Health

University of Virginia Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Council

Providing a Home for Graduate Students on Grounds

Health Insurance Alternatives

The Graduate Student Council understand that not all students can afford the University endorse student health insurance plan. Since this plan has many benefits, the costs are considerably higher than plans offered to individuals and even plans offered by other schools. The Council wanted to make students aware that they do not have to purchase the University Sponsored insurance and that they can choose plans from providers listed below or can research available plans on their own. The Coundil does not endorse any of the insurers that can be found on this page.

Here are some questions you might want to ask when looking at the alternatives:

· Does this plan have a deductible associated with doctor's visits?

· What is the co-pay or coinsurance if I need to see a doctor?

· What is the plan's maximum benefit?

· What is the co-pay or coinsurance if I need to go the Emergency Room?

· Does this plan offer prescription drug coverage?

· If so, then is there a limit to that coverage?

· Is there a deductible for that coverage?

· Must I obtain my medications from "approved" pharmacies in order to obtain the benefits of the drug coverage?

If there is a generic version of my medication, will the insurer cover for brand name?

· Does this plan cover mental health?

· Are there limits to the number of mental health visits?

If you are a woman:

· Does this plan offer annual OB/GYN Exams?

· Does this plan cover maternatity coverage?

· If prescription drugs are covered, are contraceptives covered?

List of health insurance alternatives:

· eHealthInsurance

· This insure agents offers plans for FORTIS insurance.

· Be aware of higher deductibles - $250-$2500

· No coverage for woman's health, mental health, and prescription drugs.

· Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

· Be aware of higher deductibles for doctors and prescriptions - $300 for doctor visits

· Limited coverage for woman's health

· Has an annual prescription maximum

· Student Resources - Through the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students

· Be aware of higher deductibles for doctors and prescriptions - $200 - $1000 for doctor visits

· An annual prescription maximum - $100

· Separate Deductible for mental health

· UNICARE

· Be aware of higher deductibles for doctors - $500-$2500

· Has very customizable plan - with several options for deductibles and monthly payments.

· Includes an online "quiz" to help determine what is most important for you - more benefits, low deductibles, low maximum out of cost or low premiums.

· FAMIS - Health Care for Children

· Provided coverage for children directly.

· Provides coverage for children indirectly through it's Premium Assistance Program.

Questions? Contact Us at: gsasc@scs.student.virginia.edu