Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll in the NIU Student Insurance Plan?
All students registered for 9 or more on-campus hours and all International Students are automatically charged for the NIU Student health insurance plan. Any student registered for 6 or more credit hours may enroll in the NIU insurance plan by filling out an enrollment form and returning it to the NIU Student Insurance Office by the 15th calendar day of the semester.
Is coverage available for my dependents?
A student can add dependents to the plan as long as the student is covered by the NIU plan. A dependent enrollment for must be submitted every semester that coverage is needed.
If I cancel my NIU insurance and then lose my other insurance, can I sign up for the NIU plan?
Yes – when you are notified that you are going to lose your current coverage, just fill out an enrollment form and bring proof from the prior insurance company that you are losing coverage, and your NIU policy will be effective the day you lose your other insurance.
Is there a deadline to enroll in the NIU plan?
Yes, you must sign up for the insurance within the first 15 days of classes, unless you lose coverage from your insurance company.
Is coverage available for over the summer?
If you are enrolled for the spring semester, you are covered for the summer for no additional cost. If you do not have spring coverage, you can apply for summer only coverage.

If I have other health insurance coverage, why should I keep this one?
You should consider keeping this as supplemental coverage. Very few group plans cover all medical expenses. The NIU plan is designed to coordinate benefits with your primary coverage to reduce or eliminate many out-of-pocket expenses that you would be responsible for without additional coverage.
How do I waive enrollment in the NIU insurance plan?
During the waiver process period, you must go to our online waiver request form to waive the insurance. Completing the waiver request form, does not guarantee that the waiver will be accepted. We verify coverage and will let you know if the waiver is approved.
If I waive the insurance, is that waiver good for the whole time I’m at NIU?
No! When you waive the insurance, a fall waiver is only good for 1 year. Each fall you have to cancel the insurance for that school year. A spring waiver is only good through August.
What happens if I miss the deadline to waive the insurance?
If you miss the deadline to cancel the insurance, you may file an Appeal. There is a deadline to file an appeal. Please remember that filing an appeal does not guarantee that the appeal will be approved. For more information on Appeals please go to the Appeals page.
May I still use Health Services if I waive the NIU plan?
Yes! Health Services is NOT connected with Student Insurance. All NIU Students who have at least one on campus credit hour can use Health Services.

What does the NIU plan cover?
This plan is an Accident and Sickness policy. It covers doctor’s visits, hospitalization, diagnostic and lab services, physical therapy, maternity, mental healthcare, and other illnesses. It does not cover routine checkups, prescription drugs, dental, or vision.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Yes
May I go to any doctor or hospital I want?
You can go to any doctor or hospital you want to. You will get a bigger discount if you use one in the network. You can find out what doctors and hospitals are in the network by going to: www.aetna.com/docfind/custom/studenthealth/index.html
What happens if I get sick or hurt while I am traveling?
Just call Global Emergency Services, and they will make all the arrangements to get you medical treatment or to get you home.
Where do I get an ID card?
You can either call or stop by the student insurance office or you can print a temporary ID card at Aetna’s website – www.aetnastudenthealth.com

What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance company pays your claim. The plan has an annual deductible of $250.
Does it cost extra to go to the emergency room?
Yes – you will have to pay the extra emergency room co-pay each time you go there and then 20% of the remaining bill. Only go to the emergency room for emergencies! If you are sick, go to Health Services – it won’t cost you to see most doctors!
Will the NIU plan pay all my medical bills?
No – you will have to pay your deductible and co-insurance.

How do I file a claim?
The doctor’s office or hospital will usually file a claim directly with Aetna. If they haven’t, you can file a claim directly with us. Claims must be submitted to the Student Insurance office within one year (52 weeks) from date of service to be eligible for benefits.
Where do I submit claims?
Have the doctor or hospital send the claim to us – Northern Illinois University, Student You may bring or mail the bill to our office: NIU Student Insurance Office, Health Services Building room 201, DeKalb, IL 60115. You may also fax it to us at 815-753-0965. We need an itemized bill – one that includes diagnostic codes.
Do I need to fill out a claim form every time I see a doctor?
Any claims that occur 8/13/10 or later do not require a claim form submitted. If the claim is from before 8/13/10, then we need a claim form submitted in order to process that claim. Please contact the Student insurance office is you have any questions about this.
How do I check on the status of my claim?
You can call us 815-753-0122, contact Aetna Student Health at 800-841-9978 or go to the Aetna Student Health website & check on the status there.

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