Health Care and Medical Insurance
All international students at Loyola University New Orleans are required to have health insurance. This requirement is for your safety, should you become ill or need to seek medical attention.
Using The Loyola Insurance
Loyola's international student insurance policy covers you if you get sick or have an accident. It is a copay insurance plan that works with a specific network of doctors. The insurance will not cover most routine checkups, preventative care, or annual dental or eye exams or medical care in your home country. Remember that the insurance company will charge an additional deductible for a hospital emergency room visit unless the reason for going is an injury or a major illness requiring an overnight hospital stay.
For a complete list of coverage benefits, refer to the LewerMark policy information brochure. You can also contact the plan administrator, LewerMark, at 800-821-7710. The insurance company has negotiated fees with providers within a "network." Services performed by in-network members will be covered at 100% of the allowable charges.
It is very important that you go to a doctor or hospital in the network. If you use doctors and hospitals which are not part of the network, your insurance policy will only pay 80% of the allowable charges. Providers who are not in-network may also charge fees that are higher than the insurance company's negotiated fees, so you will spend much more if you see an out-of-network provider.
CoPays and Filing a Claim Form
A Copay is a small out of pocket expense that you must pay the doctor or hospital for each visit. If you need to go to the doctor, you must pay a $25 copay per office visit. Hospital and emergency room visits require a $100 copay per visit. Example: The doctor bill totals $200. You must pay the first $25 to the doctor. The plan will then pay the remaining covered expenses of $175.
The service provider should automatically file a claim on your behalf with the insurance company. However, you must file a claim form to claim reimbursment from the insurance company for prescription drug coverage. A link to the claim form is listed below under "Quick Health Links" or on LewerMark's website www.lewermark.com
Accident and Sickness Procedures
In the event of injury or sickness, you should see the nurse or doctor at the Student Health Center if possible. There is no copay charge at the Health Center. Otherwise, refer to your insurance card for instructions on finding a doctor or hospital in the network. A complete listing of in-network providers can be found by accessing LewerMark's website: www.lewermark.com and clicking on "International." On the left side of the page, select "Find a Doctor or Pharmacy." Click on Great-West Healthcare's web link at https://www.geoaccess.com/greatwest/PO/begin.asp. During the search process, when selecting a network be sure to select "open access."
If you are admitted to the hospital, you will be asked to furnish all insurance information. You should present your insurance ID card at this time. Some doctors will take your insurance information and then bill the insurance company. Other doctors will require that you pay upfront. You would then get a reimbursement from the insurance company. You may have to pay your copay upon being seen, or the doctor may bill you later. Obtain itemized hospital and medical bills showing the amount you have paid the doctor.
The policy covers 100% (80% at an out of network hospital) of prescriptions if you are admitted into a hospital and require prescription drugs during your stay. 50% of prescriptions costs are covered when purchased at a retail pharmacy. you must pay for prescriptions in advance and then file a claim form for reimbursement from the insurance company.
Exclusions and Limitations
See Insurance Information Sheet for a complete list of exclusions.
Waiver of Coverage
Since health insurance is mandatory, you will be charged an insurance fee and covered under a policy obtained by Loyola on your behalf, unless you submit proof of comparable personal coverage. This health insurance charge will appear on your first student bill. If you wish to waive coverage under Loyola’s accident/sickness policy, your insurance company representative must complete the International Health Insurance Waiver Petition. This form or a letter from your insurance company addressing all of the policy requirements must be submitted to the CIE office by the following deadline:
Fall 2008 --Monday, September 15, 2008
After this date, CIE will not accept any policies and you will have to pay the insurance charge on your student bill. You should contact your insurance company before you arrive at Loyola and well before the deadline since it may take several days for them to complete the waiver petition. Remember: you will have to submit proof of comparable insurance coverage every academic year. This office will assist you with filing claims and will answer any questions you have about the Loyola health insurance coverage.
Quick Health Links