Roosevelt University requires that all students holding F-1, M-1, or J-1 obtain health insurance for the duration of their time at Roosevelt. The Office of International Programs collects international student health insurance at the beginning of a student’s first semester at Roosevelt. Students will receive automated requests to submit their proof of health insurance to their Roosevelt email. However, the Office of International Programs understands that navigating health insurance in the United States is very challenging and are here to help!
In Blackboard, the Office of International Programs has enrolled every international student in the International Programs Organization, which includes a health insurance module. This video module will help international students understand how to purchase insurance, how to understand their policy, and how to use their insurance coverage. The Office of International Programs holds health insurance information sessions on a regular basis and includes key information in monthly newsletters. Additionally, the Office of International Programs recommends the following two insurance options:
Both ISO and StudentSecure are designed for International Students Seeking:
If international students have any questions regarding health insurance in the United States, they should reach out to the Office of International Programs at international@roosevelt.edu. While this office can assist students in helping understand their insurance, they cannot provide recommendations on which coverage to obtain, other than the recommendations listed on this page.
Students who participate in athletics must have valid primary health insurance which covers athletic-related injuries to be allowed to participate in any Roosevelt athletic event. Incoming student-athletes must create a SportsWareOnline (SWOL) account prior to participating in Roosevelt athletic activities. After creating an account, student-athletes are required to fill out all details on the SWOL account screen, including submission of primary health insurance information and emergency contacts. Student-athletes must also submit their sports physical through the SWOL database. Student-athletes with health insurance questions are encouraged to contact Head Athletic Trainer Matt Eifert at meifert@roosevelt.edu.
There are several options you can consider to secure health care coverage:
The ACA marketplace helps people get health insurance who may not otherwise get coverage. Through this online resource, you can learn more about health insurance, compare plans, enroll in a plan and figure out how much you can save through premium tax credits and subsidies.
You can purchase a health plan through the marketplace even if you’re offered insurance by your employer; however, you may not qualify for subsidies if you have access to employer-sponsored coverage.
To buy a policy through the marketplace, you must apply during open enrollment or special enrollment. Although the open enrollment for 2023 coverage ended on January 15, 2023, you may qualify for a special enrollment period due to losing your existing health coverage.
To begin your search for insurance through the marketplace, head to Healthcare.gov after you qualify for a special enrollment and enter your ZIP code. It will direct you to either your state’s exchange or to the federal marketplace where you can begin shopping.
If your parent’s health insurance plan covers dependents, you can usually be added to their plan and stay on it until you turn 26. You can be added to their insurance during the plan’s yearly open enrollment period or during special enrollment periods (a time outside the yearly open enrollment period when you can sign up for health insurance).
Generally, you can join a parent’s plan and stay on until you turn 26 even if you:
Parents caring for children under age 18, pregnant women, disabled individuals and those over 65 are eligible for Medicaid (FamilyCare) in Illinois. Students should contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services for additional information.
Roosevelt has partnered with MRelief, a nonprofit that helps people sign up for SNAP (food stamps). Complete the short screener online to find out if you likely qualify.
Special enrollment periods typically last 60 days after your qualifying event, so begin applying for special enrollment as soon as possible to avoid missing the window.
Should you have any questions on the above, please contact studentinsurance@roosevelt.edu.