University of Wisconsin Life Insurance: What Students and Staff Need to Know

What Is University of Wisconsin Life Insurance?

Life insurance is a contract that pays a designated beneficiary a death benefit when the insured person passes away. The University of Wisconsin (UW) offers a group life insurance program that provides coverage to students, faculty, staff, and certain family members. It is designed to give financial support to loved ones in the event of an untimely death, helping cover funeral expenses, debts, or future financial needs.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility varies by campus and program, but generally:

• Students: Full‑time students enrolled in any UW system school, including UW‑Madison, UW‑Milwaukee, UW‑Eau Claire, UW‑Park, and UW‑River Falls.
• Faculty & Staff: Full‑time and part‑time employees, as well as certain contractors and retirees.
• Family Members: Spouses, children, and sometimes parents of eligible students or employees.

Applicants must be U.S. residents and pass a basic medical questionnaire. Some campuses offer optional supplemental coverage.

Coverage Options and Limits

The core UW life insurance policy typically offers a base coverage of $50,000, with the ability to purchase additional coverage in increments of $10,000 up to a maximum of $200,000. Coverage can be tailored through:

• Term Length: 10, 20, or 30 years, aligning with school terms or employment tenure.
• Supplemental Riders: Accidental death, critical illness, or disability riders can be added for extra protection.

Cost Structure

Premiums are calculated based on age, health, and chosen coverage level. UW's group policy often provides discounts compared to individual policies:

• Students: $0–$15 per month for base coverage.
• Faculty & Staff: $20–$40 per month for base coverage.
• Family riders: $5–$10 per month per rider.

These rates are subject to change; students should consult the UW Student Health Services or HR office for the latest figures.

How to Enroll

Enrollment steps are straightforward:

Benefits of UW Life Insurance

Key advantages include:

• Affordable premiums due to group rates.
• Easy enrollment through existing university systems.
• Coverage that can be carried across campuses within the UW system.
• Optional riders for additional protection.

Common Questions & Answers

Can I Transfer My Policy If I Transfer Campuses?

Yes, coverage typically follows the student or employee across UW campuses, provided the new campus is part of the same system and the applicant remains eligible.

What Happens If I Turn 30 Years Old?

Most UW policies have a maximum age of 65 for new enrollments. Existing policyholders can usually keep coverage without changes, but premiums may increase after age 45.

Is There a Waiting Period?

Some policies impose a 30‑day waiting period before benefits are payable. Verify this detail during enrollment.

Can I Add My Parents as Beneficiaries?

Yes, parents can be named as primary or secondary beneficiaries. They can also purchase supplemental coverage if they meet eligibility.

Comparison Table: UW Life Insurance vs. Individual Policies

How to File a Claim

Upon the insured's death, the beneficiary must submit a claim form with the UW Life Insurance Office. Required documents include:

• Death certificate
• Completed claim form
• Beneficiary identification

Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks, and funds are paid directly to the beneficiary or through a designated bank account.

FAQs About Coverage Limits

Coverage limits are capped at $200,000 per individual. However, beneficiaries can receive the full death benefit regardless of the insured's age or health status, provided the policy remains active.

Resources and Contact Information

For more detailed information or to start an application, visit:

• UW Student Health Services: studenthealth.wisc.edu
• UW Human Resources: hr.wisc.edu
• UW Insurance Office: insurance.wisc.edu