Health Insurance Overview
This page provides a general overview of health insurance in the United States. Students with questions about the Student Health Insurance plan should refer to the Student Health Insurance website (si.illinois.edu).
Student Health Insurance Plan
Registered students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance plan. Students are encouraged to visit the Student Health Insurance website for information about coverage dates, benefits, enrollment/change dates, and opting out. You may also elect to enroll any accompanying dependents under the Student Health Insurance plan, if you are covered.
Important note:The University of Illinois Board of Trustees requires all students to have health insurance in order to offset the potential costs of health care. In order to successfully opt out of the Student Health Insurance plan, students must provide proof of being actively enrolled in a comparable plan. Comparable plans must be a U.S.-based plan with a U.S. phone number; must be compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA); must have coverage that is effective on or before the first day of the student health insurance policy and extends through the remainder of the academic year; and must provide access to in-network emergent and non-emergent care within a 50-mile radius of the campus.
Non-University Health Insurance Plans
If you are not a current student or decide to purchase another health insurance plan, you should look for a plan that is both affordable and meets your needs. Cost is just one consideration. You should also understand the features of each plan. Ask questions like:
- Which treatments are covered, and what is excluded?
- How much must you pay towards a deductible or copayment?
- Will the insurance pay for any medical conditions that existed at the time that you purchased the insurance?
- Is it important that you have access to specialists?
- Is there a wide selection of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals or clinics affiliated with the insurance?
- Is there a maximum amount that the insurance will pay for each problem annually or over the lifetime of your coverage?
To select the best insurance, you must consider your situation and that of any dependents. For instance, if you suffer from a chronic health condition, you should avoid purchasing insurance that exempts pre-existing conditions and determine if there is a specialist in the network who can provide treatment. Some insurance plans have very low premiums, but have high deductibles, copayments, out-of-pocket maximums, and many exemptions.
Understanding Health Insurance Terminology
It is helpful to understand some common health insurance terminology. It is vital that you read your health insurance policy carefully to understand how your health insurance company defines its terms. Please refer to the Student Health Insurance website’s glossary for common insurance policy terminology.
Filing a Claim
Read your insurance brochure to find out how and when claims for benefits should be filed with the insurance company. Also ask your health care provider or hospital if they will file the claim on your behalf. If not, will they require payment for services immediately or wait for your insurance to first pay the portion of your bill as provided under your plan? Be prepared to show your insurance card to your provider at the time of service. Keep copies of all bills and papers related to claims for at least one year.
Using Health Insurance Wisely
It is always important to use your health insurance wisely. Use the hospital emergency room (ER) only in the case of a life-threatening emergency. Stay healthy. Eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest, exercise, and have an annual physical examination. Take the time to read your insurance policy carefully before you need to use it. Your insurance company may refuse payment if you receive treatment for an excludable condition, or if you do not follow insurance protocol for treatment. Ask your health care provider for a cost estimate for any treatment you might receive, especially prior to surgery or hospitalization. Then consult with your insurance company about the coverage you might expect. By taking these measures, you can keep your health care costs down.
If you are a student, you should use the McKinley Health Center and the Counseling Center whenever you can. The Health Service Fee that you pay along with your tuition bill covers most services, and you usually do not make any additional payment. Call McKinley's Dial-A-Nurse at 217-333-2700 any time, day or night, if you are not certain whether you should go to the ER or wait to see a doctor the next day.