Student Health Insurance
Business Office
Buena Vista University is vitally interested in making your college academic and personal experience meaningful and successful. Your health and wellness are key components of that experience.
Effective for Fall 2023, BVU will no longer require Storm Lake residential domestic students to provide proof of insurance or be enrolled in a BVU insurance policy (see exceptions below for athletes and international students). There is still an expectation that all residential domestic students have health insurance prior to coming to campus this fall. BVU has worked with an insurance company to provide students an option to enroll in health insurance if you are interested, you can explore them here. You will work directly with the insurance company to enroll and pay for the policy.
Insurance Requirements for Student-Athletes
Student-athletes are required to have coverage for intercollegiate sport activities to protect athletes in case of injuries or accidents that may occur during training, competition, or travel for your sport. A copy of the primary insurance card must be turned in to the Buena Vista University athletic department on a yearly basis before student-athletes are allowed to participate in any team-related activities. These activities include conditioning, lifting, practicing, and participating in athletic events. This process has not changed from what has been done in prior years.
Student-athletes who do not have sufficient coverage for intercollegiate sport activities or don’t have access to a policy, will be required to enroll in a Sports Accident policy. Student-athletes will be responsible for paying the premium for the policy and BVU staff can assist in the enrollment process. Student-athletes must be enrolled and the premium paid prior to participating in any sport-related activities. The link to enroll in the Sports Accident policy can be found here.
Insurance Requirements for International Students
International students attending BVU are required to have health insurance coverage to ensure they can access medical services while they are away from their own country. BVU will have a plan designed specially to meet the VISA requirements and all international students will be automatically enrolled in the plan and the premium charge will be charged to the student’s account.
While insurance requirements are mandatory for all athletes and international students, it is recommended that everyone have appropriate insurance coverage. You can visit the First Agency website or Iowa Medicaid website to explore various options available to all students.
If you have any questions call the Business Office at 712.749.2041.