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Cardinal Care Overview*
* This overview provides highlights of benefit information about Cardinal Care, the Stanford student health insurance plan. The plan documents contain the exact terms and conditions of the Aetna coverage. If there is a discrepancy between the information provided here and the provisions of the plan documents, the plan documents will govern.
Important Links
Cardinal Care Student Health Insurance
- Cardinal Care Overview
- Summary of Benefits
- Referrals for Specialty Care
- 2024-2025 Tier 1 Additional Ancillary Service Providers
- Cost and Coverage Periods
Medical Overview
For medical services, Cardinal Care has two tiers of coverage that allow the member to decide where to seek care, while managing cost.
| Tier | Health Care Providers | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Medical Care | Stanford University Medical Center, Menlo Medical Clinic, and Sutter Health | The Tier 1 coverage allows students to be seen at Stanford University Medical Center, Menlo Medical Clinic, or Sutter Health. For office visits and most outpatient services (excluding surgery), students pay only a $25 copayment, and Cardinal Care covers the balance. For inpatient care at Stanford Hospital, a $100 annual deductible will apply, along with a $500 copay per admission, after which coverage is at 100% |
| Tier 2 Medical Care | Any Aetna Participating Network Provider | Tier 2 coverage allows students to receive care from any Aetna participating network provider. This flexibility can come in especially handy when studying remotely or traveling since Aetna offers coverage locally, nationally, and internationally. When Tier 2 is in effect, Cardinal Care pays 70% of most eligible expenses after you pay a $500 annual deductible. It’s important to follow the directions on your individualized health insurance ID card when accessing health care off campus. |
Mental Health Overview
Aetna Student Health administers Cardinal Care’s mental health benefits through a local and national network of mental health clinicians. Students do not need a referral from Vaden Health Center’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) unit to seek care with an Aetna provider in the community, but may want to contact CAPS for recommendations on community providers who could be a good fit for specific needs. For more information, visit the Aetna Student Health site.
Dental Overview
Aetna PPO Dental administers Cardinal Care’s dental coverage, which includes diagnostic and preventive care at 100% (up to $1,000 annually) when an Aetna PPO dentist is used. Basic restorative services are covered at 80% after a $25 annual deductible when services are provided by a PPO in-network dentist.
Note: Dental benefits are bundled with Cardinal Care’s medical and mental health benefits and are not available separately.
Year-Round, Worldwide Travel Assistance with On Call International*
* This is only a summary of On Call International benefits. Please refer to the Description of Services which can be downloaded at www.aetnastudenthealth.com/stanford for conditions, limitations and exclusions. Medical evacuation and repatriation services must be pre-approved and arranged by On Call International.
Cardinal Care also offers access to comprehensive emergency assistance services provided by On Call International in the event a medical emergency or behavioral health issue occurs for any student traveling more than 100 miles from their primary residence. Some of these services include:
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Medically necessary repatriation
- Medical/behavioral health/dental/ pharmacy/hospital referral
- Prescription drug replacement assistance
Students enrolled in Cardinal Care can contact On Call International at 1.866.525.1956 (toll free) or at 00.1.603.328.1956.
Aetna Student Health Features
Secure Member Website
Aetna offers a dedicated, secure member website exclusively for Stanford students enrolled in Cardinal Care. To register for access to the site, go to aetnastudenthealth.com/Stanford, click ‘Your Aetna Member Website’, and follow the prompts for a first time user. You may use your Stanford University ID number (with only one preceding zero) to set up your online account, or you can use your member number that starts with a ‘W’ if you have printed your ID card (see below). Your Aetna member ID is ‘W’ plus 9 digits that Aetna assigns.
Once you’ve registered on the member website, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to help you manage your health plan and improve your health. Use your online account to:
- View the Stanford student Plan Design and Benefits Summary document
- Find an urgent care center, doctor or hospital
- (Re)print your ID card
- Access health and wellness programs and resources
Personalized Identification Card
Cardinal Care enrollees should keep their personalized Aetna Student Health ID card handy and present it whenever accessing care. This card identifies you as a Cardinal Care member and gives you access to participating providers and pharmacies nationwide. Aetna offers several options for obtaining your ID card:
- Print a copy online
- Request a physical card by calling 888.834.4708. (ID cards are not mailed unless directly requested.)
- Access an image via smartphone with Aetna Mobile
Aetna ID cards are created for BOTH medical/mental health and dental insurance plans.
Aetna Student Health Programs and Discounts
In addition to having access to an extensive nationwide network of providers and pharmacies through Aetna Student Health, members also have access to a robust wellness platform which includes Mindcheck (wellness assessment), 24 Hour Nurseline (telephonic health coaching), fitness, and weight management (Nutrisystem®) discounts, and Maternity programs. Access the wellness programs and learn more.
Aetna Vision Preferred – Vision Insurance Plan
Aetna offers a vision insurance plan that is OUTSIDE of the Cardinal Care package of benefits. Students who wish to explore vision coverage can go tothe Aetna website to review benefits, and learn about cost and enrollment information. This offering is managed by Aetna directly.
- Enroll the1st to the 20thday of the month: plan is effective the 1st of the next month
- On or after the 21stof the month: plan is effective the 1st of the following month
