International Student & Scholar Handbook
Health Care and Medical Insurance
- Quick Health Links
- Introduction
- Things You should Know about the US Health Care System
- Medical Insurance | Where to Go for Medical Care
- What to Expect When Seeing a Doctor
- Mental Health
- Dental Care
Quick Health Links
University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS)
(various locations)
Tel: 800-789-PENN
Web: http://pennhealth.com/
Student Health Services (SHS)
3535 Market Street
Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3376
Phone: 215-746-3535
Fax: 215-746-0800
Email: shs@pobox.upenn.edu
Web: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs/
For emergencies outside regular hours, go to the Hospital of
the University of Pennsylvania Emergency Room.
Student Health Services (SHS)
Office of Student Insurance
Phone: 215-746-3535
Fax: 215-746-0800
Email: shsinsur@pobox.upenn.edu
Web: http://www.upenn.edu/shs/shi.html
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
133 S. 36th St. 2nd Floor Mellon Bldg.
Tel: 215-898-7021
Web: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/caps/
Dental Care Center
(various locations)
Tel: 215-898-8965
http://www.dental.upenn.edu/patients/index.html
Introduction
Health care and health insurance are important aspects of your life here and require careful thought and planning. The US health care system differs from that in other countries, and it is your responsibility to protect yourself from the exorbitant costs of health care.
The US regulations require you to maintain adequate health insurance for yourself and your dependents under the US government regulations. In the case of F-1 students, this is part of your general obligation to demonstrate financial ability to meet all of the costs of your stay at Penn. In the case of J-1 students and scholars, this obligation is contained in a specific rule that requires termination of your J status for willful failure to maintain adequate insurance for yourself and your dependents.
The cost of health care in the US is extremely high, often over $2,500 per day in some hospitals (covering room and board only). There is no national health program, and international students and scholars are not eligible for financial assistance from the US government or from the University to pay medical bills.
In Philadelphia, you can feel confident about the quality of care you will receive, as it is one of the top cities in the US for medical care. There are many excellent hospitals and teaching institutions here, among them the hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS).
University of Pennsylvania
Health System (UPHS)
Tel: 800-789-PENN
Web: http://pennhealth.com/
Things You Should Know about the US Health Care System
- The system is privately funded, not government sponsored.
- Payment is the responsibility of the individual, with or without health insurance.
- Some doctors providing services at a hospital may bill the patient separately.
- Payment is usually expected at the time the care is given, therefore you should always check that your insurance will cover the treatment before it is given.
- You are responsible for seeing that bills are submitted and that claims forms (used to request payment from the insurance company) are properly completed.
- The reimbursement process takes time and incomplete forms can cause further delays.
- Copies of all bills and papers should be kept for at least one year.
- It is appropriate to seek an opinion about your case from a second doctor before deciding on a course of treatment.
- Be aware of your own health needs and background. Keep copies of your past medical records with you. It is very helpful, for example, to tell the doctor which medications you have taken in the past.
- It is appropriate to ask questions about your condition and your treatment. Take a friend to the doctor's office with you to translate or help with forms if you feel that will help.
Medical Insurance
Although health insurance may seem to be an additional, unnecessary expense, it is of extreme importance. If you have an accident or become ill and require hospitalization and do not have insurance, the expenses involved will jeopardize your ability to complete your program.
For Students
Most international students at Penn are required to enroll in the student insurance program sponsored by the University. Some full-time graduate students will have this insurance coverage through their academic departments. Please check with your department to verify if you are eligible for this benefit.
The student insurance plan covers services such as diagnostic, laboratory and x-ray services, medical emergencies, surgery and hospitalization fees, mental health treatment, maternity service, and referrals to specialists. The insurance does not cover routine dental care or eyeglasses. You may include your spouse and children in this plan for an additional fee. Separate dental insurance may be purchased at a yearly cost of approximately $100.
The student insurance plan can be waived only if adequate alternative coverage is in place. If you have questions about what qualifies as alternative insurance plans you must consult with the student health insurance administrator at the Student Health Services (SHS).
Student Health Services (SHS)
Office of Student Insurance
Phone: 215-746-3535
Fax: 215-746-0800
Email: shsinsur@pobox.upenn.edu
Web: http://www.upenn.edu/shs/shi.html
For Scholars
Some international scholars have health insurance benefits from the University as part of their appointment here. Because this is not true for all temporary appointments, check with your department to see whether they are able to offer you any insurance plan.
If you do not have insurance through Penn, it is usually more convenient and cheaper to purchase traveler's medical insurance in your home country before you depart. It is also possible to purchase a policy from a company that specializes in insuring international visitors on educational exchanges and their dependents.
NOTE: The University’s employee health insurance plan coverage varies, so please check with your hosting department for more information. Most of the University’s employee health insurance plans do NOT cover repatriation and medical evacuation. Thus, be sure to purchase supplemental insurance to cover repatriation and medical evacuation. Failure to secure or maintain adequate health insurance will result in termination of your program.
These are a few companies that offer medical insurance to visiting scholars:
T.W. Lord & Associates: http://www.twlord.com/
HTH Worldwide Insurance Services: http://www.hthstudents.com/
The Harbour Group, LLC: http://www.hginsurance.com/
International Student Organization (VIP+ Plan): Tel: 800-244-1180, http://www.isoa.org/
If You Bring Your Family
Couples with or without children should consider carefully the different plans for medical insurance. Each insurance plan must be reviewed with particular attention to the specific medical needs of your family members.
Be certain that your insurance policy provides enough coverage for you and your family, and that coverage includes, if appropriate, maternity benefits to cover the costs of pregnancy and childbirth.
Choosing a Health Insurance Plan
If you are choosing a health insurance program, you should be aware of the following items regarding your policy:
- Does it cover medical expenses incurred in the US?
