Health Sciences Students Long-Term Disability (LTD)

While Attending the University

Health Sciences students invest considerable time and money into their chosen profession. During a critical time in a student’s life, while attending the University of Minnesota, the rare occurrence of a disability could prove to be an extreme financial problem. Long-term disability insurance provides protection for students should a disability occur. If, for example, a student develops a condition preventing the student from continuing their education, long-term disability insurance will offset the future income lost due to the student’s inability to practice in their chosen field. The benefit is available up to the age they are eligible for Social Security benefits.

Eligible Health Sciences students will see a charge of $50.82, an average cost of $8.47 per month for disability coverage on their student account once at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. Payment of this fee for two consecutive semesters provides year-round coverage for the student, until the next semester begins or the student graduates. For example, if a student pays the fee fall semester and spring semester, the student will have coverage through summer until the fall semester begins or they graduate (whichever occurs first).

 For detailed information, view the brochure below: 

• Foster Klima Disability Insurance Brochure (pdf)

After Graduation

Upon graduation students will have the opportunity to convert to an individual long-term disability plan. This means students can obtain individual coverage that they own and take with them after they graduate. An estimated 30 percent of graduates applying for disability coverage will be rejected or be offered limited benefits due to pre-existing conditions. However, University of Minnesota Health Sciences students can enroll in Foster Klima’s individual plan regardless of any pre-existing medical conditions.

Long-term disability members may enroll in this guaranteed standard issue conversion option anytime during and up to 60 days after the group plan ends.

For more information, or to schedule a meeting, contact one of your University-designated Foster Klima representatives.

Why can't I waive long-term disability coverage?

Enrollment in Guardian long-term disability insurance is required for all degree-seeking students in qualifying Health Sciences programs. The semester coverage fee is non-refundable.

The long-term disability plan was implemented at the request of Health Sciences students. The School of Dentistry has provided this type of group disability coverage for their students since 2006. Health Sciences turned to the Office of Student Benefits to secure a group disability plan for all degree-seeking Health Sciences students.

In order to secure the low cost and superior benefits of a group plan, all qualifying Health Sciences programs must be enrolled in the plan. Guardian provides a high quality, cost effective disability insurance plan designed for student coverage and protection—now and after graduation. In addition to low cost and high quality benefits, this group plan also offers coverage for all students regardless of preexisting condition. 

Are there any exceptions?

There are no exceptions. All degree-seeking students in qualifying Health Sciences programs will be enrolled in the Guardian long-term disability insurance plan.

You will see a charge of $50.82—an average cost of $8.47 per month—for this coverage on your student account once at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. Payment of this fee for two consecutive semesters provides year around coverage until graduation from your program.

How is this different from the individual or employer-sponsored disability insurance I already have?
Guardian long-term disability insurance for Health Sciences students is designed for students, and is different from individual or employer-sponsored disability insurance.

If disabled while in school, Guardian would provide a monthly disability benefit to the student, along with a benefit to offset expenses incurred while in school (e.g. bank loans or loans from parents). An individual or employer-sponsored plan will not.

Students with an individual or employer-sponsored disability policy could collect on both policies should a disability occur.

Guardian Long-Term Disability Insurance also offers guaranteed issue of individual disability coverage that students may purchase at the time of graduation—with no preexisting condition exclusions. This opportunity is significant, as Long-Term Disability insurance can be difficult to obtain. An estimated 30% of graduates applying for disability coverage will be rejected or be offered limited benefits due to a pre-existing condition, this program eliminates that possibility.

Find more information on Foster Klima's website.

Select your school below to view your policy certificate and specific coverage information:

• School of Public Health: Disability Insurance Certificate SPH (pdf)
• School of Pharmacy: Disability Insurance Certificate SOP (pdf)
• School of Nursing: Disability Insurance Certificate SON (pdf)
• School of Dentistry: Disability Insurance Certificate SOD (pdf)
• Medical School: Disability Insurance Certificate (pdf)
• College of Veterinary Medicine: Disability Insurance Certificate CVM (pdf)

2022-2023

• 03/31/2023 Email: Meet Your Representatives
  • College of Pharmacy Duluth (pdf)
  • College of Pharmacy Twin Cities (pdf)
  • College of Veterinary Medicine (pdf)
  • Medical School (pdf)
  • School of Dentistry (pdf)

2021-2022

• 04/25/2022 Email: Star of the North
  • School of Dentistry Years 1-3 (pdf)
  • School of Dentistry Year 4 (pdf)
• 03/15/2022 Email: Meet Your Representatives
  • Medical School (pdf)
  • School of Dentistry (pdf)
  • College of Veterinary Medicine (pdf)
  • College of Pharmacy Twin Cities (pdf)
  • College of Pharmacy Duluth (pdf)
• 11/09/2021 Email: AHC Foster Klima: Find out how your disability insurance can help you (pdf)