UK > Graduate School > Student Funding > Health Insurance Coverage FAQs: 2010-2011 > International Graduate Students

Health Insurance Coverage for International Students

Frequently Asked Questions

It is the intent of the University and the insurance company to provide the greatest benefits to the majority of students and to keep the premium cost at a level that all students, usually on a limited income, can still afford. Therefore, certain limitations and exclusions must be applied to the student insurance coverage as a means of cost containment. It is your responsibility to read and understand the insurance plan, its exclusions, limitations, and schedule of benefits.

Limitations apply: The student insurance plan is a preferred provider organization (PPO), and UK Hospital and UK College of Medicine physicians are the preferred providers (in-area). When receiving treatment away from UK , you may experience significantly higher out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, the plan is an illness and injury plan only; it does not provide for preventive care or coverage of treatment in the absence of illness or injury, except as specifically provided in the policy.

Eligibility & Enrollment processing:  There is a 30-day processing period for enrolling international students in the insurance plan at the beginning of each semester. Should you need your coverage verified for a provider during this enrollment period, contact the insurance coordinator at the Graduate School Insurance Office, (859) 257-6608.

Am I required to purchase this student health insurance?
Health insurance is mandatory at UK for international students. 
The University of Kentucky designed a health insurance plan for its students.  The premium (cost) for this plan is automatically added to your student bill when you register for any class (This includes zero or two credit hour courses) if you have one of the following visa types:

• F-1  
• J-1 
• J-2 

If you have other insurance coverage and do not wish to have the student health insurance plan you could be eligible to waive (cancel) this insurance.  See below for details.

I am an F-1, J-1, or J-2 visa holder, what action do I need to take to sign up for student health insurance?
None. There is no paperwork or enrollment form for you to complete.  F-1, J-1, and J-2 students are enrolled in the student health insurance plan automatically when they pay their student bill.

I am a J-1 visiting scholar or English as a Second Language (ESL) student, what action do I need to take to sign up for student health insurance?
You can enroll in the student health insurance plan online via www.AHPcare.com/uky.   If you have any questions about enrolling online contact Academic Health Plans at 1-888-308-7320.

I am an F-1, J-1, or J-2 visa holder, but I already have my own insurance plan and I do not want to purchase the student health insurance plan.  What do I do?
If your health insurance plan meets UK’s minimum criteria you may apply for a waiver online to decline (cancel) your automatic enrollment into the UK student health insurance plan.  If your waiver application is approved the health insurance charge will be removed from your student bill within two weeks.  Note:  the waiver must be completed each semester you are enrolled in a class and do not wish to purchase the student health insurance plan.
UK’s Minimum Criteria:

• Deductible may not exceed $500.
• $200,000 minimum per Accident or Sickness.
• $10,000 benefit for medical evacuation (medical evacuation provides transportation to your home country in the event of a medical emergency).
• $10,000 benefit for repatriation (repatriation provides transportation to your home country in the event of death).
• Cover expenses related to pregnancy.
• 80% of medical expenses must be paid by the insurance company. 
• Have a phone number contact within the United States
• Coverage must be in effect from the start to end date of each semester the student applies for a waiver: fall semester (August 26 - December 31); spring semester (January 1 - August 25).

Waiver Deadline Dates for International Students:
Fall - September 22, 2010
Spring - February 22, 2011

Waiver Application Instructions:

• Read about your insurance plan to be sure it meets or exceeds UK’s Minimum Criteria listed above.
• Before you begin the waiver process, be sure you have all of the information you will use to fill out the application; you will only be allowed one attempt on the website.  You will need; your UK ID card, your insurance ID card, a copy of your policy brochure.
• Go to www.AHPCare.com/uky.
• In the “Enrollment” column select  “Online Waiver for International”
• Fill out the waiver application.
• If you have questions about the waiver website contact Academic Health Plans at 1-888-308-7320..

If your waiver application is approved the health insurance charge will be removed from your student bill within two weeks. 

Because I have student health insurance, are all my health care costs covered?
No. There are several areas for which you are responsible for payment, including, but not limited to, a deductible, a patient percentage of covered medical expenses, medical costs for services excluded by the plan, and amounts above the maximum benefits provided. (For example, the maximum for the “outpatient benefit” is $2,500 per sickness or injury per policy year.) Use of the preferred provider (UK Hospital/College of Medicine physicians) or an out-of-network provider will also affect your out-of-pocket expenses. The insurance plan includes benefits for sickness and injury; including both inpatient and outpatient care, as well as a prescription drug benefit.

How will I receive an insurance card and information about the plan?
An insurance card will be mailed to your home address within one month after the first day of classes.  If you do not receive a card one month after the first day of classes contact the insurance coordinator by email at GSFH@email.uky.edu. If you need to seek medical care prior to receiving your insurance ID card, contact your insurance coordinator by phone at (859) 257-6608.

What is the insurance coverage period?
The terms of the policy are from August 26 to December 31 for fall and from January 1 to August 25 for spring/summer.

Can I continue my coverage after I am no longer a student?
Yes. If you are no longer a student Post Student Status (PSS) Continuation Coverage may be purchased, with a maximum coverage period not to exceed a period of 12 months. PSS Continuation Coverage cannot be purchased through the online enrollment system. Contact the University Health Services insurance coordinator at studentinsurance@uky.edu or in person at the University Health Service for details.

Can dependents be enrolled in the student health insurance plan?
Yes. You may choose to enroll your dependents (spouse and/or children) in this health insurance plan at www.AHPCare.com/uky.  Select the “Enroll Online" link and proceed with the form.  You have the option of submitting a check or credit card payment online.  If you have difficulty with the online dependent enrollment process, contact AHP at (888) 308-7320.

