International Student Services

Health care in the United States is largely a private industry. In contrast to the governments of many other countries, the U.S. government does not provide free, universal medical coverage to its citizens. Thus, medical care in the United States is very expensive; a short stay in the hospital can cost thousands of dollars, while a simple visit to the doctor's office can cost hundreds. Individuals must make their own plans for dealing with health care issues. Students can protect themselves from the high cost of health care by obtaining health insurance.

SCAD requires all international students (F-1 visas) to maintain adequate health insurance coverage for the entire academic year. Students should be prepared to purchase the university policy that automatically will be placed on their bill if an alternate plan is not approved two weeks before the beginning of the first quarter. All international students must provide proof of adequate health insurance.

• International health insurance information
• Important medical information and frequently asked questions for Atlanta or Savannah international students

Students who accept the health care policy that SCAD offers must pay the cost of insurance for one whole calendar year. If students are registered for a thesis or an internship, they must have health insurance coverage. Students who are graduating may contact the ISSO and request insurance termination. Students who have finished all of their courses may receive a proportionate reimbursement.

Health insurance charges for academic year 2009-2010

• Beginning fall quarter 2009: $895
• Beginning winter quarter 2010: $600
• Beginning spring quarter 2010: $450
• Beginning summer quarter 2010: $225

Insurance waiver

Students who wish to use their own coverage must mail or fax to the ISSO a complete copy of their insurance policy, as well as a completed International Student Insurance Waiver at least two weeks before courses begin. The policy must clearly indicate that it covers 80 to 100 percent of health care costs and is valid for at least one academic year. The policy must cover $50,000 per illness or injury, as well as pregnancy, provide $10,000 for repatriation and $25,000 for medical evacuation. All policies are subject to review and approval by the ISSO. It is not recommended that you purchase alternate insurance prior to the ISSO reviewing the policy.

Procedures

In Savannah, students should call the student health clinic (300 Bull St., Suite 102, inside the DeSoto Hilton) at 912.231.9956 for non-emergency sickness. A nurse practitioner is available for scheduled appointments Monday-Friday, 9-11:45 a.m. Walk-in patients are seen Monday-Friday, 1-3:30 p.m. If you have the health insurance policy that the college distributes, you must complete a claim signed by the nurse practitioner at the student health clinic. You are responsible for 10 percent of the billed charges. Once the form is complete, send it to the address on the claim form along with any receipts for prescriptions.

If you see a doctor from the First Health Provider Network, you will have to pay 10 percent of charges plus a deductible. If you see a doctor who is not a member, you will have to pay 30 percent of charges. See the health insurance brochure, which will be mailed to you after you begin classes, for more information. Memorial Health University Medical Center, Candler Hospital and Piedmont Hospital are all part of the First Health Network.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 for an ambulance. An emergency is defined as the sudden onset of a medical condition which manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such as the absence of immediate care could reasonably expect to result in placing one's heath in serious jeopardy. It is not recommended that you utilize the emergency room for non-emergency related visits.

Read your health care policy carefully to see what it does and does not cover. If a health care procedure is not covered by the policy, you have the option to use the student health clinic and pay the $35 deductible plus reduced-rate lab fees. If you have any questions regarding health care or insurance, contact the international student services office at 912.525.7304 or T.W. Lord and Associates at 800.633.2360.