Frequently Asked Questions

No they are not the same. The Student Health Fee is MANDATORY for most students which covers only certain services provided at the Thielen Student Health Center here on campus. The ISU Student Health Insurance is a creditable, ACA-compliant health insurance policy through Wellmark (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) that may be used worldwide. 

Please visit this webpage for additional information regarding the mandatory Student Health Fee: https://health.iastate.edu/insurance-billing/student-health-fees/

Yes, your 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, 2024
  • Dental Insurance - December 31, 2024

Yes, your coverage will end, usually at the end of the coverage year. 

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

  • Health Insurance - July 31, 2025
  • Dental Insurance - July 31, 2025

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

  • Health Insurance - July 31, 2025
  • Dental Insurance - July 31, 2025

Unfortunately we do NOT offer extensions or COBRA due to insurance ending. You must meet one of Eligibility Requirements to continue the ISU coverage. COBRA is also not available for ISU SSHIP plans. 

If you need alternative Health Insurance options, please visit https://www.healthcare.gov/ for more details.