Health Insurance Question

<p>As an International student I have to take health insurance. But since the college plan is quite expensive I took a cheaper one which was recommended by the ISO. I emailed the fin aid office and they said that I have to go to them in person and show them my card and cover document before they waive the Insurance fee. What I can't understand is does this mean I have to pay for insurance along with my first sem bill (and then get it credited back to my account once I show my card) or will the Insurance amount be added to the second sem bill and so I just won't have to pay anything at all?</p>

<p>Basu,</p>

<p>I'd bet you could simply ignore any health insurance fees on your Fall semester bill. However, just to be sure, why don't you send another email to the Financial Aid Office (or, better yet, the Controller's Office - they handle all the bills). The Controller's Office can be reached at <a href="mailto:studentbilling@lafayette.edu">studentbilling@lafayette.edu</a>.</p>

<p>I'll admit that this topic (student health insurance/billing) is not my forte!</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

<p>Also, ask them if you can just make a copy of your health insurance card and send it along to them.</p>

<p>Basu,</p>

<p>Yes, I don't see any reason why you couldn't send THREE copies of BOTH sides of your health insurance card and cover document, as per Lafayette's "Emergency Notification and Medical Insurance Waiver Card".</p>

<p>In your email to the Financial Aid/Controller's Office, be sure to ask if sent copies would suffice.</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

<p>Turns out I wont have to pay. The amount will just stay on my account until I pay or show alternate cover. Sending copies won't work, because for internationals you have to arrive on campus and show it in person. The copies go direct to the health center. And I don't have my card (because they wont send it here) so I have to tell them to fax it straight to the college.</p>

<p>Basu,</p>

<p>I'm glad you figured that out. I had initially figured that you wouldn't have to pay the amount on your Fall semester bill, but those at the College always know best!</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

<p>hey cool ..i had exactly the same problem. </p>

<p>But i was also wondering about the Mengel Loan when do we have to pay that and will the loan be included in the fall 2007 bill or not?</p>

<p>The loan will be included in the fall bill. When you reach campus you'll have to sign a document saying that you're taking the loan and you promise to repay in time. You only have to start repayment after you finish college.</p>

<p>Basu,</p>

<p>I'm just curious, what insurance company did you choose? Thanks.</p>

<p>AIG Compass GOLD plan</p>

<p>YOU DON'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE - YOU JUST THINK YOU DO!</p>

<p>I hope you haven't discovered this the hard way. AIG Compass Gold pays according to the "schedule of benefits," which means that you will be bankrupted by any significant illness. It pays, for instance, $1,000 PER HOSPITAL STAY. That doesn't even cover a day in the hospital. It pays $60 for a doctor visit. It pays a maximum of $100 a year for prescription drugs. It pays $1,000, TOTAL, for chemotherapy. That's about 1/3 to 1/15 of a single dose, depending on the chemo. Not even close. And on and on. It's cheap for a reason. Please reconsider declining your college health plan. It's probably pretty bad, too, but not anywhere near as bad as what you have.</p>