[2022 Latest] UChicago Student Insurance Waiver Guide
“ Simply submit your waiver with us by 10/14/2022,
save up to $3,600+ a year from your insurance cost！ ”
1.What is an insurance waiver?
The university requires all international students to enroll in medical insurance while studying abroad in the United States. On your UChicago tuition bill, you will see that the University of Chicago has automatically enrolled you in the university’s Student Health Insurance Plan.
However, international students can enroll in a surprisingly more affordable plan designed specifically for them. UChicago’s insurance plan costs $4,800 a year. Alternatively, health coverage for international students can be as low as $1,153 a year.
An insurance waiver is an application to switch your plan that better fits your needs. Simply enroll in an insurance plan that meets the school’s waiver requirements and submit an insurance waiver on the school’s website.
2.Why are alternative health insurance plans more affordable?
The insurance costs are calculated based on the risk factors, demographic factors are essential to the health insurance cost. University health plans are usually more expensive because the plans serve a broader range of the population, including international and domestic students.
3.How to pick a health insurance plan?
A good insurance plan protects you from minor illnesses to serious injuries and diseases. When you’re looking for a plan, consider these factors:
- The Cost
Some plans are much more cost-effective than others. But the cost is the only factor you need to take into consideration. A plan with limited coverage can lead to catastrophic financial loss.
- Insurance benefits
Read the insurance policies carefully. A good insurance plan should have a low deductible, high coinsurance, low copays, and a low out-of-pocket maximum.
- Provider network
The Provider network is a group of care providers partnering with the insurance company to provide you with pre-negotiated rates. A powerful network allows you to find trustworthy doctors and hospitals wherever you need them.
4.Student Medicover insurance plan vs. UChicago Insurance plan
Waive university-sponsored insurance with Student Medicover
SAVE up to $3,647!
Waive university-sponsored insurance with Student Medicover
SAVE up to $2,448!
Student Medicover provides the most cost-effective and comprehensive insurance plans for F1/J1 international students in the U.S.
Reliable Coverage:
Student Medicover’s coverage features high coinsurances, low deductibles, low copays, and low out-of-pocket maximums. We offer substantial coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays emergency care, prescription drugs, and many other medical expenses found in the policy brochures. Covid-19 treatment and vaccination are also covered（refer to the policy certificate for detailed benefits）.
Find a trusted doctor anywhere in the country:
With Student Medicover, you can access accredited care providers in the nation’s leading network provided by UnitedHealthcare. You will enjoy lower costs for in-network medical services with discounted prices.
Visit Student Health Center:
Student Medicover offers in-network benefits for treatments received by any student health center in the country, including UChicago Student Health Center.
24/7 Customer Service:
If you have any questions, you can always ask a customer service representative through email, phone, WhatsApp, Facebook, and online support center.
5.How to enroll and waive?
STEP 1
Enroll in an insurance plan
Visit smcovered.com, scroll down to "Enrollment"
- Choose your Birthday
- School: Choose University of Chicago
- Student Category: F1 International
- Coverage Period: 9/1/2022-8/31/2023
Supreme, Elite, Prime and Choice meet the school's requirements to ensure the success of waive! Recommend everyone to buy the Supreme、Elite plan, the deductible is lower! Supreme,Elite,Prime all have adult vision benefits！
Note:
-If you find duplicate charges or your payment has been canceled, please contact us as soon as possible.
-When paying with BOA and PNC bank cards, the bank will charge a handling fee, please try to choose other bank cards.
STEP 2
Download your ID Card
- Go to UHCSR.com
- Choose "CREATE MY ACCOUNT" at the bottom
- Enter your Name, Birthday, and your Registered account email to create account
- Choose "Certify No Insurance" when the system asks if you have other insurance
- Log in to "My Account", click "ID Card" so you can download and print it
STEP 3
Download Confirmation letter
- Go to smcovered.com to log in, and click My Enrollment to download the Confirmation Letter.
-Click PDF, and download confirmation letter
-Find Review Certificates/Flyers in the Enrollment.
-Download the certificate of the insurance plan you bought.
STEP 4
Waive school insurance
1.Visit the School Insurance Waiver System website:
https://wellness.uchicago.edu/student-insurance/u-ship/enroll-or-waive/
-log in to the account for waive.
Submit!
The waiver will be reviewed and approved in 5-7 business days. Once approved, pending insurance charge will be removed from your student account balance. Any paid school insurance premium will be refunded to your student account if any.
