How to Enroll (International Students)

All international students are required either to enroll officially in the University-sponsored program or to waive out of this requirement by providing proof of comparable coverage to the Benefits Office. For waiver forms and other information, visit Temple's Department of Human Resources.

International student Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants (TAs and RAs) are represented by the Temple University Graduate Students’ Association, a labor union. International student TAs and RAs may enroll in either the CompSelect plan or the Keystone plan free of charge for twelve (12) months. If health insurance fees appear on your bill, please contact TUGSA immediately at 215-235-0512 or union@tugsa.org. If you wish to add a dependent or dependents to your insurance policy, you must do so at the time of enrollment and you will be required to pay the additional premium.

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance

If you are an International Student with an F-1 or J-1 VISA status you must also complete the enrollment process for the Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance. If you have any questions or require assistance, contact the Human Resources Benefits office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 215-204-1321.

What you need before you begin:

1. Decide which plan is appropriate for you: Keystone or CompSelect. CompSelect is primarily catastrophic coverage; it will cover (some) emergencies but little else. The Keystone plan is much more comprehensive. Up until the most recent contract, TAs and RAs had to pay approximately $60 a month for year-round Keystone coverage, but TUGSA won free, year-round coverage under both plans with the last contract. --If your award letter states to the contrary, and indicates that you are only entitled to 9 months of free coverage under the Keystone plan, then it is wrong. If you notice such an error, please contact the TUGSA office immediately at 215-235-0512.

2. If you have chosen Keystone, you need to choose a primary care physician and a primary dentist. To choose a doctor, go to www.ibx.com. To choose a dentist, select from this list. --When choosing a doctor and dentist, be sure to note their HMO/Office number.

NOTE: You are not required to stay with the doctors that you choose at this time, or to notify the doctor that you have chosen him or her before activating your health insurance.

Now you’re ready to begin:

1. Log on to owlnet.temple.edu
2. Click the tab that says "Additional Services."
3. Choose "Health Insurance."
4. Fill out the form and click “Submit.”

5. When OWLnet gives you the prompt to print out a receipt, print two: one for your own records and one to take to the Benefits Office.

Once you have completed the OWLnet enrollment process, you will automatically be charged the twelve (12) month premium on your fall tuition. When your subsidy amount is verified, your credit will then be processed on your tuition bill. If you want the nine (9) month premium for single coverage, check your bill to make sure you are not being charged for health insurance.

Here are the steps for verifying your subsidy:

1. Make a copy of your appointment letter, or see your department for a copy if you don’t have one.

2. Print and fill out the Payroll Authorization Form.

3. Also, bring your receipt from filling out the OWLnet forms.

4. Take these three forms to the Benefits Office, located in the University Services Building, Room 608
(1601 North Broad Street).

5. It’s always a good idea to ask for verification once you drop off the forms. Some students ask the Benefits representative to sign and date the documents and make a photocopy so that you have proof that you’ve turned in your forms.

If you have any questions or require assistance, contact the Human Resources Benefits office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 215-204-1321.