Health Insurance

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

Log onto your UHCSR account to enroll your dependents or request enrollment during your OPT period. Verify insurance coverage every semester by checking for the fee on your Liberty Student Account. If the fee is not listed, email mystatus@liberty.edu. 

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

• Go onto www.uhcsr.com.
• Click on “Create an Online Account” and follow the steps to create your online account (PDF).
• Click on “ID Card Information” and follow the instructions to print the card.
• You can also download your ID card from your “My Account.”
• Include your Flames Box and update your mailing address.

Learn about what your insurance covers by reading the Student Insurance and Sickness Plan (PDF).

• Take your insurance card with you to the doctor, clinic, or emergency room and give it to the receptionist.
  • It is recommended that you go to Liberty University Health Center (434) 338-7774, (for more information visit the LU Student Medical Center site) or call United Healthcare Student Resources 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 log into your UHCSR account and go to the Care Options.
  • 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.
  • If your health care provider suggests treatment or testing, ask the medical provider if they will accept what United Healthcare Student Resources pays. You can also ask the medical provider what the charges will be and then contact United Healthcare Student Resources to see at what percentage the charges will be covered.
• Before you leave the medical provider, ask the receptionist to file a claim for you.
  • You do not have a co-pay, however, you may be asked to pay your co-insurance at the time of the appointment. Your preferred provider co-insurance is 20% of the bill and for UnitedHealthcare Pharmacy (UHCP) 20% co-insurance up to a 31 day supply per prescription.
  • If the medical provider refuses to file a claim, you can file a claim.
• You will receive an “explanation of benefits” from United Health Care and a bill from the healthcare provider.
  • Inspect the statement and bill.
  • If United Healthcare Student Resources has not paid anything on the billing contact United Healthcare Student Resources and the health care provider to ask if your claim was submitted.
• 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
  • After the first $200/$500, United Healthcare Student Resources 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.
• Pay the balance on the bill from the healthcare provider.
• It is your responsibility to have the most updated address in your health insurance account. The address must include your Flames box if you live on campus.

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 a reliable and equivalent health insurance policy purchased elsewhere. To use that their own insurance policy, students must complete a Certificate of Alternative Health Insurance Form (PDF) and have this form approved before the university insurance charge will be removed. Requirements for a waiver of Liberty University health insurance charge are as follows:

1. You must have an authorized representative of the alternate insurance company or a company benefits coordinator complete an Alternate Insurance Waiver Request. Scan the completed form and email it to mystatus@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:
   • You must have the alternate insurance company complete an Alternate Insurance Waiver Request. Scan the completed form and email it to mystatus@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.
   • 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

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

• 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 for 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 – This includes 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 person’s responsibility.

If you are not sure if a procedure will be paid for, Call UnitedHealthcare Student Resources or visit www.uhcsr.com. Insurance does not cover:

• Dental
• Vision
• Above average charges

Dental and vision coverage are NOT included in the United HealthCare insurance policy that you are enrolled in. However, it is optional and will be available to purchase. There is an extra charge if you choose to enroll in either the dental and/or vision policies. These policies can only be purchased on an annual basis. Students may purchase their policy on their United HealthCare Student Resources online account.

International students who are starting their academic journey at Liberty University will be required to complete the Student Health Form in ASIST.

Navigation Guide to the Student Health Form (JPG)

Please contact Student Health Records if you have any further questions.