INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR SERVICES

At the University of Kentucky health insurance is mandatory. All international students are required by the University of Kentucky to have health insurance. If you are on an F-1, J-1 or J-2 visa, you will be automatically enrolled in the UK Student Health Insurance Plan when you register for classes. Information about the UK health insurance plan may be found at: www.academichealthplans.com/uky/2012-2013/

Insurance Enrollment Process
When you register for classes the cost of the UK Student Insurance Plan will be added to your student bill. You do not need to fill out any forms to enroll in the student insurance plan. 

You will receive your insurance ID card within 30 days of the first day of classes.   This card should be presented whenever you receive medical care.   If you need to see a doctor before you receive your insurance ID card, contact the insurance coordinator at 859.257.6608, or studentinsurance@email.uky.edu.  

Dependent Enrollment Process
Dependents on J-2 status and not enrolled in classes will need to purchase their insurance directly from the provider by enrolling online with the provider at www.academichealthplans.com/uky/2012-2013/.  Proof of coverage will be required to maintain immigration status.

For dependent overage periods and costs, please see www.academichealthplans.com/uky/2012-2013/premiumCost.php. 

Out-of-Pocket Costs
Remember, purchasing a health insurance plan is never a guarantee that your medical costs will be 100% covered.  However, health insurance will reduce the costs for most of your medical needs. The best way to make this, or any, coverage work for you is to be informed and proactive. Always check the covered benefits at www.academichealthplans.com/uky/2012-2013/brochure.php before you see a doctor or receive medical care whenever possible. It is your responsibility to know the specifics and communicate with your medical provider.  If you have questions, contact a UK insurance coordinator at studentinsurance@email.uky.edu or 859.257.6608.

Waiver
Students who already have their own health insurance plan and do not wish to participate in the UK Student Health Insurance Plan must complete the online waiver form by September 22 for the fall semester and by February 22 for the spring semester.

To qualify for a Waiver or cancel the UK school health insurance plan, your insurance policy must meet or exceed ALL of the UK's 2012-13 Minimum Health Insurance Requirements. Waivers are NOT guaranteed and most outside insurance plans will not meet the UK minimum requirements.  Students and dependents are expected to have sufficient coverage to meet the higher costs of U.S. healthcare. 

PLEASE NOTE: The online waiver form will not be available until you arrive at the University of Kentucky. Instructions may be found on the Office of International Student and Scholar Services website at Academic HealthPlans under Current Student Resources.

Short-term insurance plans do not comply with federal legislation requirements and will not be approved as sufficient coverage www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=CMS-2011-0016-0108 (AHP website, 08/09/12)

Waiver instructions for students with J-1, J-2 and F-1 visa types:

1. Make sure your current health insurance policy meets UK’s minimum health insurance requirements.
2. Gather the needed documentation.
   • Your UK Student ID Number (Your UK Student ID Number is available on your UK Student ID card or in myUK. Social Security Numbers and Temporary Social Security Numbers will not allow you access to the site.)
   • Your current health insurance plan ID card
   • Your current health insurance plan brochure or plan description
3. Access the Academic HealthPlans site and apply for a waiver.
   • Under the “Enrollment” heading, click “Online Waiver for International."
   • Read all of the directions carefully and fill in the application.
   • Fax a copy of your ID card and policy benefits to Karri Brooks at (817) 479-2155.
4. Keep a copy of the confirmation e-mail for your records.
5. Allow 10-14 days for changes to be reflected in your myUK online statement. If the waiver is accepted, the fee will be removed.
6. Keep proof of your insurance coverage for your records. Your waiver could be audited, and you may asked to provide documentation of your health insurance coverage and benefits at anytime during the semester.

A waiver may be denied unless it meets ALL the minimum health insurance requirements listed below. Only the health insurance company can review insurance policies.

UK's 2012-13 Minimum Health Insurance
          Requirements are subject to change beginning 08/26/2013

• Deductible may not exceed $500.
• At least $200,000 in coverage per Injury or Sickness ($500,000 effective 8/26/2013)
• At least $200,000 ($500,000 effective 8/26/2013) in coverage for essential benefits, including hospitalizations, doctor services, prescription drugs, rehabilitation and mental health services, pregnancy, and newborn care. A complete list of essential benefits can be found at:  www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/12/essential-health-benefits12162011a.html.
• Coverage for preventative care at 100% in network including immunizations, physicals exams/screenings, and birth control. A complete list of preventive services can be found at: www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html
• 80% of medical expenses must be paid by the insurance company.
• Covered expenses related to pregnancy.
• Pre-existing conditions cannot be excluded for any covered persons younger than the age of 19.
• Insurance Company must have a phone contact within the United States.
• Proof of coverage must be provided in English and U.S. currency only.
• $10,000 coverage for medical evacuation (medical evacuation provides transportation to your home country in the event of a medical emergency).
• $10,000 coverage for repatriation (repatriation provides transportation to your home country in the event of death).
• Coverage must be in effect from the start to end date of each semester the student applies for a waiver: fall semester (August 26 – January 1); spring semester (January 1 - August 26).

If you have enrollment or waiver questions not addressed by the insurance company's website or customer service department, a UK insurance coordinator is available to assist you. For an appointment, contact them at studentinsurance@email.uky.edu or 859.257.6608.

UK Student Insurance Plan Costs
Below is a breakdown of costs per period which cannot be pro-rated.

Please note:  Rates subject to increase beginning 08/26/2013. This chart does not apply to international students and dependents enrolled in the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL). Please contact the insurance coordinator at 859.257.6608, or studentinsurance@email.uky.edu for a breakdown of costs.