FAQ's

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I am an international student with a comparable health insurance plan. Can I waive Cardinal Care?

Students with coverage that meets or exceeds the minumum required benefits may apply for an exception.

Will there be any changes to the Cardinal Care subsidy program?

The Cardinal Care subsidy program will continue in 2011 – 2012. For more details about how the subsidy works, go to the subsidy web site.

Why are there varying quarterly health insurance charges?

The majority of students begin their academic studies in the Autumnl quarter. The plan is designed to accommodate students who begin their academic studies in a different quarter and still cover all enrollees through August 31. Students are not billed for health insurance in summer quarter, so the cost of the premium for those months is spread over the prior quarters. See Cardinal Care Cost and Coverage table for more details.

I will be graduating after Autimn or Winter quarter and will have other insurance, so I don’t need Cardinal Care for the full year. Can I waive after I graduate?  

Students who end their relationship with the University (such as by conferral of terminal degree) at the end of Autumn or Winter quarter may may work with Vaden's Insurance and Referral Office to exit the plan at the end of the respective Cardinal Care coverage quarter.

Students who are enrolled in Cardinal Care and take a Leave of Absence have not ended their relationship with the University. Their coverage will continue for the entire year, and they will be charged for the entire year.

I am away from the university while on leave. Why am I required to pay for it?

You will continue to need health insurance and Cardinal Care provides coverage wherever you are, here or away from campus.

In addition to the subsidy, are there any University resources to help me pay the health insurance charges?

For graduate students, your funding from your department or fellowship may or may not include coverage for health insurance. Start by talking with your department. The Financial Aid Office can offer several resources to graduate students including Federal Loan programs, available to US Citizens and Permanent Residents, and emergency grant funds that can cover the cost of health insurance not covered by other resources. Please refer to the Financial Aid website for more information.

For undergraduate students who enroll in Cardinal Care, the financial aid program can include the full costs of health insurance in your cost of attendance. Eligibility for assistance depends on your financial need. Please refer to the Financial Aid website for more information.

Why does Cardinal Care include a transgender surgical benefit?

For quite some time, Cardinal Care has included transgender non-surgical treatments. Students have made a compelling argument to include a benefit for transgender surgical procedures. Transgender surgical treatment is an important modality, and we are pleased to be able to include this coverage.

What if I have additional questions?

If your questions are not answered in our FAQ’s please don’t hesitate to contact us by submitting a HelpSU ticket.