Skip to main content Skip to main menu

Indiana University
International Student
Insurance Plan

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

International Student Plan: Participation in this plan is mandatory for Indiana University International Students, Intensive English Program Students (IEP & PIE), and Visiting Scholars. This plan is also available to eligible Optional Practice Training (OPT) students.

Professional Student Plan: Participation in this plan is mandatory for graduate students enrolled in the IU School of Medicine (IUSM), IU School of Dentistry (IUSD), IU School of Health and Human Sciences (SHHS), IU School of Optometry (IUSO), and IU Department of Speech/Language Pathology Master’s and Doctor of Audiology programs who are currently taking classes.

The legal spouse and unmarried children under age 26 of the above listed individuals are also eligible for coverage, but the student is responsible for enrolling them in a timely manner and for paying the full cost of their premiums.

Students who are eligible for coverage under IU’s professional, SAA and Fellowship Recipient plans are automatically enrolled in the appropriate plan and notified at the beginning of each semester. International Scholars will be contacted with information on how to enroll when arriving on campus.

Students not belonging to one of the above mentioned groups can elect to enroll in IU’s Voluntary Student Health Insurance Plan during open enrollment at the beginning of each semester. If the deadline date has passed you cannot enroll until the next open enrollment period unless you experience a qualifying life event, such as loss of other insurance.

No. U.S. citizens are not eligible for the IU International Student Plan. Even if you spend most of your time in another country, you are not eligible because you have U.S. citizenship. However, students who are enrolled at IU and are U.S. citizens and are not eligible for any other IU-sponsored health plan, are eligible for the IU Voluntary Student Insurance Plan.

IU cannot recommend other health plans, but we do try to provide information we think might be helpful. See the next question, “If I missed open enrollment, are there other options?”

If I missed open enrollment, are there other options?

If you missed open enrollment for IU’s Voluntary Student Insurance Plan, and need to find coverage, here are a few options to consider:

  1. You may be able to enroll in a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, created under the Affordable Care Act. Visit HealthCare.gov to review your options.
  2. Some states offer coverage for children beyond the age of 26. Students from outside Indiana should verify the age limits on their parent’s plans in their home state to see if they are eligible to continue coverage beyond their 26th birthday. For example, New Jersey allows coverage for certain dependents until age 31.
  3. You or your family members may qualify for state subsidized coverage, such as:
  4. You can purchase private health insurance coverage directly from an insurance company or with the help of an agent or broker. A personal insurance agent may be licensed to sell health insurance and many offer discounts for those that also have auto, renters, or other coverage from the same company. However, tax credits for coverage are only available if you enroll through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

No, coverage cannot be dropped mid-term. Student premiums are negotiated and determined based on a full semester. That said, if you are a graduating student or traveling during the term, you still have full access to your plan coverage through the end of the coverage period, whether you are in or out of the country.

If you are on the Professional Student Plan and have existing health insurance coverage that meets certain criteria you may be eligible to waive enrollment in the IU plan at the beginning of the next semester, prior to the deadline date. Waiver criteria and deadline dates are emailed to students prior to the start of each term and can be found on our website.

Students who are eligible for the Professional Student Plan who have comparable health coverage can waive enrollment for the IU plan at the beginning of the academic year (up until the waiver deadline). When you lose your other coverage due to turning age 26, you can contact studenhc@iu.edu and we will walk you through the process of enrolling in the Professional Student Plan without a gap in coverage.

Eligibility and enrollment questions related to the International Student Health Plan should be directed to the international office on your campus. See campus contact information below.

If you are on the Bloomington campus are also eligible for the Student Academic Appointee (SAA) Plan and Fellowship Recipient Plan, the IUB Office of International Services (OIS) requires you to contact their office to continue enrollment on the International Student Health Plan for the spring term. Even if you have an approved waiver on file for the SAA and Fellowship plan, you still need contact their office to continue enrollment on the International Student Plan.

Note: Your waiver for the SAA and Fellowship Plan is good for the entire academic year, therefore you do not need to submit another one. You just need to notify OIS of your intention to stay on the International Student Plan.

Office of International Services
Bloomington (OIS)
Ferguson International Center
330 N. Eagleson Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: 812-855-9086
Fax: 812-855-4418
General email: ois@iu.edu

Office of International Affairs
Indianapolis (OIA)
902 W. New York St.
Education and Social Work building, Rm. 2126,
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-274-7000
Email: oia@iu.edu

The legal spouse and unmarried children under age 26 of qualified students are eligible for coverage under the IU student health insurance plans.

Eligible students have the option to insure their spouse and unmarried children under age 26 for an additional cost. Coverage is only available to dependents if and when the eligible student is insured under the plan. Dependents must be enrolled by the deadlines posted.

Select your plan from the options below for step-by-step instructions to enroll your dependents.

International Student Plan

  • Go to the International Plan Page.
  • Select "Enrollment Form" from the left-hand menu.
  • Choose your student type.
  • Choose the option that is applicable to you.
  • Enter the requested information and provide a copy of any required documentation.

