Opt out of Cardinal Care by submitting a waiver petition through Axess before the deadlines; for Autumn Quarter graduates, apply by December 15 to end coverage on January 1
What does Stanford Cardinal cover?
Stanford’s Cardinal Care delivers comprehensive, worldwide coverage, including medical and mental health services, hospitalization, emergency care, and most prescription drugs
You’re covered anywhere in the world, but services outside the U.S. require you to file claims for reimbursement with Health Net within 90 days. Need care at Stanford Healthcare? Don’t forget referrals are required. The plan also covers visits to any licensed provider while you’re traveling or studying abroad. Stanford Medicine confirms that mental health and hospitalization benefits are included. (Honestly, this is one of the more robust student health plans I’ve seen.)
How does Cardinal care work?
Cardinal Care lets students abroad access covered medical services from any licensed doctor or hospital worldwide
Getting care outside the United States? Submit a claim for reimbursement to Health Net within 90 days. Staying in-network saves you money on out-of-pocket costs. All claims follow the plan’s coverage guidelines, so double-check what’s included before you seek care. Health Net outlines the claims process and network requirements for Cardinal Care.
Does Cardinal Care cover the summer?
Summer coverage under Cardinal Care runs for three months, from June 1 through August 31
The full summer premium gets charged during Summer Quarter registration. You’re covered even if you aren’t registered for classes that quarter. Graduating in Summer Quarter? Your coverage still lasts through August 31. Stanford Medicine confirms that summer coverage is automatic for enrolled students.
Are EPO and PPO the same?
EPO and PPO plans aren’t the same; EPOs limit you to in-network providers only, while PPOs let you see both in-network and out-of-network doctors
EPO networks are usually similar to PPO networks, but details can vary by carrier and region. Unlike PPOs, EPOs typically don’t cover out-of-network care at all. Always check the network before picking a plan. Healthcare.gov defines EPOs and PPOs and highlights their key differences.
What is Health Net PPO?
Health Net PPO is a preferred provider organization plan with access to a broad network of local and out-of-state providers
No referrals needed for specialist visits. The plan covers a wide range of services, and copays and deductibles are predictable. Coverage works nationwide through Health Net’s network. Health Net explains the PPO’s benefits and network access.
How does Stanford waive Cardinal Care?
Stanford lets you waive Cardinal Care by proving you have comparable health insurance in Axess by the waiver deadline
Submit your waiver request through Axess by the published deadline each year. If approved, you’re exempt from the plan and its fees. Just provide documentation that your existing coverage meets Stanford’s requirements. Stanford Medicine lists the waiver criteria and deadlines.
How do I cancel my Cardinal Care at Stanford?
To cancel Cardinal Care, Autumn Quarter graduates must file a petition with Vaden’s Insurance and Referral Office by December 15
Your petition must arrive by the deadline to end coverage on January 1. Other quarters have different cancellation deadlines, so check those dates. After you submit, confirm your cancellation with the insurance office. Stanford Medicine provides the cancellation deadlines and instructions.
How much is Cardinal Care at Stanford?
The annual plan runs from September 1 through August 31 for students starting in Autumn Quarter. That fee includes Summer Quarter coverage, even if you aren’t registered. Students entering in Winter or Spring pay a prorated annual fee. Stanford Medicine posts the current premiums and payment deadlines.
What is the zip code for Stanford, CA?
The zip code for Stanford, California is 94305
Stanford University sits in Santa Clara County. The local area code is 650. Always use the full zip code (94305-XXXXX) for mailing and billing—don’t skip those extra digits. USPS confirms the correct zip code for Stanford.
Does Stanford require health insurance?
Stanford requires all registered students to have adequate health insurance
If you don’t submit a waiver proving comparable coverage, you’re automatically enrolled in Cardinal Care. The university offers Cardinal Care as the default plan for students who need coverage. Remember, waivers must be filed every year by the deadline. Stanford Medicine states the insurance mandate and waiver policy.
Is EPO or PPO better?
A PPO plan is generally better than an EPO if you want the freedom to see out-of-network providers
PPOs let you visit specialists without referrals and cover both in-network and out-of-network care. EPOs usually have lower premiums but restrict you to in-network providers only. Think about your healthcare needs and budget before deciding. Healthcare.gov compares PPOs and EPOs and explains when each type makes sense.
Is it better to have an EPO or HMO?
An EPO often beats an HMO if you live in a rural area or want a larger network with lower premiums than HMOs
EPOs usually have bigger networks than HMOs and don’t require referrals for specialist visits. HMOs might offer stronger primary care in cities. Compare the details and provider networks before you choose. Healthcare.gov defines HMOs and contrasts them with EPOs.
What is the difference between EPO and HMO plans?
EPOs cover only in-network care with larger networks than HMOs, and they often skip the referral requirement from a primary care doctor
EPO premiums are typically higher than HMOs but lower than PPOs. Neither EPOs nor HMOs cover out-of-network care (except in emergencies). HMOs focus on coordinated primary care, while EPOs prioritize network size and flexibility. Healthcare.gov breaks down the differences between EPOs and HMOs.
Does Kaiser accept Health Net?
Kaiser Permanente usually doesn’t accept Health Net for most services, though Kaiser plans can appear alongside Health Net in employer plans
Some employers offer both Kaiser and Health Net as options. Coverage and provider access differ between the two, so always verify before you seek care. Kaiser Permanente lists accepted plans and network details.
Why would a person choose a PPO over an HMO?
People pick PPOs over HMOs when they need the flexibility to see providers both in-network and out-of-network without referrals
PPOs let you see specialists directly and don’t require referrals. The trade-off? Higher premiums. But if you travel often or have complex medical needs, that flexibility is worth it. HMOs cost less upfront but limit you to in-network providers. Healthcare.gov explains the trade-offs between PPOs and HMOs.
What carrier is Health Net?
Health Net, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation
Health Net operates in California and other states under Centene. It offers PPO, EPO, and Medicare plans. Centene, a Fortune 500 company, specializes in managed care services. Centene Corporation confirms Health Net’s corporate structure and market presence.
How do I cancel my Cardinal Care at Stanford?
If you plan to graduate at the end of Autumn Quarter, you can petition to cancel your Cardinal Care coverage by submitting a form to Vaden’s Insurance and Referral Office
All Autumn graduate petitions must be received no later than December 15. Coverage cancellation becomes effective as of January 1. You’ll need to submit your petition by the deadline to end coverage on that date.
How much is Cardinal Care at Stanford?
The annual cost for Cardinal Care for the 2021-2022 academic year is $6,192
The annual plan runs from September 1 through August 31 for students starting in Autumn Quarter. That fee includes Summer Quarter coverage, even if you aren’t registered for classes that quarter.
What is the zip code for Stanford, CA?
The zip code for Stanford, California is 94305
Stanford University sits in Santa Clara County. The local area code is 650. Always use the full zip code (94305-XXXXX) for mailing and billing—those extra digits matter.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
