Jane Dotson
Caltech offers health insurance to its students, staff, and faculty, with varying coverage and eligibility requirements. The institute also provides retiree medical plans for retirees up to age 65 who are not yet Medicare-eligible. Additionally, Caltech offers health and welfare benefits to its postdocs, staff, and faculty, including medical evacuation and repatriation coverage for specific exchange visitors and their dependents. For students, health insurance coverage typically begins at the start of the academic term, while for scholars, it starts on the first day of the month following their date of hire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for Caltech health insurance? | Registered students, faculty, staff, postdocs, and visitors |
| When does Caltech health insurance begin? | First day of the month following the date of hire (for scholars) or at the start of the academic term (for students) |
| Are there any other insurance options? | Students can opt for a different plan if it meets Caltech's waiver requirements |
| Are there any additional benefits or programs? | Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), COBRA for continuing coverage, and retiree medical plans for retirees under 65 |
| Is there coverage for work-related injuries or illnesses? | Yes, through the Caltech Workers' Compensation Administrator |
| Is there coverage for international travel or exchange programs? | Yes, Caltech offers short-term insurance and coverage for students working or traveling abroad |
| How much does Caltech health insurance cost? | Students pay a portion of the premium, which is billed three times during the academic year; the rest is subsidized by the Institute |
| Are there any out-of-pocket costs? | There is an annual deductible of $250 per person, and an annual out-of-pocket maximum of $1,000 after which the plan pays 100% for eligible services |
| Are there any additional services included? | Telehealth benefit through LiveHealth Online, allowing users to connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 |
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What You'll Learn
Caltech health insurance for students
Students enrolled in the Caltech Student Medical Plan can use the Telehealth service at no cost to them. This service allows students to connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7, 365 days a year via their phone, tablet, or computer, usually within an hour. Students can also use the Sydney Health App (available on Android and Apple) to easily access their ID card and information about their coverage at any time.
For students with health conditions that prevent them from carrying out their regular duties, medical leave is available. To be placed on leave, the student must petition for leave and get the concurrence of the Caltech Student Health and Counseling Center, Option Representative, Advisor, and the permission of the Dean. Students who believe that they became ill or were injured as part of a Caltech work-related activity may be eligible for Workers' Compensation, which is handled through the Caltech Workers' Compensation Administrator.
Students with dependents can enroll them in one or both plans for an additional charge.
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Medical coverage while travelling abroad
Caltech offers medical insurance to its students, staff, and faculty. The Caltech Student Medical Plan covers all types of medical and mental health care—routine, urgent, and emergency—while on campus, at home, and even when travelling abroad. Students who are working or travelling abroad are advised to read the bulletin on coverage and discuss any questions with the Benefits Office.
The Caltech Student Medical Plan is provided through Anthem Student Advantage. Students are free to receive care from any doctor or hospital, but they pay less when using ASA PPO Providers. Routine office visits to an ASA doctor require a $15 copay, while any extra care, such as lab work or x-rays, is subject to the plan's deductible and coinsurance.
The Telehealth benefit, available through LiveHealth Online, allows students to connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7, 365 days a year, usually within an hour. This service is free for those enrolled in the Caltech Student Medical Plan, but available for a fee for those who are not.
For those taking prescription drugs, it is recommended to bring at least a one-month supply of medication. Additionally, J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents must comply with the Department of State J insurance requirements. Medical Evacuation and Repatriation (MER) coverage is provided for free to all active J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents in the Caltech J program.
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Medical leave for students with health conditions
Caltech requires all registered students to have health insurance, with most students electing to use the Caltech health plan. Students may choose an alternative plan if their insurance meets the waiver requirements.
Caltech also provides subsidized health care benefits for students on medical leave for up to one year. Medical leave is intended for students to take time away from the Institute to focus on their recovery from various health conditions and return to their studies once their health issues have been addressed.
To request a medical leave, a student must submit a leave form and receive the recommendation of the Clinical Director of Counseling Services (for leaves related to mental health) or the Medical Director of Health Services (for leaves related to physical health). The student must then meet with the Director to discuss their healthcare provider's recommendations and any necessary continued treatment. After this meeting, the student should give written consent for the Director to communicate their recommendation to the Deans' office. The Dean or their designee may then authorize the medical leave.
The duration of a medical leave should be determined primarily by the student's improvement in treatment, with the expectation that a student on medical leave will focus on receiving treatment for the condition(s) that precipitated the leave. Medical leaves are expected to include at least one full term, and extensions beyond one year may be granted in exceptional circumstances.
Upon returning from medical leave, students will maintain the same academic standing that they had previously. The Institute may impose conditions on return from a medical leave, which may include confirmation from the student's healthcare provider that they are following the recommended course of treatment, the student's consent for the provider to discuss their condition or progress with Caltech officials, and an independent evaluation of the student's readiness to return by a qualified medical professional. Any conditions of return will be specified at the time of leave approval.
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Caltech retiree medical plans
Caltech offers a comprehensive benefits package to its retirees, which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as an HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement). The Caltech Retiree Service Center provides billing and other administrative services for these health benefit plans.
The billing process for the Caltech retiree medical plans works as follows:
- Monthly bills are generated on the first Saturday of each month for the next month's premium due.
- For example, the bill for the October premium is generated on the first Saturday in September, with a payment due date of October 1st.
- If full payment is not received by the due date, a second billing notice is generated on the first Saturday of the month for which the premium is due.
- This second notice includes a late fee, and payment must be received by the Caltech Retiree Service Center by the end of the month to keep coverage active.
The specific benefits and costs associated with the Caltech retiree medical plans are not publicly available and may vary depending on individual circumstances. However, retirees can contact the Caltech Retiree Service Center at 1-855-251-0910, Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time, for more detailed information about their specific plan options and costs.
Additionally, retirees can take advantage of COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), which allows them to continue their Caltech health care coverage even after leaving Caltech or experiencing other life changes. This coverage is available for medical, dental, vision, and healthcare spending. WageWorks, Caltech's COBRA administrator, can be contacted at (844) 319-7858 for more information.
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Caltech health insurance for staff
The Caltech Benefits website provides detailed information on the health and welfare benefits available to staff, including the current cost of health insurance and eligibility for the Institute subsidy. The same plans are offered to those who are not eligible for the subsidy. It is recommended to review the Caltech Benefits site for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.
Furthermore, Caltech provides additional benefits such as life and accident insurance, as well as voluntary benefits like auto, home, renters, and pet insurance. These benefits contribute to a comprehensive package designed to support the well-being of Caltech staff and their dependents.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Caltech provides medical insurance for its students, staff, postdocs, and faculty.
The Caltech medical insurance plan offers several benefits, including:
- Telehealth services: 24/7 access to a US board-certified doctor via phone, tablet, or computer.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation (MER) coverage for J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents in the Caltech J program.
- Continuation of coverage through COBRA in the event of a life change, such as leaving Caltech or divorce.
For students, Caltech health insurance generally begins at the start of the academic term. Scholars' insurance begins on the first day of the month following their date of hire. Students and scholars are advised to have short-term insurance to ensure coverage until they are enrolled in the Caltech plan.