- Does it pay all or nearly all medical costs? Many plans will require you to pay a percentage of the costs, referred to as "co-payment."
- Does it have a "cap," meaning the limit to total payments or payments per day or per year?
- Does it have a "deductible," meaning the amount that you must pay before the insurance starts paying?
- Does it exclude "pre-existing conditions"? Some insurance policies will not cover medical problems that you had before getting the insurance.
- Does it have maternity coverage? If so, what kind?
- Does it cover any family members who are with you?
- Does it remain in effect during your entire stay in the US?
- Do you have a policy identification card to prove that you have insurance?
- Do you know how the insurance company's payment system works?
A Special Note for J-1 Exchange Students and Scholars
US government regulations require J-1 visa holders and their dependents to have adequate health insurance at all times that meet the following criteria:
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500 in the event of death
- Medical evacuation to your home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible of no more than $500 per accident or illness
- Co-payment of medical expenses of no more that 25%
The University's student health insurance plan meets these requirements. The University’s employee health insurance plan coverage varies, so please check with your hosting department for more information. Most of the University’s employee health insurance plans do NOT cover repatriation and medical evacuation. Thus, be sure to purchase supplemental insurance to cover repatriation and medical evacuation. Failure to secure or maintain adequate health insurance will result in termination of your program.
Where to Go for Medical Care
If you are feeling sick, do not hesitate to get help--even if you are nervous and have never seen a doctor outside your own country. The longer you wait, the greater risk you run for developing a serious problem from what may have been minor and easy to treat. Unless you have a real emergency, such as uncontrolled bleeding or a broken bone, do not go to a hospital emergency room for treatment. Emergency rooms are very expensive and, if your condition is not life threatening, you may have to wait a long time for care.
All full-time students at Penn may use the Student Health Services (SHS) for minor medical problems or for minor emergencies. If you are taking a minimum of three courses per semester (or are on dissertation status), the services provided at SHS are covered by the mandatory Clinical Fee of approximately $75 per semester. Only part-time students, students abroad, and students on a leave of absence are exempt from the Clinical Fee. Spouses of students can use the service on a fee-per-visit basis with guest ID. Children, however, cannot use SHS.
Student Health Services (SHS)
3535 Market Street
Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3376
Phone: 215-746-3535
Fax: 215-746-0800
Email: shs@pobox.upenn.edu
Web: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs/
For emergencies outside regular hours, go to the Hospital of
the University of Pennsylvania Emergency Room.
Scholars and families of scholars are not eligible to use SHS. You can call the University of Pennsylvania Health System at 1-800-789-PENN to obtain a directory of Penn primary care physicians or you may want to get references from friends and colleagues.
University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS)
1-800-789-PENN
http://pennhealth.com/
When choosing a doctor, consider whether you would prefer to see a man or a woman, an older practitioner or a younger one, etc. Even if you are not asked, you should make your preferences known. For the best medical care, it is valuable to choose one clinic and use it throughout your stay. In this way, all those who see you will know you and your medical history and will be better able to treat you.
What to Expect When Seeing a Doctor
Most clinics in the US are staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners (registered nurses qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat many common conditions), midwives (registered nurses specializing in prenatal and childbirth practice), registered nurses, and a variety of health care workers. You may not see a physician when you first seek medical care. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may receive care immediately, later the same day, or the next day. You may be offered a choice of doctors or health-care providers.
The time you spend with health care providers may seem very brief, with little opportunity for conversation. The doctor or nurse will ask you many questions; some may appear unnecessary or intrusive, but you should try to answer them as completely as possible. You may think the approach abrupt and impersonal; however, the workers are only trying to be efficient and thorough. It is expected that patients will ask questions about their health, diagnosis, treatment, and costs.
American-trained physicians generally expect their patients to participate actively in making decisions about medications and treatment choices. If you ever have difficulty understanding anything about your medical status or treatment, ask for clarification. You can ask workers to talk more slowly, to repeat, or to write something down. If you think you will need a translator, ask when you make your appointment if someone can assist you, or ask a friend to accompany you.
Mental Health
International students and scholars often hesitate to consult a professional about mental health problems. You may never have had the need to talk to a psychologist, psychiatric social worker, or psychiatrist at home, and you may think only "crazy" people with severe mental problems are treated by such professionals.
It is not uncommon in the US, however, for people with emotional problems to seek professional help. As you are far from home and lacking the usual support system of family and friends, you may find it helpful to consult a mental health professional when dealing with issues of adjustment, depression, strain or stress. The process will be completely confidential.
As a student, you may wish to contact the Reach-A Peer HelpLine. It is a peer support telephone service established by and for Penn students to provide information, peer support and referrals. The Line is open to all students who wish to share a problem, need information or just want someone to talk to. It is a confidential, anonymous, and free phone service. Student active listeners can provide callers with their objective, undivided attention. However, RAP-Line is not a professional crisis hotline.
Reach-a-Peer Helpline
215-573-2RAP M-F 9pm-2am during the academic year. To write an anonymous
and confidential letter use their web site:
http:// www.upenn.edu/rap-online/
Students may also consult a professional at the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
133 S. 36th St. 2nd Floor Mellon Bldg.
Tel: 215-898-7021
Web: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/caps/
Visiting scholars and their families can contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-888-321-4433 for short-term professional assistance.
Penn-Friends
Employee Assistance
888-321-4433
http://www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/wellness/eap.asp
Dental Care
You can obtain quality dental care at a reasonable price from Penn's Dental School. You will be treated by advanced dental students working under the supervision of professors. You can also visit the Dental Care Center, which is the practice of Penn faculty members.
Dental
Care Center
215-898-8965
http://www.dental.upenn.edu/patients/