Caring for Student Health at Stanford University

Health Insurance and Referrals Office

Cardinal Care 2025-2026

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• Wellfleet Student will administer the Cardinal Care medical, mental health, and dental programs for 2025-2026.

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• The annualized cost for the 2025-2026 Cardinal Care plan year is $8,232 and is posted quarterly in Axess (Autumn, Winter, and Spring) at $2,744 per quarter.

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• https://vaden.stanford.edu/student-health-matters-2526

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Health Insurance Requirement

• Stanford University requires that all registered students carry adequate health insurance. This requirement can be met either through Cardinal Care, the University-sponsored health insurance plan, or through an alternative insurance plan that has comparable benefits. 
• Cardinal Care is an annual plan with coverage that begins on September 1^st and ends on August 31^st in the next year.
• Students are automatically enrolled in Cardinal Care on an annual basis at the start of their quarter of entry each year.
• Students have an opportunity to each year to remain enrolled in Cardinal Care or request a waiver. The health insurance decision is binding for the entire plan year, unless a qualifying life event occurs that would allow re-enrollment in Cardinal Care.

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Acknowledgement and Waiver Process

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• Autumn Quarter entry students who wish to remain enrolled in Cardinal Care or request a waiver must first acknowledge the Cardinal Care Enrollment Policy via the Mandatory Insurance Decision “To-Do” item in Axess by the September 15, 2025 deadline.

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• Autumn Quarter entry students who wish to waive Cardinal Care enrollment must request a health insurance waiver through the Academic HealthPlans portal by the September 15, 2025 deadline.

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• All students (US citizens, US permanent residents, or international students) can submit a waiver request via the Academic HealthPlans portal after acknowledging the Cardinal Care Enrollment Policy in Axess.

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Cardinal Care – Medical/Mental Health Benefits

• Wellfleet Student will administer medical and mental health benefits under Cardinal Care.
• Through the Blue Shield of California PPO network (in state).
• Through the Cigna PPO network (out of state).
• Students receiving specialist medical care within 25 miles of campus will need a referral from a Vaden clinician to receive in network benefits.
• A referral will not be required for mental health care.
• Out of network benefits are paid at 50% of the Usual and Customary Charge. Deductible applies.
• https://vaden.stanford.edu/student-health-matters-2526/cardinal-care-student-health-insurance#medical

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Cardinal Care – Dental Benefits

• Ameritas PPO administers the dental benefit under Cardinal Care.
• Any licensed dentist can be seen under this plan, but maximum value will be achieved by choosing an Ameritas PPO dentist.
• Diagnostic and preventive services are covered at 100% when care is provided by an Ameritas PPO dentist.
• There is an annual deductible of $25, and a maximum benefit of $1,000 each plan year when care is provided by an Ameritas Dental dentist.
• https://vaden.stanford.edu/student-health-matters-2526/cardinal-care-student-health-insurance#dental

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Campus Health Service Fee

• The Campus Health Service Fee is a mandatory quarterly fee that covers primary care appointments at Vaden, certain Counseling and Psychological services, and wellness appointments.

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• The 2025-2026 Campus Health Service Fee is $271.00 per quarter and is separate from the cost of Cardinal Care.

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Cardinal Care – Dependent Plan Enrollment

• Students who choose to remain enrolled in Cardinal Care can also enroll their dependents in the Dependent Care plan within the first 30 days at the start of their entry quarter each year, or if a qualifying event occurs.
• Dependents eligible for enrollment include spouse, registered domestic partner, and children.
• Students can enroll their eligible dependents through the Academic HealthPlans website, and two months’ premiums are due at the time of enrollment.
• https://vaden.stanford.edu/student-health-matters-2526/health-insurance-dependents-students

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Cardinal Care Information for 2025-2026

• The Vaden Health Center weblink below has detailed information about entrance medical requirements, services available at Vaden, Cardinal Care benefits, and more!

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• https://vaden.stanford.edu/

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Thank You!

For additional questions, please submit a ServiceNow ticket:

https://stanford.servicenow.com/student_services

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