Medical Insurance

Currently, Kentucky State University does not require students to purchase medical insurance. However, we DO encourage our international students to have medical insurance coverage. For their convenience, the Office of International Affairs will refer students to NAFSA website where list of US insurance carriers is provided with insurance plans that meet the requirements for international students and scholars http://nafsa.org/resourcelibrary/default.aspx?id=8823. We recommend ISO International Student Insurance (https://www.isoa.org/) that provides International Student and Scholars Plans.

Important Medical Terms When determining which insurance plan to purchase, here are a few important terms to understand:

• HMO: A “Health Maintenance Organization” functions as one’s health care network. If your insurance is an HMO, you will need to go to a certain network of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, specialists, etc. to have your expenses covered by your insurance (this is called “in-network”)
• In-network vs. Out of Network Providers: In- network care is significantly cheaper than out of network care. Insurance companies have negotiated prices with health care providers that are in their network. If you must use an out of network doctor or provider, note the different deductible, out of pocket maximums, and costs for services.
• Deductible: A deductible is the amount you must pay for your health care before your insurance provider begins to pay.
• Co-Pay(ment): Amount you are responsible for every time you get medical care. Note that this cost may vary depending on the type of doctor.
• Primary Care Provider: Some insurance plans require you to select a primary care provider (doctor) that will be the main health care provider. PCP's normally have a lower co-pay and will write referrals if you need care not provided in their practice.

Meal Plans

Part of this involves offering students the best in campus dining options. Residential students (students housed in University provided housing) are always automatically billed for their meal plan each semester.