Which GuideStone products are open to students?
If you are a student at a GuideStone-approved seminary or Bible college, you are eligible to enroll in any GuideStone Medical, Dental, Life or Accident plan. Your spouse and children are also eligible to participate as your dependents. Use our Get A Quote wizard for a list of participating seminaries.
What is “Open Enrollment”?
Open enrollment allows students at seminaries, colleges or Bible schools affiliated with GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention to enroll in medical, dental, life and/or accident coverage without providing proof of good health. Open enrollment in the Personal Plans is available if you fall into one of the following three categories and meet all requirements:
New student
- As a new student, you must apply within 31 days of your first eligibility (first matriculation).
- Registration periods are limited to fall, spring and first summer semesters.
- You must sign and date your enrollment form within 31 days of the first day of the school’s open enrollment period. The form must be received in our office no later than 60 days after the first day of the school’s open enrollment period.
- If you were eligible for open enrollment during the summer semester but were not given the information or opportunity to enroll, you may enroll within 31 days of the fall open enrollment period, assuming all other guidelines are met.
- You must not have previously made application for participation through underwriting with the Personal Plans and been rejected for yourself or a dependent.
- Have never attended or obtained a degree from another seminary, college or Bible school affiliated with GuideStone Financial Resources.
Underwriting is not required for participant and dependent medical coverage or for employee term life coverage. Underwriting is required for dependent term life coverage.
Loss of prior coverage
- As a seminary student, you may enroll without underwriting if you are dropped from your parent’s coverage.
- You must supply a Certificate of Creditable Coverage from your prior insurance carrier within 31 days of losing eligibility showing no break in coverage.
- You must not have previously made application through underwriting for participation with the Personal Plans and been rejected for yourself or a dependent.
Underwriting is not required for participant and dependent medical coverage or for employee term life coverage. Underwriting is required for dependent term life coverage.
First-time employment
If you are currently attending, have attended or have graduated from an approved seminary or Bible college and become employed with an approved ministry affiliated with or sharing common religious bonds with the Southern Baptist Convention, you are eligible to enroll in a participant/dependent medical plan and Employee Life (1-4 times your salary or flat amounts), without underwriting, if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You apply within 60 days of your full-time (20 hours or more per week) employment date with an approved ministry. The application must be signed and received within 60 days of the hire date.
- Your employment begins no later than 12 months after the date you last attended or graduated from a seminary or Bible college.
- You must not have previously made application for participation through underwriting with the Personal Plans and been rejected for yourself or a dependent.
Coverage will be effective on your hire date or the first day after meeting your employer’s eligibility or waiting period.
What if I don’t qualify for open enrollment?
If you are not eligible for open enrollment, or if you are requesting term life coverage for your dependents, you must complete an Evidence of Good Health Application for all family members requesting coverage. You can now Apply Online, as well. If evidence of good health is required, the coverage will take effect only after the underwriter determines the evidence is satisfactory and approves the coverage.