Insurance FAQ
Health care in the United States is not nationalized or socialized. U.S healthcare is mostly a private industry. Therefore, it’s very expensive. A one-night stay in the hospital for a routine surgery could cost $30,000, and a simple office visit could cost $300.
You may purchase supplemental travel insurance or emergency medical insurance online if you wish. However, be advised, it will not meet standards required by the Board of Regents and cannot be substituted for the required medical insurance.
The University of Georgia is currently under contract with United Health Care to provide medical insurance for international students.
Yes. The SHIP (Student Health Insurance Program) policy brochure and waiver form for CSU mandatory students are located here.
Please view the “policy brochure”.
Enrollment in the plan is automatic when you are accepted. The charge for the remainder of the year (fall, spring, summer) will be added to your account.
Yes, your insurance card will be mailed to your US address directly from United Healthcare after open-enrollment ends.
Yes. You have coverage even without a card. If you need a doctor before your card arrives, enroll at United Healthcare’s website and print a temporary card.
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USG SHIP Benefits |
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Annual Individual Deductible: |
$500 |
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Coinsurance Percentage: |
80% |
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Out-of-Pocket Maximum: |
$6,350 |
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Non-SHC Office Visit Copays: (PCP/Specialist) |
$20/$20 |
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Prescription Drug Copays: |
$25/$50/$75 |
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Lifetime Benefit Limit: |
Unlimited |
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Annual Premiums |
Mandatory Enrollment |
Voluntary Enrollment |
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Student only |
$2,417 |
$3,388 |
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Spouse |
$2,659 |
$3,727 |
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Child |
$2,659 |
$3,727 |
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All Children |
$5,318 |
$7,455 |
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All Dependents |
$7,977 |
$11,181 |
No. Your spouse or any children accompanying you must also be covered, under Department of State regulations. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the termination of your DS-2019, which makes you unlawfully present.
Students with comparable insurance can request to waive the insurance requirement through an online process at the United Healthcare Clayton State portal. A comparable plan must meet the minimum requirements of the USG BOR. To meet the waiver requirements, please refer here.
If you still feel your own plan meets the requirements of the USG BOR, you may appeal. You are covered during the appeal process: 1st denial: appeal by submitting another waiver via the same process. 2nd denial: appeal in writing via email to United Healthcare at: verification@uhcsr.com. This appeal will be forwarded to the BOR.
Deadlines will be announced by ISS prior to each semester.
Enrollment is NOT automatic because it is not required. However, ISS strongly urges to you to maintain coverage. You may enroll in the plan as a “voluntary” participant for the months you need. There may be no on / off gaps in your coverage. Create an account at the Clayton State United Healthcare portal. See #3 above. From there you can enroll for coverage and set-up payment.
After creating your account at the United Healthcare site, you can enroll and pay for your dependent(s). See #3 above.