Aetna Student Health Insurance

Student Health Insurance Committee
Aetna Student 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

Aetna Student Health, formerly known as The Chickering Group, administers the University of Virginia student health insurance plan. Aetna Student Health has more than 27 years of experience in student health insurance. Currently, Aetna Student Health employs more than 250 individuals focused on all aspects of student health insurance. Aetna Student Health partners with approximately 170 colleges and universities on a fully-insured basis and is the largest student health administrator in the country. Aetna Student Health proudly points to the fact that it has retained 97% of college clients and 97% of students for 2007-2008 academic year and that it insures more than 450,000 students and dependents nationwide. Aetna Student Health members are provided access to preferred providers through the nationwide Aetna network.

In 2001-2002, Aetna Student Health, then known as The Chickering Group, was first selected to administer the University’s student health plan following an open and competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process.  The selection committee consisted of faculty, students, and administrators. Aetna Student Health 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 Aetna Student Health. The University exercised both options for renewal, and that contract expired in August 2007.

• strengthens brand identity;
• increases recognition; and,
• easily communicates the student insurance plan to clients, students, parents and providers.

Chickering has long been the industry leader in providing student health insurance services and is well known by colleges and universities, but Aetna’s national brand is very familiar to students and parents.  There is no change in Chickering’s business structure as a result of this name change.  

Must students enroll with Aetna Student Health, 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 Aetna Student 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 Aetna Student Health 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 Aetna Student Health plan.

If I have the U.Va.-sponsored Aetna Student Health Plan, do I need a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
No. Aetna Student Health partners with Aetna's national PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) with more than 793,000 providers, pharmacies, and facilities, including the care providers at Student Health. Students insured by Aetna Student Health 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 Aetna Student Health 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 Aetna Student Health Plan but students are encouraged to come to Student Health for continuity of care. 

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

Does the Aetna Student Health 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 Aetna Student Health Plan?
Student may enroll on-line.

What is the U.Va. Aetna Student Health Policy Number?
The policy number is 812806. 

Where can I obtain additional information about the Aetna Student Health Student Insurance Plan?
Aetna Student Health's website is http://www.uvastudentinsurance.com or call U.Va.'s Aetna Student Health 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: Thursday, 20-Mar-2008 07:39:57 EDT © 2002 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia