Insurance
A message about insurance
Health Insurance is required for all Fall 2009 Incoming Students (see Mandatory Health Insurance). We strongly recommend that all patients have health insurance to help defray the cost of their health care.
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Mandatory Health Insurance for Incoming Fall 2009 Students
Beginning fall 2009, health insurance will be mandatory for all newly admitted freshmen and
transfer students registered for 6 or more credits (Graduate students are not required to complete a waiver). All newly-admitted students must complete an on-line waiver at http://www.srstudentcenter.com
to indicate whether they either:
1) have insurance (i.e. through parent plans, family plans, or employer-sponsored plans) and wish to waive the
requirement
2) wish to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) available through the University of Maryland at http://www.firststudent.com
If a waiver is chosen, the website will require the student’s name, date of birth, University ID#, e-mail, name
of insurance company and insurance policy number. The health insurance policy must be in effect prior to August 15, 2009.
E-mail messages will automatically be generated to inform the student of his/her waiver status upon submission of the
waiver request.
If a student has not waived out of the University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) by July 31st, 2009, he/she
will automatically be enrolled in SHIP for the 2009-2010 academic year and the cost will be billed to his/her student
bursar account. The premium is approximately $1,200 to be billed in two installments ($593 in August and $593 in
January). Students who submit the waiver by the deadline will not be charged the University’s SHIP fee.
Individuals with high deductible plans or plans with poor coverage outside of their local community may purchase
SHIP for additional assistance with health care costs.
Individuals should consider purchasing SHIP if their plan does not provide adequate coverage for the following:
1. Physician and hospital care 365 days per year in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
3. Prescription medication and medical devices or supplies
4. At least $100,000 annually per accident or illness per year and annual deductible should not exceed $500
5. Pregnancy (for female students)
6. A minimum of 80% coverage of professional and hospitalization fees
7. Students enrolled less than full-time
8. Hazards inherent to the student’s program of study
International students’ health insurance policies must be made available in English or from a US owned company headquartered and operating in the US. The policy must also provide adequate coverage of mandatory requirements of
J-1 Visa holders.
For frequently asked questions or concerns regarding mandatory health insurance, please visit the University
Health Center website www.health.umd.edu, email health@umd.edu, or call the University Health Center Business
Office, 301.314.8165.
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What is the Student Health Insurance Plan?
The University of Maryland sponsored health insurance plan is provided by
UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company.
The plan provides coverage for accidents and illnesses on and off campus. Students may sign up for
UnitedHealthcare during the open enrollment periods at the beginning of each term or within 30 days of
being removed from another policy. Complete policy information about UnitedHealthcare Student Health
Insurance Plan can be found at www.firststudent.com. If you
have questions about insurance, contact the Business Office at 301-314-8165.
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Do you accept my health insurance?
No. We are not a participating provider with any insurance company other than UnitedHealthcare
student health insurance plan. Patients are directly responsible for payment of fees that are incurred. Upon signing a release form, patients
can receive a statement form from our insurance office to submit to insurance companies for reimbursement. We do not bill insurance companies
except for the sponsored plan. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance companies to see what services might be covered.
Patients that have Blue Cross /Blue Shield Insurance are encouraged to visit their insurance company's website to obtain a claim form.
Please note: The Pharmacy is a participating member of most prescription card insurance plans.
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