Professional Student Plan

  • Go to the Professional Plan Page.
  • Select "Dependent Enrollment Form" from the left-hand menu.
  • Enter the requested information and provide a copy of any required documentation.

If you have questions or issues with the enrollment process, contact UHP directly at 833-251-1717.

No, dependents must be enrolled by the semester/term deadline posted. You can only enroll dependents outside of this time period if there has been a significant life change known as an IRS-qualifying life event. Examples of qualifying life events include (but aren’t limited to):

  • Marriage or divorce
  • Birth
  • Loss of other coverage
  • Arrival to the United States

You have 30 days from the date of the qualifying event to make changes to your plan. As long as your enrollment is submitted within this 30-day period, your dependent’s coverage will be backdated and begin on the date of the event. Enrollments submitted more than 30 days after the qualifying event will not be accepted, and you will have to wait until the next coverage period to enroll them.

Dependent premiums cannot be charged to your bursar account. When you enroll them, you will be given the option to pay their premium in full or in monthly installments.

In most situations, your provider will file the claim for you. If this does not happen, you can file claims yourself using the claim forms below. These forms provide full instructions to file and receive reimbursement.

You can view all of your claims online by logging in to Anthem.com or the Sydney Health app. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one using your 10-digit IU student ID number.

There are a few ways to check if a prescription is covered under the plan:

  • You can view the Select Drug List (also known as a formulary).
  • You can call Anthem Member Services at (844) 412-0752.
  • You can view your past prescription claims online by logging in to Anthem.com or the Sydney Health app. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one using your 10-digit IU student ID number.

The Cost Relief Drug Program assists members with sharing the cost of eligible medications.

Only certain medications on the specialty drug list are eligible. Follow the link below to see a list of eligible medications. Plan members can call 877-638-4008 to speak with a Cost Relief representative to answer questions and enroll in the program. Representatives are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

ABS Master Cost Relief Drug List

Maternity services are covered as any other medical condition and are subject to the same deductibles, coinsurance/copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. Review the medical plan summary and booklet on the plan page for details.

No. Pregnancy is not considered an IRS-qualifying life event that would allow you to add them to your plan during the year.

Dependents must be enrolled by the semester/term deadline posted. You can only enroll dependents outside of this time period if there has been a significant life change known as an IRS-qualifying life event, such as birth, loss of other coverage, or arrival to the U.S.

Yes, the IU student health plans cover breast pumps.

Pumps are limited to one per pregnancy and require a prescription from a physician, such as your OB provider. Unfortunately, pediatricians will not write prescriptions for breast pumps, so we encourage you to talk to your OB ahead of delivery for the prescription. Sometimes the OB will not provide one until the baby is born, but it is a good idea to ask them ahead of time how to obtain one from their office.

Breast pumps are considered durable medical equipment, or DME, and need to be purchased through an in-network DME provider with Anthem. This can be the hospital, a local brick and mortar provider, or an approved online provider. Each may offer different pumps, so if you are looking for a specific brand or style, we suggest researching each provider to see what they stock.

You can find local DME providers using Anthem’s online “Find Care” tool by logging in to Anthem.com or the Sydney Health app. Alternatively, you can order through an online provider that is part of Anthem’s network.

As of this writing, in-network online DME providers include:

Even if the provider is listed above, be sure to double check their network status prior to placing your order.

If you are on the Professional Plan, contact an IU student insurance specialist at studenhc@iu.edu.

If you are on the International Plan, contact the international office on your campus.

Office of International Services
Bloomington (OIS)
Ferguson International Center
330 N. Eagleson Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: 812-855-9086
Fax: 812-855-4418
General email: ois@iu.edu

Office of International Affairs
Indianapolis (OIA)
902 W. New York St.
Education and Social Work building, Rm. 2126,
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-274-7000
Email: oia@iu.edu

Anthem does not mail printed ID cards for the IU student health plans unless one is requested.

For 24/7 access to your digital ID card, or to request a printed copy be mailed to you, log in to Anthem.com or the Sydney Health app. Requests for a printed card can also be made by calling Anthem at 844-412-0752.

Prior to requesting a printed card, please make sure to verify your contact details, specifically your address, on file with Anthem. If you need to update this information, contact studenhc@iu.edu.

For 24/7 access to your digital ID card, or to request a printed copy be mailed to you, log in to Anthem.com or the Sydney Health app. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one using your 10-digit IU student ID number. Requests for a printed card can also be made by calling Anthem at 844-412-0752.

Prior to requesting a printed card, please make sure to verify your contact details, specifically your address, on file with Anthem. If you need to update this information, contact studenhc@iu.edu.

You can access your account information and plan details by logging in to Anthem.com or the Sydney Health app. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one using your 10-digit IU student ID number.

The Sydney Health app is Anthem’s free mobile app.

The free app allows you to:

  • View, download, email, or fax your Anthem ID card
  • See all your health coverage benefits
  • Find a doctor and check your costs
  • View your claims
  • Check your health records
  • Visit with a doctor 24/7
  • Access wellness resources
  • Get alerts, reminders and tips
  • Chat to find answers to your questions

If you already have an Anthem.com username and password, you can use those credentials to log in to Sydney Health. If not, you can register using your 10-digit IU student ID number.

