Insurance for International Students
Health insurance is a program that helps cover many medical expenses that can occur while you are in the United States. SIUE has secured a medical health insurance policy for all students holding F-1 and J-1 visas. This is the only acceptable health insurance plan for international students attending SIUE. The International Insurance Committee coordinated the premium and plan benefits through Academic Health Plans at My AHP Care. You can view the brochure and benefits information online.
All F-1 and J-1 visa students are required to enroll in the plan if they are enrolled in (1) or more credit hours or are enrolled in University 500. The credit hours can be on-campus or off-campus. Your Bursar bill will automatically include this fee.
The SIUE official policy is available for viewing.
Students in an F-1 and J-1 status are required to have the SIUE-approved student insurance plan unless:
-
They are sponsored by their home government and have a comparable policy that meets or exceeds the insurance requirements in the SIUE policy.
OR
-
They are enrolled in a U.S. employer-provided group health plan that meets or exceeds the insurance requirements in the SIUE policy.
Students who meet one of the above criteria must submit a waiver request at My AHP Care and provide proof of comparable coverage during the semester’s waiver period. You will receive an email from Academic Health Plans with instructions on how to submit a waiver request. During the waiver period, the student must complete the waiver request form through Academic Health Plans. Completing the waiver request form does not guarantee that the waiver will be accepted. Coverage will be verified and you will be notified of approval or denial.
Students who are approved to waive the insurance must purchase Repatriation Insurance through Health Service, unless specifically included in a comparable plan.
Immunization Requirements for all International Students (as of August 5, 2016)
International Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
I haven't received a new insurance card yet. When will I receive it?
United Healthcare only provides electronic cards. You will receive a welcome email from United Healthcare letting you know how to obtain your insurance card. You will need to create an account at United Healcare and then you can view or print your ID card.
I lost my insurance card. Can I get another one?
After creating an account at United Healthcare, you can view or print your ID card.
Will I receive a new insurance card for the spring semester?
Returning students will use the same card they used in the fall semester. Only new students will need to print a new card for the spring semester.
Will I be reimbursed for any labs or prescriptions that I received at health service?
You can submit a claim form, which is available online at United Healthcare. Labs will go towards your $400 deductible. Once you have reached your deductible, you will be reimbursed for any labs. Students are required to pay a copayment for any prescriptions. Copays range between $10 and $50. After you have paid the copayment, the insurance company will pick up the remaining amount for your prescription.
Is vision insurance included?
Vision insurance is available to purchase separately. Information is available at siue.myahpcare.com. On the right side of the page, click on Optional Vision Insurance – Apply Online. There are two plans available and you can choose the one that works best for you.
Is dental insurance included?
Dental insurance is available to purchase separately. Information is available at My AHP Care. On the right side of the page, click on “Cigna Dental (Enroll for DENTAL ONLY). Enter your coverage information. Uncheck the “Medical” box under Product Selection. Click on “Find the Plans” and choose the one that works best for you.
I need a chest x-ray because I had a positive quantiferon test. Is this covered by my unsurance and will I get reimbursed?
This is covered by the insurance and it would go towards your deductible.
I have my own insurance. Do I have to purchase the school's insurance?
All students holding F-1 and J-1 visas will be automatically enrolled in the SIUE Health Insurance plan. If you are a domestic student, you are currently not required to enroll. If you are sponsored by your home government and have a comparable policy that meets or exceeds the insurance requirements in the SIUE policy or you are enrolled in a U.S. employer-provided group health plan that meets or exceeds the insurance requirements in the SIUE policy, please submit a waiver request at siue.myahpcare.com. Instructions are available at the Health Service office.
