Health Insurance for Students

Students who are degree-seeking and registered for 5 or more credit hours each semester are eligible to enroll in the University of Iowa health insurance options. This applies to undergraduate students only.

All undergraduate, international, and health science students must have medical insurance.

UIGRADCare Plan

Graduate students and their eligible dependents can enroll in UIGRADCare, a comprehensive health care program managed by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. This plan provides coverage through the UI Health Care network and Student Health services.

Coverage Manual and Plan Documents

The coverage manual explains the rights of plan participants and beneficiaries. It also helps the university make informed decisions and meet its responsibilities.

UIGRADCare Plan Highlights

  • UIGRADCare Provider Network: 
    Participants must receive care from UI Health Care providers. Services from providers outside the UI Health Care network are not covered except in specific situations.
    • Student Health Services:
      • Only the student enrolled in UIGRADCare can receive care at Student Health.
      • Dependents are not eligible for Student Health services and must use other UI Health Care providers.
    • Exceptions: Some services may be covered through the Blue Advantage network, including chiropractic care, podiatry services, and mental health providers. For full details, visit the UIGRADCare Providers webpage.
  • Covers hospital, medical, surgical, outpatient, and other health care services such as physical therapy.
  • Out-of-pocket for UI Health Care is $1,000 single and $1,700 for family.
  • There is no deductible, a $10 copay for office or clinic visits at UI Health Care providers, no charge for preventive care and immunizations, and 10% coinsurance for blood work and imaging.
  • For emergency room care, there is a $50 copay and 10% coinsurance per facility per service date for both facilities and physicians combined.
  • No referrals for specialist care.

Costs

Student insurance rates are effective from September 1 through August 31 each year. All premiums will be charged monthly to your university bill and must be paid each month by the due date. 

If you would like to review the UIGRADCare plan provisions, such as copay amounts, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums, please visit the UIGRADCare Plan Details page.

Pharmacy

UIGRADCare has a four-tier Prescription Drug plan. There is a separate out-of-pocket maximum for prescription drugs. Only drugs listed on Wellmark's Blue Rx Complete drug list are covered. For out-of-network prescription drugs, you may be balanced billed. More information can be found on the UIGRADCare Prescription Drug Coverage page.

Participating Providers

Student Health (student policyholder only), UI Health Care and affiliated clinics, UI Health Care Medical Center Downtown, UI Urgent Care, and UI QuickCare are the ONLY providers covered under UIGRADCare.

Find a UI Provider             Visit Student Health

Non-participating Providers

UIGRADCare does not cover providers outside of Student Health or University of Iowa Health Care and UI Health Care Medical Center Downtown. If you visit a provider outside of the UI Health Care network, your services will not be covered, and you could potentially be balance billed.

Exceptions: Some services may be covered through the Blue Advantage network, including chiropractic care, podiatry services, and mental health providers. For full details, visit the UIGRADCare Providers webpage. 

University Benefits

319-335-2676
319-335-2776
benefits@uiowa.edu

University of Iowa
120 University Services Building
1 W. Prentiss Street
Iowa City, IA 52242
United States

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 apply. If there are any discrepancies between the information contained herein and the official plan documents, the plan documents will govern.