Health Insurance for Dependents of Students
Stanford University offers the Stanford Student Dependent Health Insurance Plan, ‘Dependent Care’, for the dependents of Stanford students who are enrolled in Cardinal Care. Dependent Care is a plan which mirrors most of the benefits offered through Cardinal Care and is also administered by Aetna Student Health. The policy year is September 1 through August 31.
Eligible Dependents
Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse (unless you are legally separated or divorced)
- Registered Domestic Partner
- Unmarried children up to age 26
- Unmarried children 26 or older who are unable to support themselves because of a physical or mental handicap
Greater detail about benefits is available in Dependent Care’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). Aetna Student Health can be reached directly at 888.834.4708 with questions.
Dependent Care Enrollment Guidelines
Only students who are enrolled in Cardinal Care may enroll dependents in Dependent Care. Open enrollment takes place in the month of September, or in the first month of the student’s entry quarter each plan year.
Open Enrollment Timelines
Open enrollment timelines, based on the first quarter of matriculation for a new student, are displayed in the following table:
| If your first quarter is: | Open enrollment period for your dependents is: | The Dependent Care coverage effective date is: |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Quarter | September 1–30 | Based on date of completed application |
| Winter Quarter | January 1–30 | Based on date of completed application |
| Spring Quarter | April 1–30 | Based on date of completed application |
| Summer Quarter | June 1–30 | Based on date of completed application |
How To Enroll Dependents
If you are a student enrolled in Cardinal Care, you may enroll your dependent(s) in Dependent Care by completing the enrollment application. Once enrolled, all billing and payment activity for dependents occurs directly through Aetna Student Health. (No dependent information is held in Axess.)
Cost and Billing
Enrollees in Dependent Care pay the premium directly to Aetna Student Health on a monthly basis. For the 2024–2025 plan year, the monthly premium charges for dependents are:
- Spouse/Registered Domestic Partner: $635.00
- Child: $330.20
- Children (2 or more) $594.37
- Spouse + Child $965.20
- Spouse + Children $1,229.37
Qualifying Life Events
Once the Dependent Care open enrollment period has expired, the only other time a student may purchase coverage for a dependent is when a ‘qualifying life event’ occurs. Examples of qualifying life events are:
- Marriage
- Birth of a child or children
- Loss of prior coverage
Enrollment in Dependent Care must occur within 31 days of the qualifying event. Submission of proof associated with the qualifying event is required. Contact Vaden Health Center’s Insurance and Referral Office staff for more information.
Seeking Care
Dependents should utilize Aetna participating network providers when seeking health care. Although dependents of students are not eligible for care at Vaden Health Center, the on site pharmacy, Walgreens at Vaden, serves students and dependents.
Cancelling Enrollment in Dependent Care
Students’ dependent(s) may choose to drop Dependent Care coverage at any time, but will not have the option to be re-enrolled unless a qualifying life event occurs.
