By Natalie Vaughan
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Quality health insurance is available to students of UH-Clear Lake at an affordable cost. "The average cost of insurance for one person based on a PPO plan is $150-200 per month. The university's policy is a one-time payment of $365 per year," said Gina Garcia, a registered nurse for UH-Clear Lake.

Student Health Insurance offers three major benefits: the Student Health Center, the Basic Plan and Accidental Death and Dismemberment.

The first benefit pays 100 percent for services provided at the UH-Clear Lake Student Health Center in the event of an accident or sickness. This includes the payment of lab fees, prescription drugs and doctor fees.

The Basic Plan pays 80 percent for medical treatment or hospitalization of each illness or disease. Lastly, the policy covers accidental death or dismemberment by offering a reimbursement to the family for their loss.

"It is the goal of Academic HealthPlans to provide quality medical plans for college and university students at an affordable cost," said Terry Lyons, founder of Academic Risk Management.

Another benefit offered is coverage extension. Insurance coverage extension is available for students who wish to take a semester off. The insurance can be carried for one extended semester by completing a "Stop Out" form, available at the Student Health Center, on or before the effective date for the semester the student will not be attending.

"Because we have access to major insurance carriers, we are able to offer products and benefits that are more comprehensive than typical marketing agencies," Lyons said.

Coverage is offered to anyone who is enrolled in six or more credit hours. The fall deadline has passed, but premiums are due for spring and summer coverage by Jan. 13. Applicants can go to the Student Health Center, located in the Bayou Building Room 1406 and complete the enrollment form to be eligible.

Students who purchase coverage must attend classes for the first 31 days following the effective date of coverage. If a student withdraws during the first 31 days, excluding a medical or military excuse, he or she fails to maintain eligibility. Ineligibility results in a termination of the policy and the student will not be entitled to a refund.

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