Resources

Button: 2026 Benefits and Waiver Guide
Link to: New guide

Q: Why is Anthem requesting my Social Security Number (SSN)?
A: Anthem is required to provide Form 1095-B (Health Coverage) to you and to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You will use this form to prepare your individual tax return. The law requires SSNs to be reported on Form 1095-B. Visit the IRS webpage for additional information or contact our Anthem Concierge if you need assistance providing your SSN to Anthem.

Q: If I’m covered under my parent’s insurance plan or other coverage, why would I need the Caltech medical insurance?
A: The Caltech Student Medical Plan, offered through Anthem Student Advantage, is designed to meet your unique needs as a student. This includes helping you pay for covered medical care, prescription drugs, and mental health services you receive while at school, at home, and while traveling or studying abroad. If you have access to coverage under your parent’s insurance plan, please compare the plans, including coverages and costs, to determine what is the best option for you. You can waive Caltech medical coverage if your parent’s insurance meets the waiver requirements.

Q: Can I visit Student Wellness Services if I am not enrolled in Caltech medical insurance?
A: Yes, the cost for Student Wellness Services for registered students is included in the health fee which is part of your tuition.

Q: How do I add or remove coverage for myself or an eligible dependent mid-year?
A: If you need to add or remove coverage mid-year due to a qualifying life event (e.g., loss or gain of coverage, marriage, or birth of a child), you will need to reach out to [email protected] within 60 days of the coverage change. Please note: If you are adding coverage, you will need to show proof that you lost other coverage. If you are removing coverage, you will need to show proof that indicates when your new coverage was effective and provide a medical plan summary so the Benefits Office can verify your other coverage meets Caltech requirements.

Q: What happens to my coverage when I graduate, go on leave, or withdraw from Caltech mid-year?
A: Your medical coverage will terminate at the end of the insurance trimester unless you are on a registered leave. If you were enrolled in dental or vision coverage, those coverages will terminate at the end of the current plan year (August 31). Refer to the Continuing Coverage information on the How to Enroll or Waive page for additional information.

Q: How do I add a dependent to my student health insurance?
A: You can add your dependent(s) during the enrollment/waiver period each summer. If you need to add coverage for a dependent mid-year, please contact [email protected]. Please note: You will need to re-enroll your dependents each year during the enrollment/waiver period.

Q: How can I make sure I visit an in-network provider?
A: Please use the following links to search for in-network providers:
Anthem Student Advantage Medical
Anthem Student Advantage Dental
EyeMed Vision

Q: Where can I obtain a copy of my insurance card(s)?
A: Please use the following links to access your insurance card(s):
Anthem CA
EyeMed website

Q: Who can I talk to if I have questions about insurance bills or Explanation of Benefits?
A: Please email [email protected] or call (626) 395-6443 to make a virtual appointment. If you are enrolled or plan to enroll in the ASA plan, you can contact the Caltech Anthem Concierge by calling (626) 395-6628 or emailing [email protected].

Q: Why did I receive an out-of-network bill for a visit to an in-network hospital?
A: Most services received at in-network hospital, even for emergencies, are processed at the in-network level. However, some services received such as ambulances for emergency transport, emergency room physicians, and anesthesiologists may be billed as out-of-network, as these providers typically do not participate in any networks.

Q: What should I indicate on the Student Wellness form if I am planning to enroll in Caltech student insurance?
A: You should be able to indicate that you are electing Caltech student insurance on the form. If you have questions, please contact (626) 395-6393.

Q: Who do I talk to about a charge on my bursar account that I believe is incorrect?
A: Send an email to [email protected] or call (626) 395-6443.

Q: Can I use financial aid to pay for student health insurance?
A: Yes, financial aid recipients who enroll in the Caltech student health insurance plan may request that the expense be added to their estimated cost of attendance by completing the Financial Aid Request for Caltech Student Health Insurance Plan Form. Students will be offered grant assistance to cover the additional expense.

Q: Does Caltech offer any benefits to help with dependent childcare coverage for graduate students?
A: Caltech provides graduate students with a subsidized benefit for backup childcare, and they may apply for the Caltech Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP).

Q: Does the Caltech medical plan currently covering abortion services, including medication abortion and emergency contraception?
A: Yes, abortion and related prescription drugs are covered under the Caltech medical plan. The court’s decision has not changed the coverage provided in our plan. However, access to services may be impacted depending on the state in which you reside.

Q: Does Caltech plan to provide travel benefits within the Caltech medical plan to students who reside in or travel to a state where abortion services are restricted or soon to be restricted?
A: Caltech intends to make travel benefits available in its student medical plan. We are actively engaged in discussions with our medical insurance carrier, benefits consultants, and advisors to understand the best options for supporting students’ access to healthcare services. We do know that you must be enrolled in Caltech’s student medical plan in order to qualify for this travel benefit. We will communicate any future changes to the community. In the meantime, if you have a specific situation requiring urgent attention, please email [email protected] for assistance.

For general questions about your benefits or eligibility, contact:

Benefits Office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 395-6443
(M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PT)

For plan-specific support, including claims, coverage, ID cards, and account questions:

Medical and Dental Plan: Anthem Student Advantage
Website: studentca.anthem.com/student/schools/caltech
Phone: (833) 332-0797

Anthem Concierge
Ruben Rodriquez
Phone: (626) 395-6628
Email: [email protected]

Vision Plan: EyeMed
Website: https://www.eyemed.com/en-us/
Phone: (866) 800-5457

Student Wellness Services
Health Services
Website: wellness.caltech.edu/health
Phone: (626) 395-8331, M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counseling Services
Website: https://wellness.caltech.edu/counseling
Phone: (626) 395-8331, M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
After-hours Crisis Services (24/7): (626) 395-8331; press 2 and stay on the line