Student Health Insurance Requirement

Policy Statement

The following students are required to have proof of health insurance coverage.

  • All graduate students receiving qualified graduate assistantship
  • All undergraduate/graduate international students holding F or J visas.
  • All undergraduate/graduate students enrolled in programs that require proof of health insurance.
  • All graduate students receiving fellowships that fully fund their tuition.
  • International Scholars
  • All health sciences students
  • All students who participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Students in these categories who are not covered by a health insurance policy held by a parent, spouse, company or organization on the approved waiver list or if the policy does not meet the minimum standards established by the University System of Georgia (USG) are required to purchase the USG Student Health Insurance Plan.

Affected stakeholders

All entities and persons within the Enterprise that are affected by this policy:
Graduate Students, Health Professional Students, Undergraduate Students

Policy Owner

Dean, Student Life

Definitions

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Process & procedures

All students that are required to provide proof of insurance coverage are charged a student health insurance premium for each semester. If a student already has health insurance that meets the USG requirements, the student must complete a waiver application during open enrollment/waiver period. The student will be notified immediately if a waiver is approved. A credit for the premium is then posted on the student’s POUNCE account up to seven (7) business days after the waiver is approved.

If a waiver application is denied, an appeal can be filed by contacting Student Health Services. Documentation will be requested regarding the personal insurance policy. Documentation could be but is not limited to an insurance card, a certificate of insurance, a letter from the insurance company, and the entire insurance policy that outlines coverage. If the documentation meets the USG requirements, the waiver will be approved and a credit for the premium will be posted on the student’s account.

All students who fail to submit creditable health insurance information will automatically be enrolled in the student health insurance plan. Deadlines and other important dates for submitting a waiver are listed on the Student Health Center website. The waiver period at AU, which varies by semester, is strictly enforced.

If a student provides false information concerning insurance coverage or fails to maintain insurance coverage as required for continued enrollment, a student may be subject to disciplinary action, including potential dismissal from Augusta University. In the event that the student is not insured, the student will be charged the semester premium on the student account.

Voluntary enrollment in the plan is available for students, spouses and dependents. However, the following are not eligible to treatment at AU Student Health Services:

  • Spouses or dependents of AU enrolled students;
  • Spouses or dependents of Visiting Scholars;
  • Spouses or dependents of dental residents.

References & supporting documents

Student Health Center Website (hosts insurance plans available for purchase) http://www.augusta.edu/shs/

University System of Georgia Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) http://www.usg.edu/student_affairs/students/student_health_insurance_program_SHIP

 

Related policies

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Approved by

President, Augusta University and CEO Date: May 30, 2017
Last Revision: March 31, 2017 Last Review: May 30, 2017

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