FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Why do I have to have health insurance while I’m studying at the University of Oregon?
Do I have to buy the UO student health insurance?
What if I have my own health insurance plan?
Who is eligible to enroll in the UO health insurance plan?
Can I insure my family members?
How do I pay for my student health insurance premium?
What if I want to pay for my student insurance by the term instead of the year?
What about health insurance coverage during the summer?
What’s covered by the student health insurance plan?
If I am enrolled on the student insurance plan, can I go to any doctor I want?
Do I have to have a referral from the Health Center to see a specialist?
How do I find Aetna Preferred Providers?
What is a pre-existing condition?
I have a pre-existing condition. How will be addressed under the student plan?
I need to see a doctor and the Health Center is closed. What should I do?
How can I use my plan when I’m away from Eugene?
How do I get my insurance card?
What if I have lost my insurance card?
What about vision and dental insurance?
Why do I have to have health insurance while I’m studying at the University of Oregon?
The University of Oregon requires international students and their accompanying dependents have health insurance.
Health care in the U.S. is very expensive.
The U.S. does not have a national health care plan.
Health care may be less accessible if you do not have health insurance.
Do I have to buy the UO student health insurance?
You may purchase insurance from a private company but the insurance must meet the university’s requirements. Many plans do not provide the $250,000 level of medical benefits required by the UO.
What if I have my own health insurance plan?
You must submit a waiver application along with supporting documentation to show that your insurance meets the university requirements. See the “Health Insurance Waiver” details on this web site
Who is eligible to enroll in the UO health insurance plan?
International undergraduate, graduate and American English Institute students registered for the current term and paying mandatory fees including the Health Center fee.
Can I insure my family members?
Yes. Spouses/partners and your unmarried children under the age of 19 are eligible for coverage on the UO insurance plan. You must contact the Health Insurance Office on campus to enroll your family members. Click here for plan details.
How do I pay for my student health insurance premium?
You will be billed on your tuition bill for health insurance. You pay for the health insurance along with your tuition charges.
What if I want to pay for my student insurance by the term instead of the year?
Contact the Health Insurance Office located in the University Health Center or call the Insurance Office at (541) 346-2832.
What about health insurance coverage during the summer?
The UO student insurance plan is year round coverage. Both the annual premium payment and the Spring Term premium provide coverage for summer (even if you have graduated.)
What’s covered by the student health insurance plan?
The plan offered by the UO covers treatment of illness and injury. Click here to review the “Benefit Schedule.”
If I am enrolled on the student insurance plan, can I go to any doctor I want?
The UO health insurance plan is a Preferred Provider plan. You can see any doctor. However, you will receive a higher benefit payment rate and have less out-of-pocket expenses if you use Preferred Providers.
You will receive the greatest benefit (and lowest cost) if you receive care at the University Health Center. The annual deductible is waived for care received at the Health Center.
Do I have to have a referral from the Health Center to see a specialist?
Referrals are not required. However, it is important to see Preferred Providers as the insurance company will pay more and it will save you money.
How do I find Aetna Preferred Providers?
On the Web at: http://www.chickering.com
See “How to find Aetna Preferred Providers” on this website.
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is any injury, sickness or condition that was diagnosed or treated within 6 months prior to your effective coverage date on this plan. Treatment includes the use of prescriptions.
I have a pre-existing condition. How will it be addressed under the student plan?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions will be limited to $2,000 coverage of medical expenses for the first six months of your coverage under the UO plan.
I need to see a doctor and the Health Center is closed. What should I do?
If you need urgent or emergency care at times when the Health Center is closed you may be seen by a provider in the community.
There are two local facilities in Eugene that are Preferred Providers for this insurance plan that provide urgent and emergency care. You will be responsible for paying a $50 copayment when you receive care at a hospital Emergency Room.
Emergency Room Urgent Care
Sacred Heart Medical Center Peacehealth Medical Group
1225 Hilyard St. 1162 Willamette St.
Eugene Eugene
How can I use my plan when I’m away from Eugene?
When you are outside the Eugene area, you may receive care from ANY licensed practitioner and payment for covered medical expenses will be made at 80% of the reasonable charge (after your deductible has been met). However, it is always to your advantage to use Preferred Providers when you receive care because it will save you money.
You can find Preferred Providers anywhere in the U.S. on the Web at:
How do I get my insurance card?
Your insurance card will be mailed to you if you enroll by mail. Make sure you update your personal information on DuckWeb so that the card can be mailed to you. You can also pick up a card at the Health Insurance Office.
What if I have lost my insurance card?
You can pick up a replacement insurance card at the Health Insurance Office.
If you show your health insurance card, most providers will bill your insurance for you. If the provider will not bill for you, mail your medical bills to the address below.
If you purchase a prescription outside the Health Center, you need to mail or bring prescription receipt to the Health Insurance Office on campus. Be sure the receipt includes your name, the prescription name and cost and your mailing address.
What about vision and dental insurance?
The University does not offer vision or dental insurance plans. There are many dental and vision plans offered on the Internet.
Chickering Claims Administrators ◆ PO Box 15708 Boston, MA 02215 ◆ 877-480-3916
UO Student Insurance ◆ Phone (541)346-2832 ◆ Fax (541) 346-6579 ◆ E-mail - heainsur@uoregon.edu
Policy # 100097