Optional Tuition & Housing Insurance
Sonoma State University (SSU) partners with GradGuard to offer a tuition protection plan from Allianz Global Assistance. This partnership allows us to offer special plans and rates not available to the public.
Enrollment in this plan is optional; however, it must be purchased before the first day of each semester. Students and families will have the opportunity to enroll when logging into the Student Portal to view their account. Learn more at gradguard.com/tuition/sonoma or call 1-866-985-7598.
What is GradGuard?
GradGuard is the leading embedded insurance platform that helps colleges and universities educate and protect students and families from the risks of college life. In the event of an unexpected injury or illness, you may need to withdraw from your courses. Depending on the timing of the withdrawal, you may not be eligible to receive a refund for all of your tuition and fees. GradGuard Tuition Insurance can help students and families avoid a financial loss due to an unexpected medical withdrawal from school.
What does tuition insurance protect?
GradGuard's Tuition Insurance can reimburse tuition, room, board, and other eligible fees if a student withdraws at any time during the covered term due to a covered reason such as:
- Covered serious injury or illness such as mononucleosis, a severe head injury, or COVID-19
- Chronic illness such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder
- Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, suicide/attempted suicide
- Death of a payer(s)
- Loss of employment of a tuition payer(s)
The Tuition Insurance Plan complements our refund policy, providing peace of mind. GradGuard also offers members special access to an Assistance Hotline to help students and their families take care of emergencies and unexpected issues.
Learn more by calling GradGuard at (866) 985-7598 or visiting gradguard.com/tuition/sonoma.
Important Information
Tuition insurance must be purchased before the first day of each academic semester and is offered as a voluntary benefit to our students and families.
Please review the GradGuard coverage terms closely, as students must withdraw from all courses and the withdrawal must be for a covered reason for insurance coverage to apply. Other terms apply, including that the coverage period is for one academic semester at a time. If coverage for future semesters is desired, re-enrollment and an additional premium payment will be required.
The insurance policy is entirely voluntary and is not offered, sold, endorsed, administered, or guaranteed by Sonoma State University. If you select a GradGuard policy, payment will be due and payable directly to GradGuard and policy benefits will be payable from GradGuard. GradGuard administers the claims process, if applicable.
This page is intended to provide you with general information about GradGuard tuition insurance and is not intended to be a full disclosure of policy coverage and/or disclosures. There may be additional options available through your existing insurance provider(s).
Frequently Asked Questions
Students and families can find out more information and purchase coverage at the SSU Payment Portal or at gradguard.com/tuition/sonoma or by calling (866) 985-7598. Your purchase of tuition insurance must occur before the first day of each semester; this date is posted in the Academic Calendar.
Once registration starts each semester, students and authorized users (Payers) will be presented with an opportunity to purchase GradGuard's tuition insurance through the SSU Payment Portal. If the student declines that first offer, the student can still elect to purchase coverage anytime before the first day of classes by visiting gradguard.com/tuition/sonoma or by calling (866) 985-7598.
Each student interested in purchasing tuition insurance needs to calculate their own desired coverage level by determining the amount they expect to pay out-of-pocket towards educational costs this semester, and considering how much of those out-of-pocket costs they would prefer to protect with their tuition insurance policy.
SSU has established a default coverage amount which is based on averages across our entire student body. The default amount should not be considered a recommended coverage level. This amount may be more coverage than you need if it exceeds your nonrefundable out-of-pocket costs, or there may not be enough coverage depending on your unique circumstances.
SSU staff are not permitted to assist students in determining insurance coverage amounts.
SSU staff are neither insurance nor financial advisors and are not authorized to provide students or families with advice about insurance, nor can they calculate the amount of coverage you may wish to purchase. Please contact GradGuard directly and/or consult with your financial and insurance advisors.
Claims are processed by GradGuard, not SSU. Claims can be processed at any time. To be eligible for coverage, the event/incident must occur within the plan’s coverage period. The claims process begins by calling (866) 794-6603. The GradGuard FAQ is a helpful resource for any questions: https://gradguard.com/support
If you need other forms of documentation to support your claim, please reach out to the appropriate resources on campus as needed.
The GradGuard Tuition Insurance offer amount is a suggested coverage amount and may vary by student. You may opt to purchase more/less coverage based upon your costs for attending the school by visiting gradguard.com/tuition/sonoma.
To change the amount of coverage after you have purchased insurance, contact GradGuard by calling (866) 985-7598.
Because the policy is sold, offered, and administered by GradGuard, your best point of contact for questions about coverage, claims, and the purchase process are our partners at GradGuard.
How to contact GradGuard:
Phone: (866) 985-7598
WEBSITE: gradgurad.com/tuition/sonoma
The school is not compensated for this program. 100% of your premiums go toward protecting your tuition investment. This is a voluntary benefit to our families and students. Your participation is not required, but we do encourage students and families to consider the benefits each semester.
Tuition insurance must be purchased before the first day of classes and is offered as a voluntary benefit to our families. Your participation is not required but highly recommended. The school is not compensated for this program. Learn more by calling GradGuard at 877-794-6603 or by visiting gradguard.com/tuition/sonoma.
Terms, conditions, and exclusions (including pre-existing conditions) apply. Plans are 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, the consumer is responsible for charges incurred by outside vendors. Contact AGA Service Company at 888-427-5045, [email protected], or 9950 Mayland Dr., Richmond, VA 23233.