Q. How can college students fill their insurance needs with Student
Select from Fortis Health?
Situation #1 (College-Sponsored Plan too "Bare-Bones"):
Jack is heading off to college in the Fall. Since he will be out of the
HMO network region of his parent's health plan, Jack's parents want to make
sure he has adequate health coverage. They did some research and found that
the college plan is too "bare bones". It had a very low maximum benefit with
a lot of other limits.
Solution:
Jack's situation is ideal for Student Select. It was designed specifically
for students who need greater coverage at an affordable rate while attending
college. The Student Select plan offers a choice of deductibles, and because
it is not an HMO or PPO plan, Jack can pick the doctor or hospital he wishes
to visit. The plan allows for up to $1 million protection for eligible
expenses, including in-hospital and outpatient services, emergency care and
surgery.
Situation #2 (Can't Afford a Traditional Individual Medical Plan):
Amy will be attending college next semester. Her school is requiring that
she have some type of health insurance prior to the start of school.
However, she does not have insurance through her parents. And, she just
can't afford the cost of a traditional individual medical plan. She needs a
plan that can better fit her budget because she definitely can't risk going
without coverage.
Solution:
In many cases, Student Select costs less that a traditional individual
medical plan. It was designed specifically for students who need quality
coverage at an affordable rate while attending college.
Situation #3 (Graduate Student No Longer Eligible for Parents Plan):
Bob is in graduate school and is about to turn 24-years old. He just found
out that once he does, he will no longer be covered under his parent's
health plan. His parents are worried about him not having health insurance.
Solution:
Student Select is ideal for Bob's situation. The plan is available to
full-time graduate students and coverage can be obtained as early as the
next day. Enrollment is simple and premiums are affordable. Best of all,
Student Select is guaranteed renewable. This means that, provided that Bob
attended school full time for 31 days after the policy effective date, Bob
can keep the plan as long as he needs it, as long as premiums are paid. This
is important after graduation while looking for a job.
Q. Which doctors or hospitals can I visit?
Since Student Select is not an HMO or PPO plan, you can visit the
doctor or hospital of your choice. No referrals are needed, no non-network
penalties are incurred ... the choice is yours!
Q. Is preauthorization required with a Student Select policy?
Yes. Fortis Health uses an authorization service which ensures you
receive the most appropriate and cost effective care available. Trained
staff work with you and your physicians to review the course of treatment
and advise you of your eligibility for benefits. The identification card you
receive with your policy provides a toll-free number for easy access to this
service.
Q. Who can purchase a Student Select plan?
You must be an eligible college student (between the ages of 17 to
29) to purchase this plan.
An eligible undergraduate student is defined as a person carrying at
least nine credit hours. An eligible graduate student must meet the graduate
student guidelines of the college or university for full-time student
status. Students must attend a state-accredited college or university in the
United States.
NOTE: Some schools operate on a quarterly schedule where full-time
undergraduate status is considered to be six to eight credits per term. If
this is the case, you should tell us in writing (attached to the
application) that you are attending a school with a quarterly class schedule
and are meeting the school's definition of full-time status.
Q. I am a foreign exchange student. Am I eligible for Student
Select coverage?
Yes, as long as you attending school in the United States and meet
the eligible student requirements defined above.
Q. Can I add my family members (spouse and dependents) to my
policy?
The Student Select plan is designed for individual college students
only and does not cover spouses and/or dependents. Student Select does,
however, comply with any state requirements for newborn coverage.
Q. I'm a parent of a child attending college. Should I purchase a
Student plan for my child, or cover them through my standard medical plan?
It depends. You may want to consider a separate Student plan for
your child if one or more of the following apply to you:
- The HMO or PPO network for your medical plan does not have
physician or hospital coverage in the area around your child's
college.
- Your child is nearing the age where they can no longer be
covered under your plan. Often times this is around 24 years of age,
but you should check with your insurance company or agent to find
out the specific age for your policy.
- The cost savings of removing your child from your medical plan
is greater than the cost of the separate Student plan. To determine
this, get a quote on this website for a Student plan for your child,
and then compare that to the cost savings of removing your child
from your standard medical plan (you may need to contact your
insurance company or agent to determine this amount).
A separate Student plan may not be appropriate if:
- You are currently satisfied with the coverage, cost, and
benefits of your current medical plan.
- Your child has Pre-existing conditions. In most cases, expenses
relating to Pre-existing conditions will not be covered by the
Student Select plans until the policy has been in effect for 12
months.
Q. Am I covered year round, or just while school is in session?
With Student Select you're covered year-round, not just during the
school term. And, if for some reason, you have to leave school, Student
Select stays with you for the remainder of the policy year... and then it's
guaranteed renewable.
Q. Does the Student Select plan cover me when I go out of state?
The Student Select plan travels with you anywhere in the United
States, its possessions and Canada. And, although it does not cover you in a
foreign country, Student Select does cover you for an emergency medical
evacuation to the home country or a facility operating within its laws.
Q. What happens if I transfer schools?
If you need to transfer schools, your Student Select coverage moves
with you. Student Select is not tied to any one school. There's no need to
change coverage or re-apply. In fact, you're covered when traveling anywhere
in the United States, its possessions or Canada.
Q. Will coverage be in jeopardy if I drop a class?
No, not as long as:
- You met the definition of an eligible student on the date the
application was signed.
- You attended school full-time for 31 days after the policy
effective date.
- The premium is paid in full.
Q. If I graduate or drop out of school, will I lose coverage?
No, provided that you attended school full time for 31 days after the
policy effective date, your Student Select policy stays with you for as long
as you need it and, of course, as long as premiums are paid.
Q. How far in advance can I apply? In other words, can I apply in July
but request an effective date for September 1st when school begins?
You can apply as soon as you are enrolled as an eligible student. But,
keep in mind the full premium must be paid with the application. The policy
will be sent out as soon as it is issued. We would prefer that the
application not be completed more than 60 days prior to the requested
effective date.
Q. When does my coverage begin?
If you are submitting your application by:
Internet using a credit card - The earliest your coverage can begin
is the day following transmission, if all other eligibility criteria have
been met.
Mail and writing a check - The earliest that your coverage can begin
is the day following the U.S. Postal Service postmark, if all other
eligibility criteria have been met.
Q. How many times can the plan be renewed?
Student Select is renewable as long as you need it. Whereas most
college plans only cover you until you graduate or very shortly thereafter,
Student Select can be renewed as long as it's needed... as long as the
premiums are paid.
|