Health Coverage at the University of Richmond

At the University of Richmond all international students on non-immigrant visas are required to purchase the health insurance plan offered by the University of Richmond. There are no exceptions to this policy. Students may wish to share this information with their parents/legal guardians.

Americans living abroad, dual citizens, and permanent residents are not eligible for this plan and will not be enrolled. For information about the domestic student health insurance plan, visit the web at
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/Student_Affairs/student_health/insurance/dom-insurance.html.

Exchange visitors on J-1 visas are required to purchase this plan in order to meet the State Department's health insurance requirements. Exceptions will be made for scholars coming from sponsoring agencies that have a group plan to meet the J-1 requirements or proof of current insurance that meets the J-1 requirements. A list of requirements can be found on the State Department's website for exchange visitors.

What is the company that Richmond chose to provide health insurance for international students and scholars?

For 2007-08 and 2006-07, United States Fire Insurance Company is the underwriter and Global Benefits, LLC is the claims administrator. Any claims dating from July 1, 2006 should be sent to the address below:

Global Benefits, LLC

3195 Linwood Road, Suite 201

Cincinnati, OH 45208

Phone (800) 423-8496

Policy #FP002107

What is the group health plan?

All nonimmigrant international students are required to purchase health insurance coverage offered by the University of Richmond. If you are approved for permanent resident status, you will no longer be eligible for the group plan (see below for details).

How much does the group health plan cost?

For the 2008-09 year, the cost will be $99 per month for international students and scholars. 

Why is it necessary for the University to institute a mandatory health insurance requirement for international students?

• The United States does not have socialized medicine. Health care in the United States is extremely expensive. A physician's visit can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. One day in the hospital can cost anywhere from $800 - $3,000. Outpatient surgery can cost as much as $10,000. Treatment for a sprained ankle can cost as much as $1,000.00. People in the United States rely on health insurance to cover most medical expenses.
• Most international students are not prepared to pay such high costs for medical care. A major accident or illness can result in bankruptcy and the end of one's educational career. The University of Richmond cannot be financially responsible for costs related to accidents or illnesses of any student.
• Demonstration of adequate financial resources is necessary for the issuance of the I-20 and maintenance of one's F-1 and J-1 student status. Most people do not have disposable income to pay for health care associated with serious illnesses and accidents. Health insurance guarantees adequate resources in the case of a serious accident or illness.
• The University of Richmond has neither the staff time nor expertise to review policies from various countries or to review whether or not students are properly insured. In cases of emergency, policies outside of the United States are often difficult to use. Therefore, for the well being of the students and to protect the liability of the University of Richmond and its employees, it is necessary to institute a mandatory health insurance plan.
• Some international students do not keep their plans current. This policy will prevent lapses in health insurance coverage thus benefiting both the student and the institution should the student need health care.
• A group plan makes health insurance affordable to all eligible students and/or nonimmigrant dependents regardless of age.

How will this policy be enforced?

Nonimmigrant students who do not pay their bill will have a hold placed on their registration and will not be permitted to register for the following semester. Registration holds will not be cleared until the student has paid his or her bill.

Does the insurance provide dental coverage?

Coverage is provided only as a result of an accident up to a $500 maximum benefit, if in the PPO network.

Where can I go to get dental work for a reasonable cost?

The Medical College of Virginia (828-9190) has a dental school that offers scheduled appointments and emergency care. The cost is about 50% less than a private dentist is, since supervised dental students work on patients.

What is a preexisting condition?

A preexisting condition is an injury or sickness, or the symptoms of an injury or sickness, that existed and for which diagnosis, advice, treatment and/or medical care was received prior to your effective coverage date. This health insurance will not cover preexisting expenses for the first 12 months of your coverage. After an individual has been on the university's insurance plan for 12 months, preexisting conditions are covered as long as there has not been a lapse in policy coverage.

If I have dependents (spouse or children), do my dependents need insurance while in the U.S.?

The health insurance for your dependents must meet the same criteria for the F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Payment for insurance must be received in advance by the International Student Advisor.

The cost is $240 per month for a spouse and $85 per month for each child. For further information, see section on F-2 visas and consult the International Student Advisor.

