Home > Duluth Campus International Scholars > Student Health Benefit Plan

The University of Minnesota mandates all international scholars and their dependents to purchase the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan for visiting scholars. At the time international visiting scholars arrive at the University of Minnesota, they will have their documents validated by the University. After their documents have been validated, they will be instructed to contact the Office of Student Health Benefits at 1-800-232-9017 or umshbo@umn.edu.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Scholars visiting the University for more than 31 days are required to enroll in the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan. Scholars must contact the Office of Student Health Benefits to complete enrollment materials within 31 days of their arrival.

Scholars who will be at the University for 31 days or less may choose not to enroll in the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan, but are required to carry their own health plan coverage for the duration of their visit to the University (must meet J-1 U.S. Federal regulation requirements).

To enroll in the Student Health Benefit Plan, all scholars must complete and submit an enrollment form (Please contact the Office of Student Health Benefits at umshbo@umn.edu for enrollment materials) within 31 days of their arrival at the University. All scholars who wish to enroll dependents in the plan must also submit the first two months payment for dependents. In order to enroll a same sex domestic partner, the primary member must also submit a Declaration of Domestic Partnership Form .

Once an applicant's eligibility is verified by the Office of Student Health Benefits, enrollment will be processed. Member ID cards will be sent to the plan member by U.S. mail approximately two weeks after enrollment materials are received by the Office of Student Health Benefits.

Plan Details

2011-2012 SHBP Enrollment Brochure with Quick Reference Chart (PDF)
2011-2012 Full Benefits Summary (PDF)

Health plan network and claims administration services for the Student Health Benefit Plan are provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN, giving scholars access to thousands of providers and hospitals in their worldwide network.

Health Plan Card

Member ID cards will be sent to the plan member by U.S. mail approximately three weeks after enrollment. Cards are sent to the current U.S. mail address on record with the University. Please make sure your address is up-to-date through http://www.d.umn.edu/students/. Go to Technology > Update Personal Information.

If you recently updated your address in One Stop and think your card may have been sent to your old address, please email your name, student ID number, and “I have updated my U.S. Mail address in One Stop and would like a new card sent to me.” to umshbo@umn.edu. The Office of Student Health Benefits must receive confirmation from you that your U.S. Mail address is correct in One Stop before a new card can be issued. Before using your Student Health Benefit Plan coverage, please familiarize yourself with the information found under Plan Details.

Emergency Travel Assistance Program

Plan members and their dependents traveling 100 or more miles away from home and outside of their home country, have emergency medical, travel, and personal security assistance 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world, through FrontierMEDEX, a leading provider of international travel assistance services. From finding an English-speaking doctor to replacing a prescription, FrontierMEDEX has the resources and experience to offer rapid coordination and monitoring of medical care while students are abroad.

Medical Services Available
- 24-hour worldwide medical referrals
- Medical evacuations and repatriation of mortal remains
- Verification of insurance coverage to facilitate hospital admission

Personal and Travel Services Available
- Assistance with lost or stolen travel documents (i.e. passport)
- Emergency language interpretation services
- Emergency cash advance

FrontierMEDEX Information Sheet (PDF)
FrontierMEDEX Member Website
FrontierMEDEX ID Card (267K, PDF)
FrontierMEDEX Assistance 1-800-527-0218

Looking for 2010-2011 Student Health Benefit Plan for Duluth Campus International Scholars? View it here.

Contact Us

Eligibility Questions
Office of Student Health Benefits
University of Minnesota
410 Church Street S.E., N323
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: (612) 624-0627 or 1-800-232-9017
Fax: (612) 626-5183 or 1-800-624-9881
Email: umshbo@umn.edu

Coverage Questions
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Phone: (651) 662-5004 or 1-866-870-0348
Website

Dental Questions
Lake Superior Dental Associates
Phone: (218) 728-6445
Email: info@lakesuperiordental.com
Website

On-Campus Health Care Questions
UMD Health Services
Appointments: (218) 726-8155
Website

Emergency Travel Assistance Questions
FrontierMEDEX
Phone: 1-800-527-0218
Email: info@medexassist.com
FrontierMEDEX Member Website

Cost of Coverage

*spouse or same-sex domestic partner

Additional Forms

Student Info Release Authorization Form (PDF)