Factors to Consider
Health insurance plans vary in the coverage they offer. Cardinal Care has broad, comprehensive coverage that has worked well for our students in many diverse scenarios over time. Other ways in which the university's requirement for adequate health insurance can be met are:
- Coverage through a parent's employer plan
- Coverage through a spouse's plan
- Coverage with a plan purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace (CoveredCA.com in California)
The worksheet below can be used to help you compare Cardinal Care benefits with those offered by the alternative plan you are considering so that the best decision can be made to protect your health while at Stanford. The questions assume that the plan you are comparing to meets minimum essential coverage, as defined under the Affordablre Care Act. International plans may not adhere to the minimum essential coverage mandates that U.S. plans are subject to, so international students must have health insurance that meets minimum standards outlined by the university in order to waive coverage through Cardinal Care.
Health Insurance Comparison Worksheet for 2015-2016
Many managed health care plans provide only for emergency care outside their local service area. Check your policy carefully before deciding to waive Cardinal Care.
