Healthcare
Why purchase Health Insurance?
Besides the fact that the University requires it, American health care is private, and therefore extremely expensive. If a person is not able to pay for him/herself and has not purchased insurance, many hospitals and physicians will refuse to treat them. For this reason, Americans purchase health insurance, which covers the bulk of their medical expenses.
Health insurance does not include routine dental and eye examinations nor charges for dental work and eyeglasses. You must pay for these procedures yourself; which can be quite expensive. It is highly recommended that you have your eyes and teeth cared for before coming to UST.
Health Insurance Information
The University of St. Thomas requires ALL international students to register for comprehensive health insurance and show proof of coverage before registering for classes. Health insurance is necessary for everyone in the United States. It is your responsibility to update your medical insurance for your individual needs. Please remember to notify the International Advisor of policy changes and renewals each semester. Students who fail to comply with this rule will not be able to register for classes. Health Insurance must meet the following requirements:
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $75,000 (If a person dies in a foreign country, he or she is "repatriated" when his or her body is returned to the native country. Repatriation insurance is used for transportation expenses related to returning the deceased to his or her native country.)
- Expenses associated with medical evacuation of the student to the home country of up to $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness that meets other standards specified in the regulations
Please review the University of St. Thomas’s preferred Health Insurance Companies and complete the Insurance Compliance Form.
Health Emergencies
What is a Health Emergency?
In health emergencies, someone is suffering from serious bleeding, pain, or is in danger of death. An emergency differs from other cases in its seriousness and urgency. For example, a person does not normally go to the Emergency Room when he/she suffers from a sore throat or feels slightly ill. Going to the Emergency Room in such cases may result in very expensive charges that the student may be required to pay him/herself.
How to Telephone an Ambulance
The all-purpose emergency telephone number: 911.
Because this number handles health, crime, and fire emergencies, the caller should tell the operator that this is a medical emergency and an ambulance is needed |
