Intensive English for Internationals (IEI) Student Health Insurance
Good health is a necessary component of academic success. To help you maintain yours, the University of Memphis has partnered with Wellfleet Insurance Company to offer a robust and student-focused insurance policy to meet the needs of graduate students on campus. Wellfleet has been in the student insurance industry for over 25 years and has always delivered innovative insurance solutions to the marketplace. The Wellfleet plan is ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant and for international students, it meets the Department of Homeland Security requirements for F1 and J1 students.
Intensive English for International (IEI) students are automatically enrolled starting January 1, 2024. IEI students have the option of requesting a waiver if they show proof of purchase of an annual coverage that is equal to or greater than the Wellfleet plan.
More information about the Wellfleet plan and cost can be found here.
You will be automatically enrolled in the University of Memphis Student Health Insurance Plan during your IEI term and the cost will be as follows:
- Spring 1: January 1, 2024 – March 7, 2024 $498
- Spring 2: March 8, 2024 – May 7, 2024 $453
- Summer: May 8, 2024 – July 31, 2024 $631
You may direct questions regarding the University of Memphis Student Health Insurance Plan and procedures to the Hildreth Agency at 865-691-4652 or email uofmstudenthealth@hildrethins.com. If you have questions related to the policy coverage, you can see the benefits on https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268
FAQs for Intensive English for International Students
Who is required to have health insurance? All international students (holding F or J visas), whether graduate, undergraduate, or IEI (Intensive English for Internationals) students, with active course enrollment are required to have health insurance.
Beginning January 1, 2024 all international students (holding F or J visas) will be automatically enrolled in the University of Memphis Student Health Insurance Plan.
Where can I find detailed information the plan and what it covers? For more information visit: https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268
When does my insurance coverage begin? Following are the effective dates
- Spring 1: January 1, 2024 – March 7, 2024
- Spring 2: March 8, 2024 – May 7, 2024
- Summer: May 8, 2024 – July 31, 2024
How is the payment billed? International students will have their premium billed to their Tiger express account after the last day to add classes.
What if I have other health insurance? International students can request a waiver from participation if they have purchased other insurance that meets the University’s waiver requirements and is equal to Wellfleet coverage. Proof of comparable coverage must be submitted to waive the University of Memphis plan.
To submit a waiver request, go to: https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268.
The waiver process will open on November 15, 2023
What are the waiver requirements?
To waive out of the University of Memphis Student Health Insurance Plan, you must furnish proof of enrollment in another plan effective during the Spring/Summer 2024 period that meets the following qualifications:
- Plan must be compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
- Unlimited medical coverage for both preventive and emergency care
- Include pregnancy benefits
- No waiting period for coverage
- Pre-existing conditions MUST be covered
- Deductible of $500 or less J1 requirement
- Requires student to pay 25% or less per accident/illness J1 requirement
- Repatriation coverage of at least $25,000 USD J1 requirement
- Medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000 USD. J1 requirement
- M. Best rating of “A-“ or better OR Standard & Poors rating of “A-“ or better
- Information MUST be provided in English and in US dollars.
What if I have already purchased a full academic year of health insurance for 23-24 that is not equal to the Wellfleet insurance? If you can show proof of having purchased a full academic year of insurance prior to August 30th (when notification of the policy change was issued) and that insurance provides coverage through the end of classes in May 2024, a one-time waiver will be provided regardless of whether the policy is comparable to Wellfleet. However, in the fall of 2024 no waiver will be granted for insurance that is not equal to or greater than the Wellfleet insurance plan.
What is ACA compliant and why does the university require ACA complaint coverage? ACA-compliant refers to a health insurance plan that meets the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html. The University of Memphis has this requirement in place to ensure better coverage for its students.
Can I extend the Wellfleet Student Health insurance coverage after I leave IEI?
Your coverage is valid through the effective end date of your last session of study in IEI. If you continue your studies in the undergraduate or graduate programs at the University of Memphis, you will continue with this insurance.
How do I get an insurance card? Once enrolled, you may print a copy of your insurance card from the Wellfleet Student website at https://www.studentinsurance.com/MyAccount/Account/Index/2268
How do I enroll/register? If you are an international student, you will be automatically enrolled in the insurance plan and you will continue to be enrolled in the plan as long as you are an enrolled student at the University.
Your enrollment in the insurance plan begins on January 1, 2024 for the Spring term.
This automatic enrollment process is handled by the University of Memphis. (Waivers are handled by Wellfleet)
Can I purchase coverage for my spouse and children? Yes, international students can enroll their dependents. If you purchase additional plans for spouse or dependents, you will do so directly with the Wellfleet Student Health Insurance Company when completing your enrollment through their web site https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268 and payments will not go through the University. Instructions for dependent/spouse enrollment will be made available within student account once enrolled in the plan.
Am I covered during the summer? Yes, if you are enrolled in the plan during the Summer session, you are enrolled until July 31, 2024. The fall coverage will begin August 1st.
How can I get a copy of the plan? Visit Wellfleet Student on the web at https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268 and follow the link to “Discover your benefits”.
How do I know if my doctor is in the Wellfleet/Cigna PPO network? Visit https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268 and select “Find Health Professionals.”
Is pregnancy covered? Yes, pregnancy is covered under the same benefits as any other condition.
How long will my waiver last? At the beginning of each fall and spring semester students will need to request (or renew your request) for a waiver of participation in the University of Memphis Student Health Insurance Plan.