Understanding Health Insurance

The University of Nevada, Reno, offers free on-campus health care facilities for its insured students. All international students are automatically covered as per university policy. (Photograph courtesy University of Nevada, Reno)

When Jayanti Sarkar enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno, she researched her classes, met her professors and found herself a safe accommodation. However, health insurance had not crossed her mind. “In India, I did not have to worry about this,” she says. “I had the option of going to government hospitals or choosing private health care.”

The United States does not have a national health care system, so most universities provide health insurance plans for their students. Universities automatically enroll most international students in the health insurance they offer. For instance, at the University of Nevada, Reno, international students like Sarkar are automatically covered by health insurance as part of the university’s fee structure. “Graduate and international students are automatically enrolled due to university policy,” explains Cairn Lindloff, director of the university’s student health center. “They are not eligible to shop around for other health insurance.”

Understanding the options

Sarah Ann Anderson-Burnett, director of medical services and quality improvement at Barnard College in New York City, says the college offers a single insurance plan option with robust coverage and support to meet the diverse needs of the student body. “It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specifics of this plan, including deductibles, co-payments and coverage limitations,” explains Anderson-Burnett. Her key points to consider when choosing a plan include:

• Coverage and benefits: When choosing a plan, look for comprehensive coverage, including primary care, specialist visits, prescription medications and emergency care.
• Costs: Consider the plan’s premium costs, deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance. Think about how these costs align with your budget and health care needs.
• Network providers: Check if your preferred medical providers, including primary care physicians and specialists, are in-network with the plan. To minimize out-of-pocket expenses, check the cost difference between in-network and out-of-network care.
• Prescription coverage: Check the plan for restrictions related to your specific prescription medicines.
• Additional benefits: Explore additional benefits that may be important to you, such as mental health services, preventive care, or coverage for specific health conditions or treatments.

Health care on campus

Institutions like Barnard College and the University of Nevada, Reno, offer on-campus health care facilities for students. Sarkar got treatment for her injured shoulder at the health care center on campus and had the option of using her student insurance to get urgent care off-campus. “We have very few questions about insurance enrollment,” explains Lindloff. “Questions usually arise about waiver options and the process. Once a student needs to utilize the services, their questions become more specific to their situation.”

The student health fee exempts students from charges for primary care office visits, according to the resources shared by Dr. Cheryl Hug-English, medical director of the student health center at the University of Nevada, Reno. However, there may be charges for additional services, like medications, labs, X-rays and specialists.

At Barnard, the Primary Care Health Service (PCHS) is an on-campus center that provides all students with expansive, trauma-informed, supportive patient care. PCHS offers primary care services, including routine medical exams, treatment for acute illnesses and injuries, and management of chronic conditions. “Our services are inclusive and honor all identities and backgrounds,” says Anderson-Burnett. “We even have an on-site dispensary for commonly used medications.”

Campus options are often helpful, though not all universities may provide them. “Before leaving your home country, research your options and understand your plan,” advises Sarkar. “Ask if your insurance plan will cover you from the moment you step into the United States. Do not hesitate to reach out to the office for international students for more information.”

Paromita Pain is an assistant professor of Global Media Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno.

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