If you already have health insurance (personal or family), please review your policy to be sure that you are covered while at West Virginia University, and at what age that coverage will terminate. Be familiar with the type of plan, if you are required to obtain a referral from your established PCP (Primary Care Provider), and have a copy of your insurance card in your wallet.

The insurance that West Virginia University offers to students and visiting scholars and professors is through United Health Care. In order to be eligible for the insurance the student needs to be taking 3 or more credit hours. Eligible dependents of those enrolled in the plan may participate in the plan also.

This is a basic plan, not a major medical plan. The plan covers up to $100,000.00 per illness or injury. There is a $250.00 deductible per insured per year (August 12, 2008 to August 11, 2009). As of August 12, 2006 medications are covered up to 80% of usual and customary costs after the deductible per illness or injury. The deductible does not apply to prescriptions and there is no maximum.  For brand name medications the patient pays $40.00 or less and for generic medications the patient pays $20.00 or less. The student is required to be seen at WVU Student Health Service first where treatment will be administered, or referral issued. The deductible will be waived if seen at SHS. Expenses incurred for medical treatment rendered outside of the Student Health Service for which no prior approval or referral is obtained are excluded from coverage. Student Health Service must update the referral at the beginning of each policy year. If seen in the emergency room and referred to another clinic outside the Student Health Service, the Health Service needs to be contacted to obtain a referral to the outside clinic before the patient is seen in the referred clinic. A referral for outside care is not necessary under the following conditions:

1. Medical Emergency. The student must return to SHS for necessary follow-up care;
2. When the Student Health Service is closed;
3. When service is rendered at another facility during break or vacation periods;
4. Medical care received when the student is more than 20 miles from campus;
5. Medical care obtained when a student is no longer able to use Student Health due to change in student status;
6. Maternity;
7. Psychotherapy.

Dependents are not eligible to use the SHS, therefore, are exempt from the above limitations and requirements.

Preferred Providers are West Virginia University Hospital, Chestnut Ridge Hospital, University Health Associates and LabCorp. Benefits will be paid for preferred providers at 80% of the Usual and Customary fee after the $250.00 deductible is met. Inpatient services will be paid at 100% of the preferred provider allowance.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered until insured is on the plan for 12 continuous months. A pre-existing condition means a physical or mental condition, regardless of the cause, for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within the six-month period prior to the insured's effective date under this policy. Pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition.

The cost for the insurance (8-12-2008 to 8-11-2009) is:

Annual Coverage Student $780.00
Spouse $3,727.00
Each Child $1,312.00

Semi-Annual Student $406.00
Spouse $1,901.00
Each Child $ 669.00

To purchase the policy a brochure and application can be picked up at Student Health Service or at the Mountainlair Information Desk and premium mailed to the insurance company, or this insurance can be purchased on the web at www.uhcsr.com. Visit this web site for information on dental and vision plans that may be available for an additional cost.