In addition to U-SHIP, students may obtain health insurance coverage through:

• An employer plan if you are working while also being a student

• A parent/guardian’s employer plan (typically children are covered up to age 26)
• A spouse/partner’s employer plan
• Illinois Medicaid (abe.illinois.gov/access/)
• Health Insurance through the Federal Exchange (healthcare.gov)

Comparable Coverage Requirement

In order to be eligible to waive U-SHIP for the policy year, your alternate insurance must meet all the criteria on the Comparable Coverage Checklist.  Please note:  HMOs and Medicaid plans that are issued from outside Illinois generally do not meet the criteria for covering routine care in the Chicago area.  (Examples of routine care include seeing a specialist outside of Student Wellness, getting lab work done outside of Student Wellness, getting an X-ray or MRI, physical therapy or psychotherapy services).  Please check with your alternate insurance provider to make sure routine services are included in your coverage if provided in the Chicago area.

When reviewing alternate insurance plans, consider the following:

• Consider all costs: premium, deductible, out-of-pocket max, co-insurance, co-pays
• Do you have a chronic medical condition that requires regular monitoring/appointments? Do you take medication that you take daily or that requires refills?
• • If so, consider how much you will pay for those appointments/medication with each insurance plan option.
• Do you see a specialist or know that you need surgery or a procedure? Planning on any life changes, such as getting married or having a baby? Look at the insurance plan to see how much coverage there is for specialty care and surgeries. Review plan options if you need to insure more than one person.
• Do you travel often? Some insurance plans are local/regional plans and will not cover any medical care that is received outside of that geographical area.
• When looking at health insurance, not only should you consider if a provider, health system, and/or surgeries are covered, but also what PERCENTAGE of care is covered (also known as co-insurance)?
• Are there dollar limits to certain services provided within a year?
• Review exclusions and limitations carefully!