Student Health Insurance

August 15, 2011, to August 14, 2012

The following summary information is designed to assist you in making decisions about your health insurance coverage. Please review this page and the following information carefully:

If you have questions on any of the insurance policies described in this material, contact:

Gallagher Koster Insurance Agency
500 Victory Road, Quincy, MA 02171

Telephone: 800-457-5599 or 617-770-9889
Fax: 617-479-0860
Email: Gallagher Koster Insurance Agency

Insurance is Required

Massachusetts state law requires the College to ensure that all of its students have medical insurance. To meet its legal obligations, the College automatically enrolls and bills all eligible students for the Mount Holyoke College Student Health Insurance Plan. You may waive the coverage if your insurance meets or exceeds the coverage provided under the Mount Holyoke College Student Health Insurance Plan and coverage is available to you while you are at school. International students can not waive coverage unless they are currently insured by a plan of comparable coverage underwritten by a U.S. based carrier.

An Annual Choice must be made:

Note: Mount Holyoke College Health Center does not bill any outside provider and private insurance companies may not reimburse for services provided at the Health Center.

This webpage is only a summary of the benefits available. Please refer to the Summary Plan Description for a description of the benefits available and exclusions and limitations of the plan.

MHC Student Medical Insurance Plan

This plan more fully describes Mount Holyoke College Health Center services and the Student Health Insurance Policy, which meets and in some instances exceeds, state requirements. The Student Health Insurance Plan includes a prescription drug benefit. 

What is covered under the Student Medical Insurance Plan?

  • The plan offers comprehensive benefits that include hospital room and board, inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures, labs and x-rays, chemotherapy and radiation, inpatient and outpatient mental health services, physician office visits, consultant visits, ambulance and emergency care.
  • The maximum benefit allowed for each accident or sickness is $100,000.
  • Services provided by a participating network provider are generally covered at 100%, while services provided by a non-network provider are generally covered at 80%.
  • Please refer to the Brochures and Plan Documents for complete details about coverage, limitations, and exclusions.

Online Waiver Process

The waiver process must be completed annually.

  • Log onto www.gallagherkoster.com/MountHolyoke
  • Your username will be your Mount Holyoke College Email address. Your password will be your CID number. If your CID number is less than nine digits, add zero's to the left. Example (123456 becomes 000123456).
  • Select the Blue “I Want to Waive/Enroll” button. When waiving the insurance, have your current health insurance ID card ready as you will need this information in order to complete the waiver form.
  • Immediately upon submitting your online form you will receive a confirmation number. Please save this number and print a copy of your confirmation for your records.

International students can not waive coverage unless they are currently insured by a plan of comparable coverage underwritten by a U.S. based carrier.

Pre-Paid On-Campus Health Care

Health Center services are included in the Student Health Insurance Plan with the Student Medical Insurance. If you waive the Student Health Plan, you automatically waive the Pre-Paid On-Campus Health Care. However, you may purchase this coverage separately by selecting this option on the on-line waiver.

The College recommends purchase of this option for all its students. Included in the fee are lab tests, and x-rays. (Prescriptions are not included.) Most insurers will not cover many of the services provided at the Health Center. Having this option gives you the peace of mind that if extra care is needed, whether for a sprained ankle or a severe case of the flu, you will have the coverage for the care you need. The College will not waive or reduce any charges not covered by your own insurance.

The Health Center is closed during the summer, January break and school recesses. If you have questions about the services, check out the Web site.

Coverage Requirements

Students can waive coverage by selecting the waiver section of the Online Waiver/Enrollment Form. Before waiving you should review your current policy to be sure that it provides comparable coverage:

  • Will your current plan cover medical care beyond emergency services (i.e. Doctor’s office visits; diagnostic testing, labs & x-rays; and prescription drugs) in the 5 College area?
  • Does your plan have a high deductible that must first be met before your plan will pay for services received?
  • Does your health plan have doctors and hospitals in the 5 College area?
  • Will your current plan cover inpatient and outpatient mental health and counseling services in the 5 College area?
  • If you are able to receive care, will you have to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement?

