International Student Health Insurance

As is already standard practice at many colleges and universities in the United States, health insurance coverage is mandatory for all international students, regardless of course load, enrolled at the University of Kansas.  Beginning Fall 2008, this requirement will be enforced by automatically enrolling students in KU’s international student health insurance plan through United Health Care Student Resources (UHCSR).  Charges will appear on student accounts as part of their tuition bill.  Students that do not wish to be enrolled in KU’s international student health insurance plan are still free to choose alternative insurance so long as their coverage meets or exceeds the minimum requirements set forth by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

Students who have insurance that meets the ISSS requirements may submit a waiver.  To obtain the waiver, students must present proof of insurance to the Insurance Coordinator in the ISSS office.  If you have further questions after reading the information provided by this handbook, please contact the insurance coordinator at issinsurance@ku.edu, or by fax (785) 864-5244.

Coverages and Costs

United Health Care Student Resources is the insurance provider for KU’s international student health insurance plan.  For details on the associated coverage, premiums and service providers, please refer to the Student Resources brochure included in your acceptance packet, or the link below.  Student Resources pays 100% for covered medical services received at Watkins Health Center on the KU campus.  If you must receive services elsewhere, try to use only Preferred Providers to receive maximum benefits.  The cost is $375 per semester.  Please remember that beginning Fall 2008 students will no longer enroll themselves in the plan or make separate payment arrangements. 

More information on KU's plan for international students through United Healthcare can be found at the following link.

Waivers

In order to obtain a waiver, coverage must be valid at least through the last day of December for the fall semester or through the last day of May for the spring semester. If evidence of pre-existing adequate coverage is provided before the insurance deadline: September 1st (Fall), February 1st (Spring), a waiver will be granted.  Waivers will have to be renewed each semester you attend KU.  The waiver form to be used for this certification has been included in your acceptance packet.  It can also be obtained from the ISSS office or on-line by clicking this link.

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