most larger schools. Of course, if your package includes assistantships, you may also qualify as an employee. If all else fails, definitely ask!

[TakeruK]

Many schools have student health plans (for undergrads and graduate students). They are often called "Student Health Insurance Plan" and abbreviated SHIP so that's a good place to start searching! These are usually heavily subsidized health plans -- e.g. I pay $500 per year for the health plan at my school!

[queenleblanc]

Check in your "student fees" section if you can find it - usually you either have to provide proof of insurance or you pay into your school's student health plan.  The benefit of the school's SHP is that the rates are usually WAY lower than you can find even if you do single-payer on your own.  $500 to $600 a semester (4-5 months) is better than $250 a month, and you can visit student health right there on campus (usually accepts walk-ins, yet another benefit).  If you have insurance through another source, such a a spouse or you elect to find your own single-payer insurance, you will have to fill out a proof of insurance form with your university so that you are not charged for the student fee for SHP. 

 

Every university varies on this policy slightly, so call your student cashier office to get an itemized bill, or contact your tuition/fees folks to see what is expected to be on your student bill. Financial Aid may also have this information. 

Edited January 27, 2013 by kcald716