Introduction
Academic Advice from the Dean of the College
Campus Services and Resources
Maintaining Legal Immigration Status:
Medical Care & Expenses
General Nature of the U.S. Medical Care System
A distinguishing characteristic of U.S. health care is that there is no general, government-supported system for paying individual medical costs. That is, there is no national medical care program or national insurance program. The result of these and other factors is that medical costs in the U.S. are extremely high and they must be paid by the individual incurring them. Individuals can buy health and accident insurance, which will pay some of their medical expenses. No health insurance plan that is readily available to students covers all medical expenses.
Requirement for Health Insurance
Allegheny College requires all international students to have health insurance before they can register for classes. Students are automatically billed for insurance coverage unless they present evidence that they have comparable insurance under another insurance plan. You will receive your insurance card and coverage pamphlet in the third week of the semester.
Coverage Provided by Health Insurance
Health and accident insurance does not cover all medical expenses. In general, it covers the higher costs that result from accidents and serious illness, with attendant hospitalization, medical tests, and the services of doctors and nurses. Health insurance does not cover the costs of:
Common Misconceptions about Health Insurance
Students from other countries often have difficulty understanding how the U.S. health insurance system works. Many Americans have the same difficulty, at least in part because the health insurance business has a language of its own, and much written information it produces is difficult for the average person to understand. Here are some misconceptions people from other countries often have about health insurance in the U.S.:
A Word of Warning
U.S. immigration laws forbid foreign citizens from using any government sponsored social service programs. Therefore, you should not expect to receive any government-sponsored financial assistance to pay medical bills for yourself or your family members. In fact, you will lose the privilege of obtaining a U.S. visa and associated benefits if it is discovered that you have received any sort of social welfare assistance.
Winslow Health Center
Winslow Health Center serves the entire Allegheny student community, including both on- and off-campus residents. The Health Center is open when the College is in session to provide prompt treatment of medical problems as they occur. A registered nurse is on duty during the day, and the nurse practitioners and/or the College physician hold clinic hours Monday through Friday. The Center is equipped for routine diagnosis and treatment. When necessary, students are referred to specialists in Meadville, and there is a medical center within one-half mile of the College, which offers complete hospital care and services. If you have a medical emergency and need an ambulance or paramedics, dial 9-1-1. Family Planning of Meadville also provides reproductive health services at a clinic nearby. Flu Shots are offered if you want to be protected towards catching a winter cold.
Immunization Requirements
You should have received by this time forms from Winslow Health Center to verify your immunization status. You must complete and return these forms to Winslow Health Center. You will not be allowed to register for classes if your immunization record is not in order, and you may be asked to leave the residence halls. IF YOU NEED TO OBTAIN CERTAIN IMMUNIZATIONS ON CAMPUS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THEM!!!!!
Updated on 4-28-06*
*The information on this page changes frequently. To ensure that the information you receive on this page is current, please note when the information was last updated. Thank You.