How does the billing for the health insurance work?

All nonimmigrant students are automatically billed and enrolled for health insurance coverage. This charge is added to the general fees of the University as a separate line item. The University will bill students each semester. Students are covered during the entire calendar year.

Health insurance payments by J-1 exchange visitors should be made by personal check to Trawick International and submitted to the International Student Advisor. It will take 2-3 weeks to receive your card.

• J-1 exchange visitors must enroll before arrival to campus. The cost is $99 per month.
• Insurance for spouses and dependents must also be paid for in advance of their arrival to the United States.
• Co-payments or costs not covered by the insurance must be paid by the nonimmigrant directly to the health care provider.

Am I eligible for health insurance once I graduate?

Students who graduate are no longer eligible for the group insurance plan. Our broker recommends Wallach & Co. or Liaison International for individual coverage after graduation.

What if I become a permanent resident?

As soon as the I-485 is approved, the applicant will be issued an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) from the INS. At this point, the individual's status is no longer nonimmigrant, which means that the individual is not eligible for the international student and scholar group plan. You may be eligible for the domestic student health insurance policy offered by the University - visit the Student Health Center's website for details.

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If I have questions about a claim, a bill, or plan benefits, who should I contact?

Global Benefits, LLC

3195 Linwood Road, Suite 201

Cincinnati, OH 45208

Phone (800) 423-8496

Policy #FP002107

What if I lose my card?  

You can order another one on the health insurance website.

How can I add my spouse or my children?  

You may enroll them on the health insurance website.

How do I file a claim?

If you already received treatment, submit a claim form to the insurance company so when the doctor/hospital tries to collect payment for their services, the insurance company will be informed about the incident and can pay the claim. For a non-emergency, obtain advance approval from the insurance company before seeking medical coverage by calling the toll-free number on your ID card or brochure. For emergencies, seek medical attention first and then submit a claim form to the insurance company within 30 days.

You should complete one claim form for each illness or injury. All answers on the claim form must be completed and you must sign the form. The form should be mailed to the health insurance company.

Where can I get a claim form?

You can download a claim form on the health insurance website. There are also claim forms available in the International Resource Center.

When should I file the claim?

You should file a claim within 30 days of the accident or illness.

How do I file a claim for medicine?

If you have a prescription filled outside of the Student Health Center, you will have to pay the pharmacy the entire amount and then submit your receipt and a claim form within 30-days to receive a reimbursement.

What is the difference between a generic and brand name prescription?

Whenever possible, you should ask your doctor and pharmacist if a generic brand of the medicine you have been prescribed is available. The generic medicine is usually less expensive and is the same medicine as the brand name.

Why does the insurance company request medical records?

Your medical records may be requested for a variety of reasons.
1) To determine whether a claim is preexisting.
2) When a physician lists multiple diagnoses.
3) In the case of accidents, medical records give a clearer picture of what may have happened

What is a co-payment?

A co-payment is the percentage of Reasonable Expenses for Necessary Treatment or other amount that the plan does not pay and is therefore the responsibility of the insured. The insured should pay the co-payment directly to the medical provider, never to the insurance company or to the administrator.

The certificate of coverage says that health insurance will cover usual, reasonable and customary (UCR) charges. What does this mean?

Every insurance company has a list of costs for services rendered that is considered usual, reasonable and customary for each region of the United States. UCR usually represents the cost that 80% of the doctors and hospitals in the region charge for certain medical procedures or diagnosis. The health insurance company updates the UCR semiannually. You may call them for information on doctors and hospitals that offer rates that are usual, reasonable and customary.

Where can I find more information about the coverage?  

Refer to the health insurance website. You can also get a copy of the health insurance plan from Ms. Krittika Onsanit, the International Resource Center, or the Student Health Center.

Where can I find more information about cross-cultural differences in healthcare and health insurance for international students and scholars?

Read an excerpt for Health and Wellness for international students, scholars and their families 

Read an excerpt on Medical Insurance for international students, scholars and their families

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Office of International Education | University of Richmond VA 23173 | Phone 804-289-8836 | Fax 804-289-8904