Health Insurance

Health insurance costs in the United States are very high and it is important that all visitors to the US have adequate health insurance coverage during their stay here. As a result, all F-1 and J visa holders are required to maintain health insurance during their studies at GGU. Please take some time to review the information provided on our website. Taking care of your health is an important part of your academic success, so please do not hesitate to contact the IAA office with questions or concerns relating to health insurance.

Golden Gate University's health insurance carrier is Nationwide Life Insurance Company. The plan is administered by:

Compass Administrators
9200 Keystone Crossing
Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46240

Phone: 800-683-1468 (toll free telephone number)
Fax: 317-575-2659 (fax)

All F-1 and J status students are required by GGU to maintain health insurance coverage. Students must submit proof of health insurance coverage before registering for courses. You may fulfill your health insurance coverage requirement by enrolling in GGU's health insurance plan or by submitting an acceptable Health Insurance Waiver Form. Health Insurance coverage for the 2008-2009 academic year is as follows:

	Insurance for School of Business
Term	Dates of Coverage	Student Premium
Fall I Term	9/1/2008 to 12/31/2008	$333
Fall II Term	8/1/2008 to 12/31/2008	$411
Spring Term	1/1/2009 to 5/31/2009	$411
Summer I (for students new to GGU)	5/1/2009 to 8/31/2009	$333
Summer II (for continuing students)	6/1/2009 to 8/31/2009	$255
Summer III	8/1/2009 to 8/31/2009	$89
Annual I	9/1/2008 to 8/31/2009	$997

	Insurance for Law School
Term	Dates of Coverage	Student Premium
Fall II Term	8/1/2008 to 12/31/2008	$411
Spring Term	1/1/2009 to 5/31/2009	$411
Summer I (for continuing students)	5/1/2009 to 7/31/2009	$255
Summer II (for students new to GGU)	6/1/2009 to 7/31/2009	$178
Summer III	8/1/2009 to 8/31/2009	$89
Annual II	8/1/2008 to 7/31/2009	$997

Please note that health insurance fees are subject to change from year to year.

Enrolling in GGU's health insurance has been made easier through a new online enrollment form. To enroll please follow the steps below.

1. Visit Compass Benefit at: Enroll Now
2. Review the Plan Outline. Become familiar with the plan provisions and if possible, refer to it before obtaining health care. While the program provides excellent coverage, there are limitations and exclusions with which you should become familiar.
3. After reviewing the Plan Outline click on the your browser's "back" button to navigate back to the main page.
4. Select the appropriate plan. Select the ONLINE ENROLLMENT option on the main page. Select the plan that you wish to enroll in, and then select the "Get Quote" button. You will be asked to provide basic biographical information including: Name, Birth Date, GGU Student ID# and Address.
5. Pay for the health insurance. Provide your credit card information, read and then agree to the Payment Disclaimer and hit the "Purchase" button.
6. Print out a temporary insurance card. You will also receive an email confirming your enrollment. Compass Benefit Health Insurance will send International Admissions and Advising Services an email informing us of your enrollment.

If you have questions about enrolling online, please call 415-442-7290 or email iss@ggu.edu

Students who do not have a credit card or who do not wish to enroll online, may submit a paper enrollment form at the IAA office. Students who enroll with a paper form, may submit payment with a credit card, a personal check or money order.

F-1 and J status students may purchase GGU's health insurance policy while they participate in optional practical training (OPT) or when they take a vacation term. It is highly recommended that students engaged in optional practical training or on vacation purchase health insurance during the regular registration period in order to keep their coverage continuous.

This insurance program provides a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) option. If you use a doctor or hospital that is a PPO in the Hygeia network, a higher percentage of your claim will be paid. If you choose to use a doctor or hospital that is not part of the Hygeia network, a lower percentage of your claim will be paid. To lower your total out-of-pocket expenses, we recommend you chose a doctor inside the Hygeia network.

A list of doctors and hospitals that are in the Hygeia network can be obtained from IAA, by calling 1-800-683-1427 or on the Compass Benefit website: Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).

Printed brochures explaining the policy's coverage exclusions and limitations are available at International Admissions and Advising Services.