What is the difference between the student insurance and the mandatory student health fee?
The student health insurance is an injury and sickness plan that includes hospitalization benefits. It does not provide for preventive care or coverage of treatment in the absence of illness or injury, except as specifically provided in the policy.  The plan is a preferred provider organization (PPO) and UK Hospital and UK College of Medicine physicians are the preferred providers (in area). When receiving treatment away from UK, you may experience significantly higher out-of-pocket costs. The insurance plan is underwritten by the Humana.

All full-time students pay a mandatory health fee in the fall and spring semesters that entitles them to most services at University Health Service (Student Health) at no cost, including many routine or preventative services. The health fee is voluntary for most students in the summer, as well as for all part-time students in the fall and spring semesters. BCTC students may receive services through UHS.
Utilize University Health Service.
The University of Kentucky University Health Service (UHS) is a large outpatient clinic available to all UK students for their healthcare needs including primary care, gynecology, behavioral health, nutrition counseling and health education. Utilizing UHS is an excellent way to receive fast, efficient and high quality clinical care. 
All visits are by appointment.  For an appointment call (859) 323-APPT (2778)
University Health Service Clinic Hours: 
Fall and spring while school in session     Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
For follow-ups and urgent care                  Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Summer and when class not in session    Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Since UK is the preferred provider for the student health insurance plan, University Health Service and student health insurance work well together. For example, students who receive treatment at University Health Service for medical services not covered by the health fee may file their claims with the insurance company.  See http://www.ukhealthcare.uky.edu/uhs/ for more information.

Part-time students and students categorized as full-time by their enrollment in 0 or 2-credit hour residency classes must request from Student Account Services that the fee be added to their student account.  Deadlines for this enrollment apply: 

• The deadline for the fall 2010 semester is September 08, 2010.
• The deadline for the spring 2011 semester is January 26, 2011.    

How does the prescription drug benefit work?
Your insurance identification card will double as your prescription identification card.  The plan provides prescription benefits up to $1,000 (per policy year) when filled at the Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy and prescribed by a University clinician. Your total annual prescription benefit may not exceed $1,000.  Eligible allergy prescriptions are covered only at the Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy.  There is a $10.00 generic drug copay and a $30.00 brand name copay at Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy. There is a $15.00 generic drug copay and a $45.00 brand name copay at all other pharmacies.  The copay will be due at the time of purchase at the Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy and participating Humana network pharmacies.  (Use the find a pharmacy feature via www.AHPCare.com/uky  to locate Humana network pharmacies.)  You will be required to pay the entire purchase price at a Non-Preferred Pharmacy. 

Note: When purchasing prescriptions, always present your insurance identification card in order to receive the best prescription rate.

When will I receive my prescription card?
Your insurance identification card will double as your prescription identification card.  You will receive the card at your home address one month after the first day of classes.

Does this plan include Vision Benefits?
Your health insurance plan includes a benefit for an eye examination only.  (See the plan brochure for details.)

Does this plan include Dental Benefits?
No; this health insurance plan only addresses claims “for the treatment of accidental injury to sound, natural teeth.”  (See your plan brochure for details.)  Dental benefits are not built into this insurance plan. 

There is an optional dental plan available for purchase through the company website from Humana One.  This dental insurance is not administered by the University of Kentucky; all inquiries should be handled directly with Humana.

Is my student insurance valid outside of the United States?
Yes, though in some instances you may be required to make a payment to the provider and then submit your medical bills directly to the insurance company yourself. Remember, this policy is a PPO, so your out-of-pocket expenses could be affected. 
*Also see the 2010-2011 plan brochure regarding the Global Emergency Medical Assistance provided by Scholastic Emergency Services.  This coverage is included with the AHP/Humana policy with no additional premium cost.

Does the policy cover Allergy treatment? 
Allergy treatment is not payable under the student insurance plan.  However, allergy visits are available at University Health Service under the health fee. 

Is my student insurance valid outside of the United States?
Yes, though in some instances you may be required to make a payment to the provider and then submit your medical bills directly to the insurance company yourself. Remember, this policy is a PPO, so your out-of-pocket expenses could be affected. 
*Also see the 2010-2011 plan brochure regarding the Global Emergency Medical Assistance provided by Scholastic Emergency Services.  This coverage is included with the AHP/Humana policy with no additional premium cost.

What if I have difficulty with a claim?
The insurance company has a dedicated toll-free line for UK students. The number is (888) 308-7320. It is appropriate to contact the company directly at this number to resolve your claim. When speaking with someone from the insurance company, it is always recommended to ask for the name of the company representative and note the date and time of your call. In turn, this information may help both the insurance company and the University to resolve claim issues more efficiently. 

If you are unable to resolve your insurance claim with the company, you may contact your Insurance Coordinator, by email at GSFH@email.uky.edu or phone at (859) 257-6608, who will review the claim with you.

I received forms from the insurance company requesting additional information about my claims. What should I do?
It is not unusual for the insurance company to request additional information while they are processing a claim. Carefully read and complete the forms, then send them to the insurance company. If you have questions about completing the forms, contact your insurance coordinator.

I still have questions:  how can I find out more about student health insurance?
Contact the Graduate School Insurance Office by email at GSFH@email.uky.edu or by phone at (859) 257-6608.

Additional websites of interest:
University Health Service, (859) 218-3208
Office of International Affairs (859) 257-4067
Academic Health Plans, (888) 308-7320

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