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Northern Illinois University

Student Health Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility & Enrollment:

  1. How do I enroll in the NIU Student Insurance Plan?
  2. Is coverage available for my dependents?
  3. If I cancel the NIU insurance and then lose my other insurance, can I sign up for the NIU plan?
  4. Is there a deadline to enroll in the NIU plan?
  5. Is coverage available for over the summer?

Canceling:

  1. If I have other health insurance coverage, why should I keep this one?
  2. How do I waive enrollment in the NIU insurance plan??
  3. If I waive the insurance, is that waiver good for the whole time I’m at NIU?
  4. What happens if I miss the deadline to waive the NIU plan??
  5. May I still go to Health Services if I waive the NIU plan?

Coverage:

  1. What does the NIU plan cover?
  2. Are pre-existing conditions covered?
  3. Can I go to any doctor or hospital I want?
  4. What happens if I get sick or hurt while I am traveling?
  5. Where do I get an ID card?

Costs:

  1. What is a deductible?
  2. Does it cost extra to go to the emergency room?
  3. Will the NIU plan pay all my medical bills?

 Claims:

  1. How do I file a claim?
  2. Where do I submit claims?
  3. Do I need to fill out a claim form every time I see a doctor?
  4. How do I check on the status of my claim?

Eligibility & Enrollment:

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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Canceling:

  1. 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.
  2. How do I waive enrollment in the NIU insurance plan?
    During the waiver process period, if you are 18 or older, you must go online to waive the insurance.  If you are 17 or younger, please contact us.
  3. If I waive the insurance, is that waiver good for the whole time I’m at NIU?
    No!  When you cancel the insurance, a cancellation is good for 1 year.  Each fall you have to cancel the insurance for that school year. 
  4. 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. For more information on the Appeals process please click here.
  5. 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 1 credit hour on-campus can use Health Services. 

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Coverage:

  1. 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.
  2. Are pre-existing conditions covered?
    Yes, effective 8/14/09, there are no pre-existing condition exclusions.
  3. May I go to any doctor or hospital I want?
    You may 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 https://www.academichealthplans.com/niu/provider.asp. 
  4. 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. 
  5. Where do I get an ID card?
    Call, Email, or come into our office.  We will give you an ID card and brochure, and answer any questions you may have about the policy.

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Costs:

  1. 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.  It also has a separate $100 deductible per emergency room visit. 
  2. Does it cost extra to go to the emergency room?
    Yes – you will have to pay the extra emergency room deductible each time you go there and then 20% of the remaining bill. If you are sick, go to Health Services – it won't cost you to see most doctors.
  3. Will the NIU plan pay all my medical bills?
    No – you will have to pay your deductible and co-insurance.

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Claims:

  1. How do I file a claim?
    You will have to fill out a claim form and then have the doctor or hospital send the bill to the NIU Student Insurance office for processing.  Claims must be submitted to the Student Insurance office within 52 weeks from date of service to be eligible for benefits.
  2. Where do I submit claims?
    Have the doctor or hospital send the claim to us – Northern Illinois University, Student Insurance Office, Health Service Building Room 201, DeKalb, IL 60115.  Or they can fax it to 815-753-0965.
  3. Do I need to fill out a claim form every time I see a doctor?
    You only need to fill out our claim form for each different injury or illness.   
  4. How do I check on the status of my claim?
    Call us at 815-753-0122 or HCH Admin directly at 866-679-0831.

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