Program Details & Eligibility
Students have 45 days from the end of the month in which they are last registered for classes to enroll in this program. For example, a student who graduates in May (i.e., last registered for courses in May) has until July 15 to enroll in "departing student" coverage through MyUI. This coverage will take effect retroactively to the first day of the month following the last day of classes (effective June 1, in this example).
If you wish to utilize this option, you must complete the enrollment form in MyUI within 45 days of graduation or leaving the university.
How long can a student participate in Departing Student Insurance?
Eligible former students can utilize this coverage up to 12 months following graduation or leaving the University. A student may only enroll within the Departing Student program for a maximum of one coverage period only. Therefore, it is not possible to enroll in continuation more than once.
Who is eligible?
- Undergrad, graduate, health science, and international students who graduate, or
- Students who are leaving the University of Iowa mid-semester may be eligible.
- An employed graduate student who has an assistantship/fellowship but is not enrolled in UI insurance as part of that appointment may be eligible for departing student insurance.
Who is NOT eligible?
- Employed grad students with an assistantship/fellowship who are currently enrolled in UI insurance as part of that appointment at the time of their departure do NOT enroll in Departing Student Insurance. Employees currently covered by employee-cost insurance must extend insurance through COBRA, like any other former employee.
- Non-degree-seeking students or not enrolled in 5+ credit hours (i.e., non-traditional students)
Students may choose from the same health and dental insurance options they had as a current student, UIGRADCare (if they were a Graduate or Health Science student), SHIP, and student dental insurance. The plans provide the same benefits, coverage, and premium costs a currently enrolled student would receive and pay.
Plans Available
SHIP
The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, which provides coverage for preventive care, hospitalization, surgery, maternity, well-baby/well-child care, emergency care for accidents or illness, medically necessary physician care, prescription drugs, and mental health.
Providers: You may see any provider you wish.
UIGRADCare
(Grad or health science students only) A comprehensive health care program that covers hospital, medical, surgical, outpatient, and other health care services such as physical therapy and preventative services such as routine physicals, well-child checkups, and prescription drugs.
Student Dental Plan
All students may receive coverage through the Student Dental Plan, a 3 tier provider network within Delta Dental of Iowa. Covered services include checkups, teeth cleaning, cavity repair and tooth extractions, endodontic services, periodontal services, and more.
Providers: Care can be obtained from any provider.
Enrollment
You will enroll in the plan(s) you wish to continue (within 45 days of your leaving) by completing the standard enrollment form online in MyUI. Visit the Departing Student Enrollment page for more guidance.
Departing Student coverage will begin the first day of the month following your departure from the university.
You will not receive a new id card if you remain in the same plan(s) you were in before you departed from the university. However, if you are a graduate student or health science major and you switch from one medical plan to the other, you will be sent a new insurance id card from Wellmark due to a new policy number. To avoid delays, please ensure your residing address is up-to-date in MyUI.
Have a Question?
ABOUT OUR SITE:
The information presented on our website describes only the highlights of the plans and does not constitute official plan documents. Additional terms and conditions may apply. If there are any discrepancies between the information contained herein and the official plan documents, the plan documents will govern. For more detailed information you may contact Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield at toll-free number 800-524-9242 (TTY: 888-781-4262), Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time). For more efficient service, please have your member ID number handy - it can be found on the front of your card.