If you are new to the University and/or newly eligible for insurance, you will want to take the time to review the information below. There are several options for University insurance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Be aware, you will have 30 days to sign up for insurance before you are automatically enrolled in the Aetna QCHP plan (the most expensive plan). For information about University benefits including health, dental, vision and life, follow the link: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits (information on the different plans are below).
For general information about the University Health insurance program and how to sign up for benefits if you are eligible: State Employee Group Insurance Program FY26
If you have questions about your insurance coverage, need to print cards, or find providers: Insurance Company Contact Information
The cost of insurance is tiered based on salary. Find individual as well as dependent costs: Monthly Contribution Costs
There are two main hospitals in town (that have ER’s) – Carle and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center. There is an additional Physician owned medical system – Christie Clinic (no ER, no in-patient, only outpatient surgeries etc.) Be aware some insurance can be in or out of network at each of these, even though they are in the same town. Carle and Christie have the most clinics and specialists in town. Christie doctors have privileges at Carle, so they take all the same insurance as Carle, some Christie doctors will take the same as OSF (I do not know if all of them do).
Carle is the cooperative hospital with the University School of Medicine (Carle Illinois College of Medicine, CICOM).
Below are short information pages on each of the insurance options:
Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO/Blue Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield OAP
Healthlink OAP
Aetna HMO
Aetna (CDHP)
Aetna OAP
Aetna QCHP
Medicare Asst, Dependent Care, HSA