Health Insurance FAQs
Why do I have to buy insurance?
All F-1 and J-1 students at Loyola University New Orleans are required to have health insurance coverage. This requirement is for your safety, should you become ill or have an accident and need to seek medical attention. Since health coverage 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 by the deadline set by the Center for International Education (CIE). After this date, no policies will be accepted and you will have to pay the insurance charge on your student bill.
I have my own health insurance. How do I get the school’s insurance charge removed from my bill?
If you would like to waive the insurance fee, you must fill out the International Health Insurance Waiver Petition Form and ask your insurance company to complete it. It is your responsibility to get this information from your insurance company and submit it to the CIE office by the stated deadline. This office will not call insurance companies to verify your coverage.
What is the deadline to submit an insurance waiver petition form?
- Fall 2008—Monday, September 15, 2008
What does my insurance have to cover to be accepted by CIE?
You can only be waived from purchasing the university insurance policy if you can show proof of a policy that meets all of the following criteria. (Please read the International Health Insurance Waiver Petition for a complete list of the policy requirements).
- has a U.S. contact number
- Covers repatriation and medical evacuation to your home country
- Covers a minimum of $250, 000.00 (U.S.) per injury or sickness
- Deductible does not exceed $1,000.00 (U.S.)
IMPORTANT: Your insurance policy will be accepted ONLY if it is turned in by September 17, 2007 and if all coverage requirements are satisfied. If these conditions are not met, you will be responsible for the insurance charge on your student bill. Please request coverage verifcation from your insurance company as soon as possible since it may take several weeks for them to complete the form and return it to the CIE office.
What if my insurance meets all the requirements but the repatriation and medical evacuation?
In the event that your insurance policy provides all required benefits except medical evacuation and/or repatriation coverage, CIE will remove the insurance charge provided that you purchase a supplemental insurance policy that covers those benefits. Two companies from which you can choose are International SOS at www.internationalsos.com/visitorusa or The Harbour Group, LLC at www.hginsurance.com. These plans are $60-70 for 12 months of coverage. In order to have the insurance charge removed, the student must submit a paid enrollment form to CIE by the insurance deadline.
Can I bring my insurance information to another office on campus to get the fee removed from my bill?
NO. CIE is the only office that can remove the insurance charge from your student bill.
If CIE accepts my insurance this year do I need to show proof of coverage next year?
YES. You must show proof of health insurance coveage at the beginning of every school year. You must submit an International Health Insurance Waiver Petition Form by the stated deadline and your policy must meet all coverage requirements in order for the insurance charge to be removed. There are students whose policies are accepted one year, but because of changes in benefits do not get the insurance fee waived in subsequent years.
I want to purchase the school's insurance. What do I need to do?
Nothing. The health insurance charge will appear on your first student bill each academic year. CIE will forward your information to the insurance company. If you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital before you receive your card, visit CIE and we will give you a temporary insurance card that you can use.
What does the school’s insurance policy cover?
This coveage is an accident and sickness policy. It does not cover routine check-ups, preventative care or annual dental or eye exams. For a complete list of coverage benefits, refer to the insurance brochure and the FAQs on Loyola Health Insurance Coverage. You can also contact The Lewer Agency, Inc. directly at 1-800-821-7710 .
How much does the insurance cost?
The current rate for one year with a coverage period of August 15, 2007-August 15, 2008 is $1104.00.
If you have any questions please call the Center for International Education at (504) 864-7550 or by email at cie@loyno.edu.