{"id":3276,"date":"2024-06-10T17:17:38","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T21:17:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/iso\/?page_id=3276"},"modified":"2025-04-10T10:23:59","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T14:23:59","slug":"health-insurance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/iso\/living\/health-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"Health Insurance and Healthcare in the US"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":0,"parent":2516,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3276","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"lead_in":"","display_title":"","subtitle":"","call_to_action":"","hero_image_placement":"no_image","hero_media":"images","hero_pattern_option":"","hero_video":"","hero_external_video_url":"","hero_external_video_title":"","hero_external_video_poster":"","hero_image_landing":"","hero_image_landing_two":"","hero_image_landing_three":"","content_modules":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","anchor":"","css_class":"mt-0 pt-15","title":"","content":"Health insurance coverage is required for all. You might be eligible for <a href=\"#university-health-insurance\">University health insurance coverage<\/a>. If not, you might need to <a href=\"#alternative-insurance\">buy health insurance on your own<\/a>. It\u2019s important that your family and <a href=\"#dependents\">dependents<\/a>\u00a0have coverage, too.\r\n\r\nThe details on this page will help you and your family <a href=\"#requirements\">meet health insurance coverage requirements<\/a>\u00a0\u2014and learn how to <a href=\"#health-care-services\">access the healthcare services<\/a>\u00a0you need.","background_color":"#ffffff","width":"width-medium"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","anchor":"","css_class":"","title":"<h2>Health insurance and healthcare overview<\/h2>","content":"Unlike many countries with socialized medical care, the United States doesn\u2019t have a national health insurance system for foreign nationals. Instead, individuals are responsible for obtaining health insurance coverage for themselves and dependents through private providers.\r\n\r\nThe United States has a reputation for quality healthcare services, which include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Routine and preventive care<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Urgent care for accidents and emergencies<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Comprehensive health management for diagnosed conditions<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nProviders, both primary care physicians and specialists, must be trained and licensed to practice medicine. The system is focused on the patient\u2019s physical and psychological well-being.\r\n\r\nWhile emergency care will be provided to anyone in need without question, healthcare services are extremely expensive. It\u2019s important to plan ahead for the health needs of yourself and your family while you\u2019re in the United States.\r\n\r\nThe specific benefits covered by your insurance plan will vary depending on the policy you choose. Some plans include full or partial coverage for diagnostic laboratory tests, hospitalization, emergency services, and prescription medications; other plans cover only some of these services. Without adequate insurance coverage, these expenses can easily cost thousands of dollars.","background_color":"#f4f4f4","width":"width-medium"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion_new","anchor_id":"requirements","classes":"","title":"<h2>Health insurance requirements<\/h2>","description":"Immigration rules require that all J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors must maintain adequate US health insurance. Coverage must meet or exceed minimum requirements set by the government for the duration of your program. Failure to obtain insurance that meets these standards may result in the termination of the principal J-1 Exchange Visitor record.\r\n\r\nIn addition, University policy requires that\u00a0all full-time students must maintain health insurance.\r\n\r\nWhile other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/iso\/visas\/categories\/\">visa categories<\/a> don\u2019t carry the same requirement under US regulations, University requirements\u00a0may also be in place. More importantly, US health insurance is an important protection that all individuals are encouraged to have.\r\n<h3 id=\"university-health-insurance\">University health insurance may be available<\/h3>\r\nAll full-time students, scholars, and employees at the University of Rochester have access to US health insurance through their affiliation with the University. Health insurance can drastically reduce healthcare costs for you and your family members. Remember to bring copies of your personal medical records and those of any dependent family members to Rochester.\r\n\r\nNot all academic programs and work positions at the University are able to provide insurance. For personal eligibility information, contact your department directly.\r\n<h3>Full-time student health insurance requirements<\/h3>\r\nAll full-time students at the University of Rochester are eligible for insurance through\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/uhs\/\">University Health Service<\/a> (UHS). Students can enroll in the University-sponsored health insurance plan, or may apply to waive University insurance if they have comparable coverage. Most international-based insurance plans generally don\u2019t meet University criteria, so please check the plan details carefully before making any purchase.","background":"plain","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"no","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Health history form","icon":"","row_content":"The University Health Service requires incoming full-time students to complete the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/uhs\/primary-care\/mandatory-health-fee\/entering-student-health-requirements\/full-time-students\/\">Health History and Immunization Form and the Allergy and Medication Form <\/a>prior to the start of classes via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/uhs\/uhsconnect\/\">UHSConnect<\/a>.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Student health program","icon":"","row_content":"Full-time students\u00a0<strong>must participate<\/strong>\u00a0in the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/uhs\/primary-care\/mandatory-health-fee\/\">Student Health Program<\/a>\u00a0each year, which includes the mandatory health fee and health insurance.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Mandatory health fee","icon":"","row_content":"This fee covers the cost of visits to the UHS and the University Counseling Center (UCC) for the year and is charged to your student billing statement. All full-time students pay this fee, regardless of whether they enroll for University-sponsored insurance. This fee cannot be waived.","accordion_anchor":""}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion_new","anchor_id":"dependents","classes":"pt-15","title":"<h3>Health insurance for dependents<\/h3>","description":"Health insurance coverage for your family is crucial while you are living in the United States. The cost of healthcare in the US is expensive and insurance can help to cover fees and services.\r\n\r\nSome health insurance plans will cover the full cost; other plans have specific exclusions or will cover only some of the costs. Be sure to research and understand your insurance plan before buying one for your family members who will be with you in Rochester.