GGU's plan has an annual deductible of $150. This means that you are responsible for covering the first $150 of medical expenses you incur during a policy year. The policy year follows the academic calendar from fall 2008 through summer 2009. If you select a PPO doctor or hospital, your covered medical expenses will be paid up to 80%. If you select a non-PPO doctor, your medical expenses will be payable up to 60%. Any balance due of medical expenses is your responsibility.

You should forward a claim form within 90 days of injury or first date of sickness and include all necessary information, bills, and statements to:

Seven Corners, Inc.
303 Congressional Boulevard
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 1-800-683-1427

Each time that you receive treatment, you will need to submit a claim form to Seven Corners, Inc. along with itemized medical and pharmaceutical bills. If you need to obtain a claim form or if you need assistance in completing it, please visit International Admissions and Advising Services on the first floor. You can download a claim form at: 2008-2009 Gereric Claim Form .pdf

If your forms are not correctly completed, your claim will be delayed. It is important that you complete EACH blank, sign the form, and attach all bills or receipts. Whenever possible, please make copies of all documents you send to Seven Corners, Inc. This will provide you with back-up documents in case of misunderstandings or loss of documents by doctors, hospitals or claims administrators.

If you already have comparable health insurance coverage, you may apply for a waiver of GGU's international health insurance plan. Your health insurance plan must provide the following coverage:

1. The policy has an annual deductible not to exceed $150 per year. Policies with "per incident" deductibles cannot be approved for a health insurance waiver.
2. The policy covers at least $150,000 per injury or sickness.
3. Benefits are payable at least 80% when treated by an in network provider.
4. An out of pocket maximum for most medical conditions of no greater than $1,000.
5. The plan may not contain specific limitations for the treatment of medical conditions relative to standard hospital or outpatient care. Examples include hospital room & board, x-ray & lab, and surgery.
6. The policy must be written in English and the policy coverage must be stated in US dollars.

In order to be considered for a waiver, you will need to submit the following information:

1. The Health Insurance Waiver Form completed by your health insurance provider.
2. The Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Benefit Information (page three of the waiver packet).

Download 2008-2009 Int'l Health Insurance Waiver Request Form.pdf
Please bring the completed forms to International Admissions and Advising Services. We will review your waiver at the time you submit it, so that your registration hold can be lifted.

International Admissions and Advising Services encourages students to contact our office if they have any questions or problems relating to health insurance including selecting a doctor, policy limitations and coverage, claim forms etc.

You can visit the office or contact us as follows:

Phone: 415-442-7290
Fax: 415-442-7807
E-mail: iss@ggu.edu

Most problems that occur are a result of misunderstanding or miscommunication and generally can be resolved with the assistance of International Admissions and Advising Services. If you have any problems try to exercise patience and please contact us for assistance.

As an Exchange Visitor in the United States, under a rule effective September 1, 1994, you must carry health insurance for yourself and your J-2 dependents for the full duration of your J program. Government regulations stipulate that if, after that date, you willfully fail to carry health insurance for yourself and your dependents, your J-1 sponsor must terminate your program, and report the termination to the United States Department of State in Washington, DC.

Specific J-1 Deductible & Coverage Requirements:

• Deductible limited to $500 (or less) per accident or illness
• Insurance company must pay at least 75% of covered medical expenses
• Insurance must cover injuries resulting from participation in an activity that is a part of your Exchange Visitor Program

Specific J-1 Insurance Policy Requirements:

• The policy must provide "medical benefits of at least $50,000 for each accident or illness," according to the text of the regulation.
• If you should die in the US, the policy must provide at least $7,500 in benefits to send your remains to your home country for burial.
• If, because of a serious illness or injury, you must be sent home on the advice of a doctor, the policy must pay up to $10,000 for the expenses of your travel.
• The policy may establish a waiting period before it covers pre-existing conditions
• The policy must be backed by the full faith and credit of your home country government or the company providing the insurance must meet minimum rating requirements established by the Department of State (formerly USIA) (an A.M Best rating of "A-" or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-i" or above, a Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of "A-" or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above).

Golden Gate University's international student health insurance plan, administered by Compass Benefits meets or exceeds the J-1 requirements.

Provider	Contact Information
Underwriter	Nationwide Life Insurance Company
Claims Administrator	Seven Corners, Inc. 303 Congressional Boulevard Carmel, IN 46240 800-683-1427 (toll free)
Preferred Provider	Hygeia 800-683-1427 (toll free) www.compassbenefit.com/ggu