Health Insurance and Medical Attention
Before you Travel:
Before you travel to the US, there are some simple things you can do that will make your life much easier, and could prevent you from having to pay for things that are typically not covered under international student insurance plans:
- Prescription Medications: If you are currently taking any prescription medications (such as asthma inhalers), make sure to bring a good supply with you, along with your doctor's notes for those medications.
- Eye Test: Opticians are typically not covered under international student insurance plans, so get a checkup before you travel and make sure you have current prescription glasses and contact lenses.
- Dentist: Make that visit to the dentist you have been putting off! Dental costs in the USA can be very expensive and will likely not be covered by your insurance plan.
- General Checkup: Go to your doctor and have a checkup before you travel, and make sure all your vaccinations are up to date!
- Read and understand your policy!
With some advanced planning and preparation, you can avoid un-covered expenses during your program in the US.
Overview of the US Healthcare System:
The US healthcare system offers some of the best medical care in the world, but it is complex, difficult to navigate, and often very expensive. The US system will also likely be very different from the healthcare system you are used to back home. For example, there is no "universal access" or "national healthcare" like many countries offer. When you seek any medical care, the provider you choose - hospital, doctor, or clinic - will look to you and to your insurance carrier to get paid for their services - there will be no payment from the government and healthcare can be very expensive in the US.
Here are a few recent real-life examples:
Appendicitis: $60,493
Fractured humerus: $47,445
Fractured clavicle: $18,393 Car crash/ serious illness: $150,000+
We hope it's clear why you need to understand your insurance plan.
Seeking Treatment:
When you get sick or injured, where do you seek care? Here's where it can get complicated. The medical system in the USA is made up of a mixture of many different types of providers - large and small hospitals, emergency rooms, private doctors' offices, urgent care centers, walk-in clinics, specialists offices, surgery centers and pharmacies.
Your insurance company is here to help, always contact them prior to seeking medical treatment, they will help you find a provider and guide you through understanding your coverage. Failure to do so, may result in a reduction in benefits.
We currently have two providers for insurance, dependent on the start date of your coverage. Please review your insurance card to determine who provides your coverage.
Policies that were effective Prior to September 1, 2021
Coverage is provided by IMG and the Provider Network is United Health Care
We strongly encourage you to manage your insurance by creating your personal IMG account
- Get Started at: www.imglobal.com/member
- Click “Create an Account” and follow instructions
- Have your certificate number, Group number or insured ID ready. These are located on the ID card
Remember, before seeing a doctor, please contact IMG to assist you. They will help you find a local urgent care/doctor in the network, answer questions regarding your medical benefits, how to file a claim, or status of a claim you have filed.
24/7 Service Hotline: 1-317-655-4500
Email: customercare@imglobal.com
Online Provider Network: www.imglobal.com/provider
Website: www.imglobal.com (Live chat available)
Policies that were effective September 1, 2021 or after
Coverage is provided by Point Comfort and the Provider Network is MultiPlan
We strongly encourage you to manage your insurance by utilizing the Envisage Student Zone
www.envisageglobalinsurance.com/student-zone/american-hospitality-academy/
In the student zone you will find information on Telemedicine, Seeking Treatment, Doctor/Hospital Search, Claims and My Documents.
Point Comfort 24/7 Assistance: 1-844-210-2010
Website: www.envisageglobalinsurance.com/student-zone/american-hospitality-academy/
Plan Brochure: www.envisageglobalinsurance.com/admin/plan/brochure/?id=918
Provider Search: https://www.envisageglobalinsurance.com/network/pointcomfort-wo-rx/
Email: service@pointcomfort.com
Most importantly, unless you are having a life-threatening emergency, stay out of the emergency room. Emergency rooms in the US are expensive and are designed for life threatening or very severe illnesses and injuries. If you have a life-threatening emergency, you must contact your provider within 48 hours of such an emergency. Failure to do so, may result in a reduction in benefits. Also if you go to an emergency room and you are not admitted, you will be subject to an additional deductible up to $350.
About Your Insurance Policy:
You Have been enrolled in an illness and injury health insurance policy which meets J-1 requirements for your program dates, the dates on your DS-2019 form. AHA highly recommends purchasing coverage for your travel period before and after these dates. You can purchase through your own insurance provider or you may selec to purchase insurance through International Student Insurance
Important items to remember:
- Always carry Your Insurance ID card with you. - When you go to a Doctor's office or to the Hospital, be sure to bring your insurance identification card.
- All pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from coverage under this policy.
- Routine health checkups or preventive care (including vaccinations/immunizations) are NOT covered under this policy.
- Injuries resulting from high-risk activities, such as motorcycle riding, moped riding, skiing, parachuting, or hang-gliding, are NOT covered.
- Become familiar with your policy BEFORE arriving. Once you arrive, take a moment to research medical providers within the network in your area.
- Both policies will cover COVID testing if medically necessary (you are showing signs or symptoms) if you meet the qualifications of the policy. Please check with your coverage provider.
Network Providers
Both policies use a preferred provider network. Medical providers who belong to this network are considered preferred providers and have a contract with your policy's administrator to bill them direct for services rendered to their participants. This means for eligible expenses under your policy, a preferred provider will bill your insurance direct at the time of service and you would only be responsible for any deductible or copayment. You can search for a preferred network provider yourself via the links provided above, or call your insurance provider
To Review
- Prepare before you go
- Make sure you know your insurance policy
- Always carry your insurance card
- Stay out of the emergency room, and call your insurance provider before seeking medical care and if you have any questions please contact your insurance provider.
The required J-1 insurance covers you for the program dates (start and end date) listed on your DS-2019 form. AHA highly recommends you purchase insurance for any additional dates you will be in the U.S. (before and after).
Yes. Your insurance identification card, which is located on your confirmation of insurance form, is your proof of insurance. Doctors will ask for this card whenever you receive medical attention. It is important to carry it with you at all times in case of an emergency.
As a general rule, most accidents and sudden illnesses are covered, whereas routine examinations, vaccinations, routine dental, or vision services are excluded. For more information - including limits, restrictions, copays, and more - please read your summary of benefits.
Routine examinations, vaccinations, regular dental treatment, and vision services. You should take care of these needs before you travel to the United States. In addition, expenses related to pre-existing conditions are not covered. If you suffer from a chronic disease such as asthma or diabetes, you need to ensure that your health insurance at home covers you for any costs related to these sicknesses while in the United States.
This is the emergency line in the U.S. that links directly to the local police station in your area. If you have an emergency and need assistance from the police or ambulance, dial 911. Do not call this number if it is not an emergency (you are being or have been a victim of a crime, accident, or fire); in some cities, you could be fined.
If you currently take medication and will continue this medication while on the program, you should bring enough to last the duration of the program, and you should have all these products properly packaged and labeled before leaving your home country. Please check with your local embassy about any specific documents you may need to enter the U.S. with this medication. If you lose or run out of your medication, you will have to visit a U.S. doctor. Your prescription from home is not valid in the US. AHA recommends you bring enough medication for the duration of your program. Note that the dispensing of birth control is not a free service in the United States, nor is it covered by your insurance.
Your policy has limited dental coverage. AHA recommends seeing a dentist prior to coming on your program.
Some, but not all, mental health expenses will be covered by your insurance plan. Mental health care can be expensive and not all doctors or clinics offer these services. If you are feeling suicidal, we suggest you contact one of the following organizations: