Health Insurance Information For International Students
It is mandatory for all international students (F/J visa) to maintain adequate health insurance coverage throughout their studies at California State University, Sacramento. International students are required to present detailed proof of health insurance coverage when they arrive on campus. All non CSU health insurance policies will be carefully reviewed by Office of Global Education Staff and must meet minimal institutional requirements.
I. California State University Health Insurance for International Students
International students are strongly encouraged to purchase the CSU International Student Health Insurance policy which greatly exceeds the minimum requirements for health insurance coverage. The CSU International Student Health Insurance policy is administered by Wells Fargo of California Insurance Services, Inc. and uses Anthem Blue Cross as the insurance provider. Anthem Blue Cross is universally accepted by US doctors and their provider network of physicians is extensive. To preview the full details of this policy, please view the online brochure at www.csuhealthlink.com (select Sacramento State University as the school and the policy is the “Sac State International” plan).
To purchase the CSU International Student Health Insurance policy:
- In person: You may purchase this policy after you arrive on campus from the ASI Business Office located on the 3 rd floor of the University Union.
- Online: You may also purchase this policy online at www.csuhealthlink.com.
Temporary/Short Term Travel Insurance:
The university health insurance policy for international students will be in effect beginning August 15 (fall) or January 22 (spring). We recommend that you acquire a short-term travel insurance policy in your country before your trip to the US to cover you while traveling to the US and for any time prior to the insurance policy start date.
II. All Other Insurance Policies
We have noticed that in recent years many overseas international student health insurance / travel insurance policies have been reducing their medical coverage benefits and increasing their list of excludable medical treatment options in order to keep costs low.
If you are considering purchasing a policy other than the CSU International Student Health Insurance policy, then the policy must be pre-approved by a Global Education Advisor to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements for coverage. Pre-approval should be sought BEFORE you purchase any policy other than the CSU International Student Health Insurance. In addition, please do not accept recommendations from other students who have matriculated in previous semesters as policies which may have been approved for a previous semester may not still be accepted.
Final approval for all insurance policies other than the one offered by the campus will be given after your arrival when you bring your written proof of purchase including full coverage details and effective dates of coverage. The health insurance registration hold will be removed when you present the written proof of purchase during your first visit to our office.
For a list of MINIMUM insurance requirements, please turn over. A Comparison of Minimum Insurance Requirements & CSU International Student Health Insurance Policy Coverage
| Category | Minimum Requirements | CSU Int’l Student Health Insurance Offers |
|---|---|---|
| US Coverage: | Insurance must be valid in the US | Blue Cross is Insurance Provider – well known provider with widespread coverage throughout California and US. |
| Medical Benefits: | At least $50,000 medical benefits coverage for each accident / illness | $250,000 medical benefits coverage per condition |
| Deductible: | Maximum deductible of $500 per year | $100 deductible per year |
| Co-insurance / Co-pay: | Minimum 90% co-insurance; Student must pay no more than 10% |
100% coverage within extensive provider network of doctors |
| Medical Evacuation: | Medical Evacuation coverage | Medical Evacuation / Repatriation coverage provided by Scholastic Emergency Services Inc. |
| Repatriation: | Medical Repatriation or Repatriation of remains coverage | Repatriation of remains coverage provided by Scholastic Emergency Services Inc. |
| Daily limits: | No daily capped benefits (ie. limits on daily hospital expenses) | No daily capped benefits |
| Exclusions: | Insurance cannot exclude major illnesses (ie. cancer) or conditions. Pregnancy coverage strongly recommended. |
Full insurance coverage does not exclude major illnesses or conditions (although some limitations apply) . |
| Includes full coverage for pregnancy and maternity care. | ||
| Other Benefits: | Varies by policy | 24 Hour Nurse Advice Hotline |
| Easy Access to Insurance provider for any questions about claims or coverage | ||
| Doctors / Hospitals able to bill insurance directly, instead of requiring students to make doctor / hospital payments, then file a claim and wait for a refund | ||
| Easy Access to Blue Cross for assistance in finding off campus, in network doctors when necessary | ||
| Member discounts through the Healthy Extensions program |
Note: This table does not represent a comprehensive review of insurance benefits. Please refer to www.csuhealthlink.com for full details of the CSU International Student Health Insurance.