Learn more and download the app.

If you’re having issues logging into your Anthem account, call the Anthem Help Desk at (866) 755-2680, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET. They can assist you with resetting your login.

If Anthem is unable to recover your account, contact studenhc@iu.edu or (812) 856-4650 for assistance.

You can disregard these notices if you do not have an SSN or do not wish to put one on file with Anthem.

The IRS requires Anthem to request the SSN of any member who does not have one on file. They are required to make multiple requests until they receive the SSN from the member, or up to a maximum of 3 times, whichever comes first.

Unfortunately, it is not an option to suppress these letters. After 3 letters, you will no longer receive follow-ups unless there is a break in your coverage, and you re-enroll. This would trigger a new set of request letters.

Learn how to find medical, vision, prescription, or dental care while traveling within the United States or internationally by visiting the Student Travel Coverage page.

If you need emergency assistance when you’re 100 miles or more from home, call the local equivalent of ‘911’ or go to the nearest hospital.

As a participant in an IU student health plan, you have access to emergency support services and benefits through Academic Emergency Services (AES) when you are traveling over 100 miles from home or outside your home country. Services available to you include:

  • Emergency Medical Evacuation, Repatriation and Emergency Family Assistance Services
  • Medical, Travel, Safety, and Legal Assistance
  • Security/Political and Natural Disaster Evacuation Coverage
  • Download AES flyer and wallet card

Academic Emergency Services are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Within the U.S. or Canada: 855-873-3555
  • Outside the U.S. or Canada: +1-610-263-4660

How do I find a qualified doctor or medical provider outside the U.S.?

Before Traveling
Download the BCBS Global Core mobile app. You can use the app to search for providers, translate medical terms and phrases, file international claims, and more.

Non-Emergency Care

  • If you’re traveling abroad and need non-emergency medical care, call the BCBS Global Core Service Center 24/7 at +1-804-673-1177 before getting care. They can help you set up a doctor’s visit or hospital stay.
  • Alternatively, you can call Academic Emergency Services at +1-610-263-4660. They can direct you to appropriate medical resources, including referrals to vetted providers and hospitals.

Resources:

You are not required to call, but if you will be traveling for more than one semester, we recommend that you contact Academic Emergency Services to receive valuable pre-trip and extended travel information. Also, remember to take your Academic Emergency Services wallet card with you and call if you need medical advice or assistance.

Many international providers require payment in full at the time of service. In this situation you will need to pay the provider out-of-pocket, then file a claim afterwards with Anthem. If you need to do this, make sure you get an itemized receipt from the provider that lists all the services you received and the charges for each. If you do not have the funds to pay, AES can help you make financial arrangements with the provider. The source of the funds is your responsibility.

Yes. If you are traveling alone and it seems likely that you will be hospitalized for more than three days, AES will transport a family member or friend to your location.

Academic Emergency Services will help you with any medical situation if you are 100 miles or more from your campus address—this can mean a weekend trip or an overseas vacation. If you become ill or have an accident while traveling, call AES 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for assistance and advice.

Unfortunately, most out of state HMO/Medicaid plans do not meet Indiana University’s comparable coverage requirements. This is because these plans do not provide non-emergency coverage outside of that state’s borders. If your HMO plan has a rider (an insurance policy provision that adds additional coverage to meet the needs of the policyholder) that provides coverage for providers near your IU campus, you can submit proof of coverage for review along with the other documentation requirements.

Waivers for the fall semester can be submitted online prior to the waiver deadline. Late waivers will not be accepted. Have your current health insurance ID card and your IU student ID on hand, then follow these instructions.

  1. Go to the Professional Student Insurance Plan Page.
  2. On the left-hand side of the page, select Waiver Form.
  3. Enter your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY) and your 10-digit IU student ID number.
  4. Complete the form and enter your insurance information.

If your waiver is approved, it will be effective for one academic year only. A new waiver must be completed each fall at the start of the new academic year. If you’re unable to access the waiver, it may be closed or you may not be currently eligible to complete the waiver.

If you already have a waiver for the fall semester, it will carry over to spring. If you missed the fall waiver deadline or are a new student and need to waive student insurance enrollment for the spring semester, follow the instructions below prior to the spring semester waiver deadline. Late waivers will not be accepted.

  1. Verify that your plan meets the minimum essential requirements listed on the student insurance website.
  2. Contact studenhc@iu.edu to request a waiver form for the spring semester. Waivers will not be available prior to December.
  3. Complete and return the form to studenhc@iu.edu along with copies of your plan’s summary of benefits, your insurance card, and documentation of current coverage.

We will evaluate the plan and let you know if it can be accepted for a waiver. If your waiver is approved, it will be effective for the spring semester only. A new waiver must be requested each fall at the start of the new academic year.

You should receive an email update on the status of your waiver within 3 business days of submission. If approved, it can take up to 10 business days to post to your bursar account. If the charge has not been removed after that time period, please email us at studenhc@iu.edu.

Student & Scholar Health Plan

Additional Information