GradGuard's Tuition Insurance: Covid-19 Update

Updated July 6th, 2022

COVID-19 UPDATE: NEW EPIDEMIC COVERAGE ENDORSEMENT AND SPECIAL PLAN ACCOMMODATION

We are pleased to announce that all GradGuard tuition insurance plans purchased on or after February 18, 2022 will now include a new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement1, which can provide coverage for when an insured student completely withdraws from school for the covered term due to becoming ill with any epidemic or pandemic disease, including COVID-19.

Claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, cessation of operations by the school, or fear of attending school are generally not covered.

Please note, this new coverage is only available for customers whose plan includes the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement and is not available for plans purchased prior to February 18, 2022. To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for this endorsement in your plan details. You can view these plan details before you purchase by clicking the link in your online insurance offer or by requesting this information from us. After purchase, you can view this information in the plan materials sent to you or by logging onto your GradGuard account at account.gradguard.com.

GradGuard tuition insurance plans purchased prior to February 18, 2022 and Community College plans for WA state residents, that do not include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, until further notice, we are currently accommodating claims for when an insured student completely withdraws from school for the covered term due to becoming ill with COVID-19. This accommodation is strictly applicable to COVID-19. All other terms, conditions, and exclusions of the plan apply as normal.

COVID-19 is a known and evolving epidemic that is affecting travel worldwide, with continued spread and impacts expected. COVID-19 became a known event on January 22, 2020 and was recognized as an epidemic on or before February 3, 2020.

GradGuard's partner, Allianz Global Assistance, is currently assisting policyholders and insured students 24/7/365 who need assistance or would like to file a claim. We are here to fully understand the nature of the situation and provide assistance and applicable coverage under the plan. Allianz Global Assistance’s assistance team is ready to help all policyholders and insured students who may need help, such as locating medical facilities or booking transportation.

We urge any policyholder or insured student who has any questions regarding their plan to call us. Every claim is reviewed based on its unique facts and circumstances, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement does not cover all epidemic-related situations or losses. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability. Please read your plan for details.

Additionally, policyholders and insured students have access to Student Life Assistance, which can provide aid, for example, with the following:

  1. Family Travel Assistance: In the event that the insured student becomes ill or injured requiring hospitalization during the covered term, we will assist in making travel arrangements for you to visit the hospital where the insured student is admitted.
  2. Getting the insured student home after medical care: If an insured student becomes ill during the covered term and requires transportation to a facility of higher level of care or home, we can arrange for transport to a location or medical facility of their choice. We can also arrange for transportation to include a medical escort if necessary.
  3. Vehicle Return: If the insured student can't drive home because of illness/injury, we will arrange to have the insured student's car driven to his or her U.S. place of residence.

Please note, the above are assistance services only, not financial benefits. The recipient of the services is fully and solely responsible for all charges by vendors for services provided. All terms, conditions, and exclusions of the plan apply.

To reach the Student Life Assistance office or file a claim please call the following:

To learn more about our tuition protection plans, go to www.GradGuard.com

Please review your plan or call us for details.

Plan Refund Information

If you are not completely satisfied for any reason, you may cancel your policy and receive a refund of any unearned premium. Please note that this refund is only available if a claim has not been initiated.

Important Tips

Policyholders and insured students should review the plan to learn details about coverage and assistance.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the World Health Organization's website at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019, or the CDC's website at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/noticescovid19, or consult your medical professional.

The information in this Coverage Alert is current as of the time of publication but is subject to change as the situation develops.

Please note, the above-described accommodation is an explicit and limited expression of donative intent only, which is for only the limited purposes expressly specified here and for no other further purpose, express or implied. Further, it is expressly not a guarantee of coverage or admission of legal or equitable liability. Nothing contained or described here is or should be construed to be a waiver of any term, condition, or exclusion of any plan, or any applicable rights, remedies, or defenses under any plan or at law or equity. GradGuard, Allianz Global Assistance, and all applicable underwriters and reinsurers reserve all rights, remedies, and defenses under the plan and under applicable law and at equity.

1 This excludes the Community College plan for residents of WA state2 Or for the Community College plan for residents of WA state.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions (including for pre-existing conditions) apply. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Recommended and provided by GradGuard, a service of Next Generation Insurance Group, LLC (NGI), the licensed agent for all insurance programs. Insurance plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Pricing may vary by state. Insurance benefits are underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233) rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co. A+ (Superior) is the 2nd highest of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Non-insurance benefits/services are provided by AGA Service Company. Claims are administered by Allianz Global Assistance (AGA). AGA and Allianz Tuition Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. AGA Service Company is an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Except as expressly provided for under the plan, consumer is responsible for charges incurred from outside vendors. Contact AGA Service Company at 888-427-5045 or 9950 Mayland Dr., Richmond, VA 23233 or tuition@allianzassistance.com. Schools do not receive compensation for purchase.