Paul Sanchez
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers a student health insurance program to all full-time PhD students, first professional students (DDS, MD, PharmD) and international students (those on F and J visas). The program is provided through their partners, United Health Care. The student health fee covers visits to the Student Health clinics but does not cover the cost of referrals to specialists, medications, x-rays, hospital or ER visits. Students are encouraged to purchase individual health insurance for full medical coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Insurance Provider | United Health Care |
| Insurance Coverage | Comprehensive health insurance package |
| Eligible Students | All full-time Ph.D. students, first professional students (D.D.S., M.D., Pharm.D.), and international students (F- and J-visas) |
| Enrollment Period | Spring open enrollment: December 15, 2024 - January 31, 2025 |
| Contact | Eligibility coordinator, [email protected] |
| Address | Virginia Commonwealth University Division of Student Affairs, 1300 W. Broad St. |
| Phone Number | (804) 828-8828 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://provost.vcu.edu/insurance/ |
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What You'll Learn
VCU Student Health Insurance Program
The VCU Student Health Insurance Program offers a comprehensive health insurance package for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) students through their partners, United Health Care. The program is available to all full-time PhD students, first professional students (DDS, MD, PharmD), and international students (those on F- and J-visas). These students are required to enrol in the program if they are unable to provide proof of other insurance coverage. Part-time (1-8 credits) domestic PhD students are not eligible to enrol in the VCU Student Health Insurance Program.
The VCU Student Health Insurance Program is designed to provide medical coverage for students who do not have their own insurance. While the student health fee covers visits to the Student Health clinics, it does not include the cost of referrals to specialists, medications, x-rays, or hospital/ER visits. Therefore, students are encouraged to have health insurance to prevent any unexpected illness or accident from becoming a financial burden.
The VCU Student Health Insurance Program is one of several options available to uninsured students, including the Health Insurance Marketplace and Virginia Medicaid. The Health Insurance Marketplace is a federal program that offers a variety of health plans, with open enrolment ending on January 15, 2025, in most states. The Marketplace also offers financial assistance for those who qualify. For low-income students, Medicaid may be a more suitable option, as it provides comprehensive healthcare services at low or no cost.
In addition to physical health services, VCU also provides mental health resources through TimelyCare, which offers free 24/7 access to virtual care, self-care, and well-being tools for all students. These services include emergency crisis counselling, scheduled therapy sessions, and health coaching, provided by licensed clinicians. For students with a documented disability or those who require special accommodations, the office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) can provide assistance.
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Eligibility for the program
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers a student health insurance program through their partners, United Health Care. This insurance is available to all full-time PhD students, first professional students (DDS, MD, PharmD), and international students (those on F and J visas). These students are required to enroll in the program if they are unable to provide proof of other insurance.
Part-time (1-8 credits) domestic PhD students are not eligible to enroll in the VCU Student Health Insurance Program. However, part-time students taking under 12 credits are charged $10 per credit hour to use Student Health, whereas full-time students are required to pay a $120 health fee each semester. Students who change their status from part-time to full-time will be charged the full semester fee.
International students are required to attend a U.S. Healthcare & Insurance workshop to learn about their policy and the American healthcare system. This session usually takes place during the International Student Orientation, with makeup sessions available for those who cannot attend.
Students without coverage can also consider the Health Insurance Marketplace and Virginia Medicaid. Due to recent changes in Medicaid health coverage rules, many low-income students may be eligible for comprehensive healthcare services at low or no cost.
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Enrollment process
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers a student health insurance program to all full-time PhD students, first professional students (DDS, MD, PharmD), and international students (those on F- and J-visas). This is a comprehensive health insurance package through their partners, United Health Care.
The enrollment process for the VCU student health insurance program can be completed in a few ways. Firstly, it can be done online, where you can access the necessary forms and information. Secondly, enrollment can be done over the phone by calling 1-800-318-2596. Lastly, you can seek the assistance of a certified enrollment assister near you.
To make the application process smoother and faster, it is recommended to use the enrollment checklist to gather all the required information beforehand, especially if you are requesting financial assistance. This is important as recent changes in Medicaid health coverage rules have made low-income students eligible for comprehensive healthcare services at low or no cost.
For international students, it is mandatory to attend a U.S. Healthcare & Insurance workshop to learn about the American healthcare system and the university's student health insurance plan. This session is usually held during the International Student Orientation, and makeup sessions are available for those who cannot attend.
It is important to note that the student health fee, which is charged to all full-time and most part-time students each semester, does not cover the cost of medications, referrals to specialists, X-rays, or hospital visits. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that students have health insurance coverage to avoid financial burdens in case of illness or accidents.
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Costs and fees
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers a student health insurance program through its partners, United Health Care. This insurance is available to all full-time PhD students, first professional students (DDS, MD, PharmD), and international students (those on F- and J-visas). Part-time (1-8 credits) domestic PhD students are not eligible to enroll in the VCU Student Health Insurance program. International students are required to participate in the university's student health insurance program and the cost is included in their annual tuition and fees.
The student health fee for full-time students is $120 per semester (fall and spring), while part-time students (under 12 credits) are charged $10 per credit hour. Students who change their status from part-time to full-time will be charged the full semester fee. There is also a one-time summer health fee for students who choose to use Student Health during the summer.
The student health fee covers visits to the Student Health clinics but does not cover the cost of referrals to specialists, medications, x-rays, or hospital/ER visits. Students are encouraged to have additional health insurance coverage to prevent financial burdens in case of illness or accident. Students without coverage can consider options such as the VCU Student Health Insurance Program, the Health Insurance Marketplace, and Virginia Medicaid.
For international students, the university offers an individual insurance plan through United Healthcare, which is included in their annual tuition and fees. These students are required to attend a U.S. Healthcare & Insurance workshop to learn about their policy and the American healthcare system.
Tuberculosis (TB) tests are available to international students during International Student Orientation Week for a cost of $25, payable by major credit card, debit card, Rambucks, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay.
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International students
To enrol in the student health insurance program, international students must attend a US Healthcare & Insurance workshop to learn about their policy and the American healthcare system. This session takes place during the International Student Orientation (ISO), with makeup sessions available for those who cannot attend.
VCU's student health insurance program is provided by United Healthcare. Students should visit the Student Resources portal to register their account and print their health insurance card, which is necessary to use their insurance with accepted providers.
It is important to note that health insurance plans designed specifically for international students will not meet VCU's standards as they do not comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Therefore, students should not purchase a plan that is not ACA-compliant, as their waiver request will be denied by United Healthcare, resulting in billing for both the United Healthcare student plan and the alternative plan.
In addition to the student health insurance program, VCU offers a range of health care resources for students, including:
- TimelyCare: a free emotional and mental health resource providing 24/7 virtual care, self-care, and well-being tools.
- University Student Health Services: a nationally accredited healthcare provider offering primary care services with clinics located on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Appointments are required and may be scheduled by phone or through the Web Portal, with both telehealth and in-person options available.
- Immunization services: VCU requires all students to submit their immunization records before starting classes. Most international students are also required to receive a tuberculosis screening test during their first week on campus.
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Frequently asked questions
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers a student health insurance program to all full-time PhD students, first professional students (DDS, MD, PharmD) and international students (those on F- and J-visas).
You can enrol in the VCU student health insurance program online, by phone (1-800-318-2596), or by using a certified enrolment assister.
The VCU student health insurance program offers a comprehensive health insurance package through their partners, United Health Care. The program includes access to United Healthcare's 24/7 StudentAssist program and telehealth medical and behavioural support.
