Insurance Presentations

Video presentations are available for Undergraduate/Graduate students, International students, and Graduate Assistants below to give students an overview of the ISU SSHIP health insurance plan(s). 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact us via email at isusship@iastate.edu, and an SSHIP representative will be available to assist. 

Students often ask if the Student Health Fee and the ISU SSHIP Health Insurance Fee are the same on their U-bill. These fees are NOT the same. 

  • Student Health Fee - is MANDATORY for most students and covers only certain services provided at the Thielen Student Health Center on campus.
  • ISU Student Health Insurance Fee - a creditable, ACA-compliant health insurance policy through Wellmark (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) that may be used worldwide. This is the insurance premium you pay for the ISU SSHIP health insurance. 

 

For additional information regarding the mandatory Student Health Fee, please visit https://health.iastate.edu/insurance-billing/student-health-fees/

Your medical and dental coverage should roll over into the new plan year as long as you meet eligibility requirements. 

It is very important, during Open Enrollment, that students log into their Care26 account to ensure their coverage is carried over into the new plan year seamlessly. It is also important that students check their ISU emails regularly for any updates and communications regarding open enrollment, waiver periods, etc. 

Students may enroll their dependent(s) in the ISU SSHIP health coverage. For dependent(s) to be eligible to enroll, the student whose plan they will be under must also meet eligibility. 

Dependent(s) MUST be enrolled during the Open Enrollment period (July 1st - September 30th) or through a Qualifying Event. For more information, please click here. 

Enrollment for dependent(s) through Open Enrollment or a Qualifying Event must be completed within your Care26 account. Once enrolled, coverage will automatically roll over to the new plan year as long as eligibility is met.  

If you are graduating, plan to transfer, and/or not return for the Spring semester, your ISU SSHIP health coverage will usually end at the end of the month. 

Undergraduate and Graduate students without assistantships, your coverage will end on the following dates: 

  • Health insurance - December 31, 2024
  • Dental Insurance - July 31, 2025

Graduate Assistants with a Teaching/Research/Administrative position, your coverage will end on the following dates: 

  • Health Insurance - December 31
  • Dental Insurance - December 31

If you are graduating, plan to transfer, and/or not return for the Fall semester, your ISU SSHIP health coverage will end at the plan year's end. 

Undergraduate and Graduate students without an assistantship, your coverage will end on the following dates: 

  • Medical & Dental Insurance - July 31

Graduate Assistants with a Teaching/Research/Administrative position, your coverage will end on the following dates: 

  • Medical & Dental Insurance - July 31

Many students often ask if we offer any extensions for their insurance, as it is ending, and they are no longer a student or do not meet eligibility. 

Unfortunately, we do NOT offer extensions or COBRA due to your ISU SSHIP insurance ending. To continue with the health insurance plan, students must meet one of the eligibility requirements. 

 

If you require alternative Health Insurance options, we recommend you visit https://www.healthcare.gov/ for coverage that may fit your needs.