\r\n\r\nAs you plan for healthcare expenses, you should also anticipate the cost of visits to the doctor by your family and how those costs factor into your health insurance coverage plan. You\u2019ll want to find a pediatrician to supervise the health of your child. Searchable lists of doctors are available online.","background":"plain","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"no","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"title","sub_heading":"Family health insurance options"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Through University Health Service","icon":"","row_content":"University of Rochester insurance options, for yourself and family, will depend on your relationship with the University. When you are choosing health insurance for your family, check to see what is covered and what is not covered.\u00a0<strong>An insurance plan that is less expensive may not provide the benefits you need.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re a full-time student or otherwise eligible for insurance through University Health Service (UHS), you can enroll your spouse\/domestic partner and your children in the University-sponsored plan for full-time students. You must be enrolled in the plan yourself if you want to enroll your family members. The cost for the insurance for your family members will be billed to your student billing statement.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Through University Benefits Office","icon":"","row_content":"If you\u2019re insured as a full-time employee through the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/working\/hr\/benefits\/\">University Benefits Office<\/a>, you may be able to include your immediate family members as well. Contact your department for guidance on whether you qualify for coverage through the University.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Through alternative insurance options","icon":"","row_content":"You can also <a href=\"#alternative-insurance\">explore alternative insurance options<\/a>\u00a0to ensure you and your loved ones have the coverage you need.","accordion_anchor":""}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","anchor":"alternative-insurance","css_class":"pt-15","title":"<h3>Alternative insurance options<\/h3>","content":"If you\u2019re ineligible for University health insurance coverage, you may be required to buy health insurance on your own.\r\n\r\nOther health insurance options include policies from the following organizations:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insuremytrip.com\/\">Insuremytrip.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcbs.com\/\">Blue Cross Blue Shield<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mvphealthcare.com\/\">MVP Health Care<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.isoa.org\/\">ISO International Student Insurance<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nResearch and compare each policy carefully. The least expensive plan is usually not the best value and may not cover typical healthcare expenses while you are in the US. Ask questions and understand your policy before you buy it.","background_color":"#ffffff","width":"width-medium"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion_new","anchor_id":"health-care-services","classes":"","title":"<h2>Healthcare services at the University<\/h2>","description":"There are a variety of healthcare services available to the University community.","background":"decorative","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"no","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"University Health Service (UHS)","icon":"","row_content":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/uhs\/\">University Health Service<\/a> provides a full range of confidential, high-quality primary healthcare services for all full-time students and for members of the University community who choose a healthcare provider at UHS.\r\n\r\nPatients come to UHS for the treatment of illnesses and injuries, management of ongoing medical problems, preventive medical care, and care and advice for any health concern.\u00a0 Visits to UHS are completely confidential. The UHS clinical staff includes registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians, all of whom have a special interest in the care and treatment of students and other members of the University community.\r\n\r\nUHS\u2019s services include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Primary care with physicians and nurse practitioners<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Treatment for illnesses and injuries<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Management of ongoing medical problems<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Preventive healthcare and health education<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Available prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines for purchase<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Health Information Phone Line<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Flu vaccination clinics<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"University Counseling Center (UCC)","icon":"","row_content":"The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/ucc\/\">University Counseling Center<\/a>\u00a0provides services to full-time students who pay the mandatory student health fee. Therapy is available for a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, family problems, grief, school related problems, and general discomfort about what's happening in a person's life, among many other sorts of difficulties.\r\n\r\nUCC\u2019s services include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Time-limited individual and couples\u2019 therapy<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Group therapy<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Medication management<\/li>\r\n \t<li>24-hour crisis services<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Consultation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Educational presentation<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program (EAP)","icon":"","row_content":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.urmc.rochester.edu\/eap.aspx\">UR Medicine EAP<\/a>\u00a0provides confidential and immediate help with a range of problems that can affect you or your family member's ability to cope effectively at home or at work. Employees of the University (e.g., faculty, postdoctoral appointees, staff) are all eligible to use EAP's specialized services.","accordion_anchor":""}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"card_grid","anchor":"","css_class":"","title":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Related resources<\/h2>","description":"","background_color":"#f4f4f4","width":"width-large","columns":"3","cards":[{"card_title":"<p class=\"u-card-title\">Visa categories<\/p>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#FFFFFF","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"Visa Categories","url":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/iso\/visas\/categories\/","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""},{"card_title":"<p class=\"u-card-title\">Dependents<\/p>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#FFFFFF","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"Dependent Visas","url":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/iso\/visas\/dependents\/","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""},{"card_title":"<p class=\"u-card-title\">University Health Services (UHS)<\/p>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#FFFFFF","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"","url":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/uhs\/","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""}]}]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - 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