University of Virginia Student Health Insurance 2007-08

Student Health Insurance Committee
Chickering Health Insurance
Insurance Requirements and Enforcement Policies
Premiums and Payment Options
International Student Hard Waiver Program
Graduate Student Subsidy
Eligibility for Services at Student Health Center
Dental Program
Contact Information

Chickering Health Insurance  (back to top)

The Chickering Group, an Aetna Company, administers the University of Virginia student health insurance plan. The Chickering Group has more than 26 years of experience in student health insurance. Currently, Chickering employs more than 250 individuals focused on all aspects of student health insurance. Chickering partners with approximately 140 colleges and universities on a fully-insured basis and is the largest student health administrator in the country. Chickering proudly points to the fact that it has retained 97% of college clients and 99% of students for 2006-2007 academic year and that it insures more than 400,000 students and dependents nationwide. Chickering members are provided access to preferred providers through the nationwide Aetna network.
Chickering was first selected to administer the University’s student health plan in 2001-2002 following an open and competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The selection committee consisted of faculty, students, and administrators. Chickering was awarded a three-year contract, which expired on August 24, 2005. The contract included an option that permitted two one-year renewal periods with Chickering. The University exercised both options for renewal, and that contract will expire in August 2007.

Must students enroll in The Chickering Group, the University's student health insurance provider?
No. But all U.Va. students must have an active insurance policy by a licensed insurance carrier in order to enroll in and remain a registered student at the University of Virginia.  

Do all student classifications at the University of Virginia have access to the Chickering health insurance program?
All resident full and part-time students who are carrying at least one semester hour and pay full or partial (approximately 57% of full fee) Student Activity Fees qualify to purchase the Chickering Plan. Any student with questions about eligibility should contact the Office of the Registrar regarding student status. Please note that non-resident students and students in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are not eligible to buy the Chickering student plan.

If I have the U.Va.-sponsored Chickering Plan, do I need a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
No. Chickering partners with Aetna's national PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) with more than 645,000 providers, pharmacies, and facilities, including the care providers at Student Health. Students insured by Chickering can minimize out-of-pocket cost by using Student Health where students will NOT be charged the $20 visit co-payment; lab or radiological tests ordered by Student Health physicians and any services/supplies (except Pharmacy) provided at Student Health will be covered at 100%.  With other participating Aetna providers, a $20 co-payment is customary for each visit; diagnostic services are covered at 80%. You may seek treatment from a non-preferred provider or facility at higher out-of-pocket costs.

As a student insured by the Chickering Plan, do I need to obtain a Student Health referral before seeing a specialist -- Dermatology or Orthopedics for example?
No. Referrals are not required with the Chickering Plan but students are encouraged to come to Student Health for continuity of care. 

Under the Chickering Plan am I covered for medical treatment while studying or traveling abroad?
Yes.  If you are enrolled in the Chickering Plan no matter where you travel as a student, you are covered 24-hours, worldwide. You will receive an Assist America Identification Card, which makes you automatically eligible for additional travel services. For more information, go online or review your Student Health Chickering Insurance Plan booklet.

Does the Chickering Plan cover substance abuse and mental illness treatment?
Yes.  If medically necessary, substance abuse and mental illness will be covered.  Generally, the extent of coverage may depend on what type of treatment is provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Refer to your insurance brochure for specific details or call the number on your student identification card.  You may also call Student Health Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (434) 924-5556.     

What is the easiest way to enroll in the Chickering Plan?
Student may enroll either on-line or by downloading a paper enrollment application.

What is the U.Va. Chickering Policy Number?
The policy number is 812806. 

Where can I obtain additional information about the Chickering Student Insurance Plan?
Chickering's website is http://www.chickering.com or call U.Va.'s Chickering Customer Services Department at 1-800-466-3027.  You may also stop by the U.Va. Student Health Center and pick up information at either the Information Desk or with the Insurance Liaison and Referral Coordinator.

Maintained by: studenthealth@virginia.edu Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Mar-2007 10:28:24 EDT © 2002 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia