Frequently Asked Questions

If I remain enrolled in the student health insurance plan, can I opt out of the plan at the start of the spring term?

No, the student health insurance plan is sold as an academic year plan. Even though we charge half of the premium in fall and the other half in spring, you cannot waive out of the student health insurance plan after the first 30 days of the plan’s enrollment period has passed.

What happens to my student health insurance coverage if I am no longer enrolled (i.e. withdrawal, LOA, suspension or dismissal)?

Except in the case of medical withdrawal due to sickness or injury, any student withdrawing from school during the first 31 days of the period for which coverage is purchased will not be covered under the student health insurance policy, and a full refund of Premium will be made, minus the cost of any claim paid by Aetna. Students withdrawing after such 31 days will remain covered under the student health insurance policy for the term purchased, and no refund will be allowed.

I am 25 and on a parent’s health insurance plan. I will turn 26 in January. Can I still waive out of the plan for part of the year?

Students who are currently covered under the health plan of a parent, but who will age-out of their coverage after the waiver deadline period, may use their current coverage to waive out of the student health insurance plan. Approximately 30-45 days prior to the student’s 26th birthday, our insurance verifier, HSAC, will reach out to students in this situation to determine if they wish to enroll in the student health insurance plan (at a prorated rate) or submit proof of coverage from another health insurance provider. If a student wishes to waive with coverage from another carrier, the coverage must meet the University’s minimum coverage requirements and must be submitted to HSAC for verification within 30 days of termination of existing coverage. New coverage must be effective within 24 hours of your previous health insurance coverage.

I waived out of the student health insurance plan at the start of the academic year, but now I am aging out of my parent’s insurance plan. Can I enroll in the student health insurance plan later in the year? Will the premium be prorated based on my coverage dates?

If you waived out of the student health insurance plan but lost your health insurance coverage due to an involuntary loss of coverage (i.e. aging out of your parent’s plan, loss of employment, divorce, etc.), you may enroll in the student health insurance plan. If you would like to enroll, please contact Health Sciences Assurance Consulting (HSAC) directly at westernu@hsac.com. In your e-mail, include your student ID number, reason for loss of coverage, and dates of coverage required. HSAC will respond with the prorated cost of coverage based on your coverage dates.

I waived out of the student health insurance plan at the start of the academic year, but now I am seeking to voluntarily terminate my alternative health insurance plan and enroll in the Aetna Student Health (ASH) insurance plan. Can I enroll in the ASH insurance plan later in the year?

No. Only involuntary termination of previous coverage and/or qualifying life events will enable a student to enroll in the Aetna Student Health (ASH) outside of the annual enrollment period. Students who have an approved waiver and terminate their current health care coverage due to (1) voluntary cancellation, (2) non-payment of their current premium, or (3) any other voluntary reasons are not eligible to enroll in the ASH plan outside of the annual enrollment period.

I am enrolled in the student health insurance plan for the 2023/2024 academic year. How do I obtain my insurance card?

You can obtain your Aetna insurance card via the Aetna Student Health website (ASH). Aetna also offers a mobile application at www.aetna.com/mobile, which allows you to find a doctor, check benefits and coverage information, pull up your medical ID card information, or locate an Urgent Care center.

Can I use a WesternU Health center for health care services?

The providers within the WesternU Health centers are all members of the Aetna Student Health Plan. A referral or prior authorization is NOT required to see any primary care doctor or specialist in any of the services at a WesternU Health center. As Aetna Preferred Care Providers, you will generally have less out of pocket expenses for your care. Remember, however, that not all services will be considered eligible expenses and be reimbursed by your insurance plan.

If I am a Pomona campus student, am I required to visit WesternU Health | Pomona first before accessing health care services?

In previous years, the student health insurance plan required students who lived within a 25-mile radius of the University to seek care or obtain a referral from a WesternU Health center prior to visiting a physician. This is no longer a requirement under the Aetna Student Health Plan; however, you are encouraged to seek care from an Aetna preferred provider to help minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Preferred provider visits are covered at 80% while out of network providers are only covered at 60%.

Additional Questions?

For additional information regarding the student health insurance plan or waiver requirements, please contact Health Sciences Assurance Consulting (HSAC) at westernu@hsac.com or 1-888-978-8355.