This guide is intended to provide both Pullman and statewide graduate students basic information regarding their health insurance, or options. Students are responsible to verify this information by reviewing the plan summaries linked below.
How Health Insurance Works in the United States
In the United States individuals are responsible for their medical coverage expenses. It is important for students to understand that even with insurance, the patient will have most often have a financial responsibility. That is why it is important to know your plan and the amount of coverage. When possible, visit with your medical provider, clinic, and/or hospital in advance of service to learn about costs and estimated patient responsibility. Learn more here: Common Insurance Terms (wsu.edu).
Plan Types
You are advised to take some time to review/explore the information provided in the links below to learn more about your insurance benefits, including access to many different services to support your health AND wellness. If you are not certain which plan you have, send an email to Cougar Health Services (CHS).
- Graduate Assistant Plan: Students on half-time (.50) assistantship, both domestic and international, are automatically enrolled in the insurance plan for Graduate Assistants.
- The 2026-27 health and vision insurance plan will be provided by Aetna; plan summaries are provided here (long version (pdf)) (short version (pdf)).
- The 2026-27 Dental insurance provider is Delta Dental.
- Dates of Coverage: August 16-December 31, 2026 for those on Fall assistantship
- Dates of Coverage: January 1-May 15, 2027 for those on Spring assistantship
- ISHP Plan: International students holding F1 or J1 visas and who generally are not on assistantship– will automatically be enrolled in the ISHIP health and vision insurance plan.
- The 2026-27 ISHP health plan summary (long version (pdf)) (short version (pdf))
- Dental insurance is NOT provided.
- Dates of Coverage: August 1-December 31, 2026 for Fall enrolled students
- Dates of Coverage: January 1-July 31, 2027 for Spring enrolled students
- For students who do not qualify for either of the plans described above and need insurance, you are highly encouraged to request assistance from Cougar Health Services to explore options for health insurance coverage via the Washington Health Plan Finder. CHS health insurance navigators are specialists who can walk you through the nuances of health insurance and help you better understand your plan’s coverage. You can contact a navigator at student.insurance@wsu.edu or by calling 509-335-3575.
Plan Enrollment
At the beginning of each semester there may be a delay with the eligibility; if you need services and your provider is not showing that you are eligible, please call Becky Meyer at Cougar Health Services, 509-335-6758.
Starting around September 1, you can create an account with Aetna as well as Delta Dental of Washington.
You will be able to use your account to:
- Create an online account
- Print and/or access an ID card
- Look up preferred providers
- Submit claims (and access claim forms)
- Monitor claim status
- Review policy information
Dependent Coverage Enrollment
Spouses, domestic partners, and children may be enrolled at your request. The enrollment/cancellation deadline is the 13th day of classes for the fall and spring semesters and the 5th day of classes for the summer session. Please review the 2026-27 rate table (pdf) for costs. Dependent enrollment must be completed every semester. Enroll your dependents in a medical plan.
Plan Introduction
Preferred Providers
The Aetna plan is a preferred provider organization plan, or “PPO.” It provides a higher level of coverage when covered medical expenses are received from healthcare providers who are part of the plan’s network of “preferred providers.” The provider network for this plan is “Choice. ” You should obtain services from a preferred provider whenever possible for the most financial benefit. Search for preferred providers.
The plan also provides coverage when covered medical expenses are obtained from health care providers who are not preferred providers, known as “out-of-network providers.” However, a lower level of coverage may be provided when care is received from out-of-network providers, and you may be responsible for paying a greater portion of the cost.
Cougar Health Services at Pullman
All providers at Cougar Health Services (CHS) are preferred providers. Most Pullman students pay the Health Services mandatory fee each semester and have access to CHS; Research and Extension Center (REC) students who enroll via Pullman campus may opt in by contacting CHS (estimated at $266/semester). Learn more about services available at CHS.
How much is the deductible?
Your deductible is the amount of expenses you must pay out of pocket before the insurance company will pay any expenses. Your deductible is per policy year, based on when your coverage began.
The deductible for the 2026-27 plan will be $0 for services provided by Cougar Health Services (CHS) (applies to CHS contractors in Spokane and Yakima) and $300 for individuals (both in- and out-of-network providers).
How much are co-pays and out-of pocket maximum?
There are no co-pays for preventative care services (annual physicals, GYN exams, routine screens, and immunization). For other physician visits, co-pays are $25. Emergency room visits have a $200 co-pay. Out-of-pocket maximum is $5,000 individual/$10,000 family.
How much does the plan pay for?
The plan pays 80% of most medical costs from in-network providers. When you see an out-of-network provider, the plan will pay 60% of medical costs. If you need to have surgery, contact CHS in advance for guidance.
Prescriptions are covered under the GSA plan. Get your prescription filled at Cougar Health Services (Health Services fee not required, however prescriptions cannot be mailed) or any Aetna-contracted pharmacy. Prescription medications are $20 (generic; $50 mail-order), $40 (preferred brands; $100 mail-order), and $80 (non-preferred brands; $200 mail-order). Medications filled at non-Aetna pharmacies are covered at 80% (generic), 70% (brand-name).
Emergency room visits have a $200 co-pay, and costs may not be covered unless it is a true emergency. If the situation is not a true emergency (such as a minor cold or sore throat), consider visiting an Urgent Care Clinic or make an appointment with your regular provider.
Online Medical Assistance
Teledoc Health, a 24-hour telehealth service that connects you with a board-certified physician via phone or video chat for a consultation, diagnosis and treatment – a great option to use when Cougar Health Services is closed or otherwise not available at your location!
Vision Clinic Insurance Benefits via Cougar Health Services (CHS)
The Pullman campus Health Services mandatory fee assessed each semester provides the student access to the Cougar Health Services (CHS) Vision Clinic; REC students may opt in. This fee includes one routine eye exam each academic year (Aug 16 to Aug 15) covered at 100%—no deductible or copay; $200 hardware benefit each academic year; and medical eye appointments at the CHS Vision Clinic are covered at 100%—no deductible.
Vision Care Outside of Cougar Health Services
The Aetna health (medical) insurance plan covers one annual routine eye exam up to $100, and a $200 hardware benefit each academic year. Medical eye appointments are subject to a $300 deductible. Use provider of choice but may you may have to pay in full and then submit your own claim.
Dental Coverage
Dental coverage—including virtual dental care with Dentistry.One—is provided through Delta Dental of Washington (DDWA). Find a DDWA participating dentist at DeltaDentalWa.com. Please know that a virtual dental visit is charged as an exam, and only two exams are covered per year (in person and/or virtual).
WSU Cougar Health Services Contacts:
- Cougar Health Services
- CHS Pharmacy in Pullman, 509-335-5742
- CHS Billing, 509-335-3575, #3
- Tip: Contact CHS with unpaid claims or claim disputes; coverage questions; specific questions regarding your insurance coverage based on your situation (e.g., with or without graduate student assistantship); or any insurance related questions.
- Becky Meyer, Insurance Specialist, 509-335-6758, student.insurance@wsu.edu
- Tip: Contact Becky Meyer if you run into any problems or need special assistance in using your health insurance.