As a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, you have a lot on your plate. From attending classes to participating in extracurricular activities, it can be difficult to keep track of everything. One thing that shouldn’t slip your mind, however, is insurance. Whether you need health insurance, car insurance, or renter’s insurance, it’s important to make sure you have the coverage you need to protect yourself financially in case of an unexpected event. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of insurance available to UIUC students and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about insurance on campus.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is one of the most important types of insurance for students to consider. Without it, you could be left with massive medical bills if you get sick or injured. Fortunately, UIUC offers a student health insurance plan that can provide the coverage you need at an affordable price.
What is UIUC’s Student Health Insurance Plan?
The UIUC Student Health Insurance Plan is a comprehensive health insurance plan designed specifically for students. It covers a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, hospitalization, lab tests, and prescription drugs.
Who is Eligible for the Student Health Insurance Plan?
All UIUC students who are enrolled in at least one credit hour are eligible to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan. This includes undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
How Much Does the Student Health Insurance Plan Cost?
Term |
Cost |
|---|---|
Fall |
$1,609 |
Spring/Summer |
$2,426 |
Summer Only |
$812 |
The cost of the Student Health Insurance Plan varies depending on the term. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the cost for the fall term is $1,609, the cost for the spring/summer term is $2,426, and the cost for the summer term only is $812. The cost of the plan is billed to your student account and can be paid through the myIllini portal.
What if I Already Have Health Insurance?
If you already have health insurance that meets UIUC’s requirements, you can waive the Student Health Insurance Plan. To waive the plan, you will need to provide proof of insurance by submitting a waiver form through the myIllini portal. The deadline to waive the plan is September 15 for the fall term and February 15 for the spring/summer term.
What if I Need to See a Doctor?
If you need to see a doctor while you’re enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan, you can visit McKinley Health Center on campus. McKinley offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, mental health services, and women’s health services. If you need to see a specialist or receive care outside of McKinley, you will need to get a referral from a McKinley provider.
Car Insurance
If you own a car and plan to bring it with you to UIUC, you will need to make sure you have car insurance. Car insurance is required in the state of Illinois, and driving without it can result in fines and other penalties.
What Types of Car Insurance are Available?
There are several types of car insurance available, including liability insurance, collision insurance, and comprehensive insurance. Liability insurance is the minimum required by law in Illinois and covers damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident. Collision insurance covers damages to your own car in an accident. Comprehensive insurance covers damages to your car that are not caused by a collision, such as theft or vandalism.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?
The cost of car insurance can vary widely depending on your age, driving record, and other factors. To get the best rate, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies. Some popular car insurance companies in Illinois include State Farm, Allstate, and Geico.
What if I Don’t Own a Car?
If you don’t own a car but plan to rent one or borrow one from a friend, you will still need to make sure you have insurance coverage. Most rental car companies offer insurance that you can purchase when you rent a car. If you plan to borrow a car from a friend, you should check with their insurance company to make sure you’re covered.
Renter’s Insurance
If you’re living off-campus, renter’s insurance is an important type of insurance to consider. Renter’s insurance can protect your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or other disasters.
What Does Renter’s Insurance Cover?
Renter’s insurance typically covers your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing. It can also provide liability coverage in case someone is injured in your apartment.
How Much Does Renter’s Insurance Cost?
The cost of renter’s insurance can vary depending on the amount of coverage you need and other factors. On average, renter’s insurance costs between $10 and $25 per month.
Do I Really Need Renter’s Insurance?
While renter’s insurance is not required by law, it is a good idea to have it to protect your belongings. In case of a fire, theft, or other disaster, renter’s insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection.
FAQ
What should I do if I need to use my insurance?
If you need to use your insurance, it’s important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on what steps you need to take and what information you will need to provide.
What if I can’t afford insurance?
If you can’t afford insurance, there are a few options available to you. You may be eligible for Medicaid or other subsidized health insurance programs. You can also look into low-cost insurance options such as catastrophic coverage or short-term health insurance.
What if I’m an international student?
International students are eligible for the Student Health Insurance Plan and are required to enroll unless they have other insurance that meets UIUC’s requirements. International students may also need additional insurance coverage, such as travel insurance, depending on their specific situation.
Can I change my insurance coverage mid-year?
In most cases, you cannot change your insurance coverage mid-year. However, there are some circumstances, such as a change in family status or loss of coverage, that may allow you to make changes to your insurance outside of the open enrollment period.
Where can I go for help with insurance questions?
If you have questions about insurance, you can contact the Office of Student Insurance at 217-333-0165 or studentinsurance@illinois.edu. You can also speak with a representative at McKinley Health Center or your insurance provider.
In conclusion, insurance is an important consideration for UIUC students. Whether you need health insurance, car insurance, or renter’s insurance, it’s important to make sure you have the coverage you need to protect yourself financially. By understanding the different types of insurance available and asking the right questions, you can make informed decisions about your insurance needs.