Guidelines for Choosing Health Insurance, Insurance Guidelines

Guidelines for Choosing Health Insurance

Students are financially responsible for the cost of services not covered by their health insurance. It is important to know what your insurance covers and does not cover, so you will not be surprised to find a charge is not covered. Familiarize yourself with your plan, noting any restrictions (e.g., prior referrals needed, limits on number of visits, deductibles, out-of-the-area coverage, co-payments, etc.). Keep information about your insurance plan for reference as long as you are on the plan. There may be times you need to call your insurance company for clarification about your coverage before receiving a service.

If you are insured by an insurance plan outside of the Rochester area, check your coverage for care received in the Rochester area. Some insurance plans provide only emergency coverage for out-of-area care and/or require a prior referral from the primary care physician at home. It is your responsibility to know about your health insurance plan and to contact your physician when appropriate.

Deciding which insurance plan to choose can be a difficult decision. As you consider which insurance to purchase -- whether it is for you as an individual student or for you and your family -- you should look carefully at the plan's benefits and restrictions to be sure it provides adequate coverage. A plan that costs less may not be the best plan if the coverage is poor. Insurance plans with a lower cost usually have fewer benefits and more out-of-the-pocket expenses when you use the plan.

When selecting health insurance, read about the plan so you know what to expect. Take particular notice of the following:

Deductibles you need to meet before your insurance pays

Co-Payments

Restrictions/Exclusions in coverage

Specific limits of coverage

Out-of-area coverage

Prior approvals and referrals

Pre-existing conditions and waiting periods

Lifetime or per-occurrence maximums

Cost of the plan

The University Health Services offers two insurance plans for full-time students. Click on the insurance plan below to review the Summary of Benefits for each plan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance for individual students

University High Deductible Plan for students with at least one dependent child.