Healthcare in the U.S.

Navigating the healthcare system in the U.S. can be tricky, at times. Unlike many countries, the government does not provide and/or pay for the healthcare needs of its citizens, so individuals in the U.S. are responsible for their own healthcare unless they are elderly or very low income. However, as an international student or scholar, you are required to carry medical insurance, either as a condition of maintaining status or as a part of their financial certification. If you in J-1 status, you are required by law to have a certain level of medical insurance and to have insurance that covers medical evacuation and repatriations of remains. This includes any family member(s) who accompany you.

Obtaining Medical Insurance

In some cases, the organization you will be working for will provide health  insurance for you, and possibly your dependents who accompany you. If they do not offer health insurance, you are responsible for purchasing your own. There are many different plans available, so be sure to compare before making a decision. Be aware the not many health insurance plans cover 100% of all healthcare services, and the ones that do are very expensive.

Things to consider before purchasing a plan:

• Access to doctors
• Access to specialists
• Pre-existing conditions coverage
• Emergency and hospital care coverage
• Regular physicals and healthcare screenings coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) access
• Additional benefits
• Cost

Where to Go for Medical Treatment

There are several different options you can choose to obtain medical treatment (but always check your insurance plan):

• Wellness 360: Located in the School of Nursing, the Student Wellness Clinic provides health care services to students, employees and families of the UT System.
• Primary Care Provider: For medical check-ups or other routine doctor visits that you have time to schedule in advance.
• Urgent Care Facilities: Designated to provide immediate medical care during evenings or weekends when your doctor’s office or clinic is not open. Usually, you can obtain services on a walk-in basis. Treats things like strep throat, sports injuries, flu, infections or wounds, non-life threatening cuts that require stitches, etc.
• Emergency Rooms (ER): If you have a life-threatening medical condition or limb-threatening emergency, call 911 for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Emergency room treatment is required for conditions like extensive bleeding, broken bones, or a severe allergic reactions.
• Specialists:  Any provider who is a not a primary care provider is considered a specialist. Specialists include OB-GYNs, Orthopedic Surgeons, Cardiologists, Oncologists, etc.  Unless you have Fee-for-Service health insurance, you will need to obtain a referral from your Primary Care Provider before you can make an appointment to see a specialist.
• Prescription Drugs: Retail pharmacies in San Antonio are located in drug stores including Walgreen’s, H.E.B., Target and Wal-Mart, and in most supermarkets. Prices can vary significantly among pharmacies.

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains

If you are in J status, you are required to have insurance coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. We strongly encourage students and scholars to purchase this type of insurance, as well.

UT System Visiting Scholar Health Plan

Visiting students and scholars are eligible to purchase the UT System Visiting Scholar health insurance plan that is administrated through Academic Health Plans (AHP), and this plan meets the minimum requirements mandated by the Department of State for J-1 exchange visitors. Please contact OIS for more information.