Health Insurance for Hospital Visits
There is no universal or national health care/health insurance in the United States, so hospital stays or Emergency Room visits can be very expensive. Each individual is responsible for paying for his or her own health care. Purchasing a health insurance policy will help to lower those costs. Without health care insurance, a serious illness or injury can result in bills totaling tens of thousands of dollars or possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars. You cannot buy health insurance after an accident or an illness has occurred.
Proof of health insurance in the U.S. is required for all ELI students in order to cover hospital and Emergency Room needs. If you cannot buy an insurance policy from your home country, there are companies that offer short-term policies designed for international students studying in the U.S. The policies cost between $300-$500 per term (four months), depending on your age and how long you will stay in the U.S. Options include but are not limited to:
The University of Pittsburgh has compiled a list of commonly used terms that may help you to better understand your health insurance policy and medical coverage. If you have any questions, please contact the ELI student advisor.
Hospital/Health Insurance is different from the University Wellness Fee. The wellness fee covers only treatment at the University's Student Health Services Clinic for minor medical conditions. Health insurance provides more comprehensive health coverage for stays in a hospital or Emergency Room visits.
Student Health Services Clinic
The Wellness Fee required for all students at the University covers visits to the Student Health Services Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh. The Student Health Services is fully accredited and staffed with a team of dedicated professionals who can serve a range of health care needs. The Clinic is for nonemergency health needs, such as a cold or the flu. It does not cover emergency room or hospital visits. For hospital care, you need health insurance. Remember that you cannot buy health insurance after an accident or an illness has occurred.
Call 412-383-1800 to schedule an appointment at the Student Health Services Clinic.