International Student Health Insurance

Student Insurance & Sickness Plan

Summary of Benefits

Index:

1. Health Insurance Card
2. Using International Student Health Insurance
3. Insurance Does Not Cover
4. Alternate Insurance
5. If you Need Assistance with Health Insurance

Important Dates to Consider:

Coverage dates for the International Policy

Fall Semester: 08/06/2017 - 01/05/2018

Spring Semester: 01/06/2018 - 08/05/2018

Cut-off date for dependent enrollment:

To be updated for upcoming academic year.

Cut-off date for OPT students enrollment:

To be updated for upcoming academic year.

Heath insurance coverage is mandatory for all international students who are enrolled in a residential program of study.

The following individuals are not automatically enrolled in the insurance plan (although they are required to have health insurance coverage), but are eligible to enroll individually with UnitedHealthcare through the Dependent/Individual Enrollment form:

• Family members of international students
• Students on OPT (OPT students that are also enrolled in residential courses will be enrolled in health insurance automatically)

Email ihlthinsurance@liberty.edu to request the Dependent/Individual Enrollment or OPT Enrollment form.

Verify insurance coverage every semester by checking for the fee on your Liberty Student Account. If the fee is not listed email ihlthinsurance@liberty.edu.

1. Health Insurance Card

You should carry your insurance card with you at all times. Cards are valid until graduation unless otherwise notified. 

1. United Health Care Student Resources will email you when your card is ready to be printed.
2. Go onto www.uhcsr.com.
3. Click on "Create an account" and follow the steps to create your online account.
4. Click on "ID Card Information" and follow the instructions to print the card.
5. Follow a step by step guide by clicking HERE
6. IMPORTANT: Include your MSC Box and update your mailing address.

2. Using International Student Health Insurance

Learn about what your insurance covers by reading the Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan.

1. Take your insurance card with you to the doctor, clinic, or emergency room and give it to the receptionist.

   1. It is recommended that you go to Liberty University Health Center 434-338-7774, (for more information visit their website) or call UnitedHealthcare StudentResources to find a health care provider that is covered by your plan (800) 767-0700. To find a healthcare provider or facility, please use the UHC Choice Plus link to search for preferred providers. To find a Mental Health Provider or facility, please use the link for United Behavioral Health. (Note: to access the United Behavioral Health link, you need to be logged on to your UHC student account.)

   2. If you are being admitted to the hospital for a procedure, call United Health Care 3 days prior unless it is an emergency and then you must call within the 2 days following admission.

   3. If your health care provider suggests treatment or testing, ask the medical provider if they will accept what UnitedHealthcare StudentResources pays. You can also ask the medical provider what the charges will be and then contact UnitedHealthcare StudentResources to see at what percentage the charges will be covered.

2. Before you leave the medical provider, ask the receptionist to file a claim for you.

   1. You do not have co-pay, however, you may be asked to pay your coinsurance at the time of the appointment. Your preferred provider coinsurance is 20% of the bill and for UnitedHealthcare Pharmacy (UHCP) 20% coinsurance up to a 31 day supply per prescription.

   2. If the medical provider refuses to file a claim

3. You will receive an "explanation of benefits" from United Health Care and a bill from the health care provider.

   1. Inspect the statement and bill.

   2. If UnitedHealthcare StudentResources  has not paid anything on the bill contact UnitedHealthcare StudentResources and the health care provider to ask if your claim was submitted.

4. You will be responsible for the first $200 of charges from a preferred provider and $500 for charges from an out-of-network provider every academic year (August-July). This is called your deductible

   1. After the first $200/$500, UnitedHealthcare StudentResources  will cover 80% of preferred providers “preferred allowance” and 50% of out-of network “usual and customary charges” for the year for any covered medical expense. Preventive care is covered 100% for preferred providers and 50% of usual and customary charges for out-of-network providers.

5. Pay the balance on the bill from the health care provider.

6. It is your responsibility to have the most updated address in your health insurance account. The address must include your MSC box if you live on campus. Follow a step by step guide on how to do so by clicking HERE

Definitions:

• Preferred Allowance- the amount a Preferred Provider will accept as payment in full for covered medical expenses.
• Usual and Customary Charges- the lesser of the actual charge or a reasonable charge which is 1) usual and customary when compared with the charges made for similar services and supplies and 2) made to persons having similar medical conditions in the locality fo the policyholder.  The company uses data from FAIR Health, Inc. to determine Usual and Customary Charges. No payment will be made under this policy for any expenses incurred which in judgment of the company are in excess of usual and customary charges.
• Preferred Care Provider - Physicians, Hospitals and other healthcare providers who have contracted to provide specific medical care at negotiated prices. Go to this link for full list of Preferred Care Providers.
• Out-of-Network Providers- Providers that have not agreed to any prearranged fee schedules. Insurers may incur significant out-of-pocket expenses with these providers. Charges in excess of the insurance payment are the Insured's responsibility.

3. Insurance Does Not Cover

• Dental.
• Vision.
• Above average charges.

If you are not sure if a procedure will be paid for, Call UnitedHealthcare StudentResources or visit www.uhcsr.com.

 4. Alternate Insurance

International students are automatically enrolled in the University international student health insurance policy and will see a related charge on their school bill every fall and spring semester. However, some students may already be covered by an insurance policy from their parents or by a policy purchased elsewhere. Students must complete an Alternate Health Insurance Waiver Request and have this form approved in order for the university insurance charge to be removed. Requirements for a waiver of Liberty University health insurance charge are as follows:

1. You must have the alternate insurance company complete an Alternate Insurance Waiver Request. Scan the completed form and email it to ihlthinsurance@liberty.edu along with continued proof of insurance no later than the Friday of Add-Drop Week.
   • DO NOT purchase an insurance policy assuming that the university charge will be removed. This procedure is for students who have an existing policy.
2. An equivalent health insurance policy must include the following:

• Benefits for care provided by qualified, licensed medical doctors in qualified hospitals, outpatient clinics, and offices for covered illness/injury
• Benefits for covered medical expenses in the amount of at least $250,000 per covered accident or illness.
• Full coverage of repatriation of mortal remains to the student's home country
• Coverage of at least 80 percent of preferred provider's negotiated charges and at least 60 percent of non-preferred provider's reasonable and customary charges.
• Coverage of sports or athletic-related injuries at a level equivalent to non-sports related injuries

Note: An equivalent international health insurance policy will be difficult to find. Students are strongly encouraged to use the official student plan because it offers excellent coverage at a competitive rate.

The Office of International Student Services maintains a close working relationship with the insurance broker who can assist with problems if they arise.

The Alternate Insurance Approval Request is only valid for (1) one semester. Approval is required every semester. Liberty staff will not review individual policy documents.

 5. If You Need Assistance with Health Insurance

• Email ihlthinsurance@liberty.edu, and a staff member will assist you.
  *Include bills and statements in your email for better assistance.
• Follow up with your healthcare provider and make sure they have your insurance information.
• Contact UnitedHealthcare StudentResources 1-(800) 767-0700 www.uhcsr.com.
• Go to this link for full list of Preferred Care Providers.

The Office of International Student Services maintains a close working relationship with the insurance broker who can assist with problems if they arise.

 6. Student Health Form

• International students who are starting their Academic journey at Liberty University in the fall of 2018 will be required to complete the Student Health Form in ASIST.
• Read more information HERE.
• Please contact the LU Health Center if you have any further questions.