ANN ARBOR, MI — University of Michigan students have until Sept. 10 to apply for tuition insurance in case they withdraw from school due to physical or mental health illness or injury.
The university has offered tuition insurance in the past, but the plan was dropped by Dewar Insurance Company four years ago because of low participation by students, UM spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said.
However, UM worked with the insurance carrier well before the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic to bring back the offer to all registered students on the Ann Arbor campus for 2020-21, Fitzgerald said. While not available to them this year, the insurance might be offered to Flint and Dearborn students in the future, he said.
The plan refunds 75% of tuition and fees — excluding required health insurance for international students — less any refund or credit due from the university if a student completely withdraws from the university due to physical or mental health illness or injury, according to a UM website. Students living in university housing can purchase the coverage for room and board as well, according to the website.
The plan offers benefits, such as providing funds that can help to pay back loans, grants and scholarships, and covers students taking classes on campus or remotely, according to the website. UM’s fall semester begins Aug. 31 and will offer a blend of in-person and remote classes.
University of Michigan will offer in-person classes for fall semester
Students must have written statements from a physician saying that either a physical or psychological/emotional condition is the reason for withdrawal. A complete withdrawal from the university is required, according to the website, which means the student will not be able to complete the term and will not receive any academic credit because of injury or sickness.
Coverage does not apply if students drop classes and do not completely withdraw from the university.
According to Dewar Insurance, in-state undergraduate students will pay $109 for insurance in the 2020-21 academic year. That increases to $181 if the student pays for housing insurance as well.
Out-of-state undergraduate students pay $328 to insure their tuition and fees for the 2020-21 academic year and $400 if they include housing insurance.
More information on the costs of insurance for graduate students, law school students and students in Ross Graduate School can be found here.
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