United States immigration regulations and Cal Poly require that you maintain health insurance coverage while in the United States and during school breaks. You are also strongly advised to continue your coverage during any extended stays outside the U.S. to ensure coverage of new conditions upon your return. Proof of this insurance is required prior to your being able to officially register for classes each quarter.

Health Insurance Requirements:
International students’ and exchange visitors' health insurance policies must meet the following criteria:

• Must be at least a full year coverage including summer and any periods of authorized work (except for OPT),
• Medical benefit is at least $50,000 per condition, illness, or injury
• Co-payment does not exceed 25%,
• Repatriation benefit is at least $7,500,
• Medical evacuation benefit is at least $10,000,
• Deductible does not exceed $200 per illness or injury,
• Must cover your treatment by health care providers/doctors located in San Luis Obispo County,
• Must have a billing address within the United States.
  

CSU HealthLink:
For your benefit, safety and convenience, The California State University (CSU) system has negotiated a reasonable and comprehensive health insurance policy for international students. Health insurance protects you from having to pay large medical bills that can arise even from simple medical procedures. It is called CSU HealthLink, administered by Wells Fargo of California Insurance Services, Inc. IEP encourages you to purchase the policy endorsed by the CSU. It offers a special group rate and features a reduced deductible.

CSU HealthLink medical plan premium costs for 2005-2006 academic year:

Additional copayment and deductible amounts apply. Come to the IEP office for a full brochure of covered services and exclusions, or retrieve it from the web at: http://www.somerton-ins.com.

Your coverage begins on the day your payment is recevied or the start date for the period purchased (listed below), whichever is later.

The medical plan includes medical coverage provided by BC Life and Health Insurance Company and emergency travel medical evacuation and repatriation coverage administered by Assist America, Inc. A list of preferred medical providers can be found at http://www.bluecrossca.com Click on "Find a Doctor" to access the online provider directory. You may also call 1 (800) 810-BLUE to locate a provider.

Acordia Somerton will notify our office directly of your processed application and coverage period and you will not be required to bring a copy of your insurance notification to the office. To learn more about this policy, and to apply online, please visit the CSU Healthlink web site.

Please note that in order to apply for Acordia Somerton's health insurance program, you will need to provide Acordia Somerton with a U.S. address. If you do not yet have a local San Luis Obispo address at the time you apply, you can use the International Education & Programs office address: Cal Poly State University, Building 38, Room 108, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0721 in care of Susan Tripp. Your insurance card will be mailed to our office and you can pick it up when your arrive to Cal Poly.* It is your responsibility to notify Acordia of your address changes. When you secure housing, contact Acordia by calling 1(800) 853-5899 and give them your address

If you have additional questions about the CSU Healthlink plan, please contact Susan Tripp by e-mail at sltripp@calpoly.edu, or by phone at 805.756.7535.

Other Insurance:
If you already have an insurance policy that you believe meets the criteria listed above, it must be approved by International Education and Programs before you will be allowed to register for classes or begin your exchange visitor program.

Please provide:

• Completed Petition to Approve Alternate Health Insurance Policy Form [doc]
• Proof from your insurance provider stating your name, dates of coverage, and policy number*
• A copy of the health insurance benefits written in English

Submit these documents to Susan Tripp via fax to 805-756-5484 or e-mail, sltripp@calpoly.edu. If you have any additional questions, please contact Susan Tripp by e-mail or by phone: 805-756-7535.

Students: Your health insurance registration hold will always appear on your student record. The effective quarter will be updated as you provide proof of renewed health insurance coverage. Please be sure to check the effective quarter and plan ahead to renew your coverage in time to register for the next upcoming quarter.

*Regardless of the policy you use, it is important to carry your valid insurance identification card with you at all times to be assured you will receive medical treatment.