Billing Information

  • If you are an eligible student (see Brochure) you will be billed $1,600.00 on your fall tuition bill for annual coverage.
  • If you are a student newly enrolled for the spring semester, you will be billed $915.00 on your spring tuition bill.
  • If you waive coverage, the fees will be removed from your tuition bill.
  • If you elect the Pre-Paid On-Campus Health Care, you should include $220 for annual coverage with your fall payment, or $110 for fall or spring only.
  • Questions about billings should be emailed to Student Financial Services.

The policy may not be canceled voluntarily

If you withdraw from the College within the first 31 days of the period for which the coverage is purchased (for any reason other than medical) your participation will be canceled, and you will receive a full refund. If you withdraw after the first 31 days of the coverage period, you will remain covered for the period for which premium was received, and no refund will be available. You may not cancel for any other reason.

Insurance/Prescription ID Card

If you are enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan, the insurance/prescription ID card will be in your mail box when you arrive on campus. If you are enrolled in the Plan, and do not receive your card, contact Student Financial Services or GallagherKoster Insurance Agency for assistance. If you waived coverage and still received a card, this indicates that you are enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan. If you do not want to be enrolled, it is imperative that you contact Student Financial Services for assistance immediately. Do not wait to email Student Financial Services. You will remain enrolled and will be responsible for the insurance fee. Do Not Use the Card.

  • If you use the insurance plan ID card to receive medical treatment or to obtain prescription drugs, you will not be permitted to waive coverage.  

Sports Injury Coverage

  • The Student Health Insurance Plan covers only the first $500 of intercollegiate sports related injuries. It is a primary coverage. Club sports are covered as any other injury up to $35,000 IF you have the Student Health Insurance Plan.
  • The College-purchased Sports Insurance Policy covers up to $75,000 on intercollegiate sports injuries. It has a $500 deductible which must be met by either the Student Health Insurance Plan, your own insurance coverage, or your own out-of-pocket. Its coverage is excess of all other available insurance.
  • The NCAA Catastrophic Sports Injury Policy provides unlimited coverage on intercollegiate sports injuries, subject to policy terms and conditions. It has a $65,000 deductible. Its coverage is excess of all other available insurance.
  • The College also purchases sports coverage on recognized club sports with a $500 deductible and limits up to $5,000,000. Its coverage is excess of all other available insurance.

The College recommends that if you are a student athlete, or are planning to participate in club sports that you purchase the College Student Health Insurance Plan.

Coverage While Studying Abroad

The Student Medical Insurance Plan covers you during semester breaks, summer vacation and even if you’re traveling or studying abroad. You’ll be covered for the period for which you paid premium.  In addition to being covered for medical treatment and services, you will also be covered for Repatriation of Remains, Emergency Medical Expense Benefit and Travel Assistance Services through Scholastic Emergency Services (SES), the 24-hour worldwide assistance service. All services must be arranged for in advance and provided by On Call International, any services not arranged by SES will not be considered for payment.

  • When studying or traveling abroad, keep your student health insurance plan identification card with you and take a copy of the brochure for reference.
  • When outside of the United States, you will likely be asked to pay for your medical care first and then will need to seek reimbursement. Covered Expenses will be reimbursed on a Non-Network basis.
  • When you submit claims for reimbursement, you will need to have the itemized bill(s) translated into English and include a letter informing the claims administrator that you are seeking reimbursement for charges previously paid.
  • Please insure that your name, ID number, address (to receive your reimbursement check), and the University’s name are on the bill.

Students who have waived the Student Medical Insurance Plan and who participate in a study abroad program may purchase the Study Abroad Accident and Sickness Insurance Program. Please visit www.gallagherkoster.com/MountHolyoke for complete Plan details and enrollment information.

Other Insurance Information

Additional Coverage that is available for purchase include:

  • Insured students can also enroll their eligible Dependant/Spouse on the Student Health Insurance Plan. See Student Financial Services for information.
  • The College provides Medical Evacuation/Repatriation insurance for all enrolled students traveling on College sponsored educational programs. ID cards will be distributed through program administrators or upon request.
  • Questions pertaining to this coverage should be directed to the Five College Risk Manager, 413-538-2731.

Miscellaneous Information

Descriptions of coverages or services on this page is for informational purposes only. In the event of any conflict between this page and any other description of the services provided and any insurance policies, the actual insurance policy will control.