International Student Services

• Health Care

The cost of health care in the United States is very high. A short stay in hospital can cost thousands of dollars. You may not use any type of public funding during your stay in the United States as a nonimmigrant, including medical assistance. Students and dependents are required to have the student insurance plan offered through the university. Exceptions may be granted for those who are covered by either a United States based employer-sponsored health plan or Graduate Insurance Plan provided by the University of Minnesota.

Graduate Assistanship Health Coverage

If you are a student and hold a teaching, research, or administrative assistanship in your department, you can obtain coverage at no cost or at a reduced cost, depending on the percent appointment you hold. The same coverage can be purchased for your spouse and children. Contact the Graduate Assistant Insurance Office at (612)625–6936 for details.

Health Services

UMD Health Services, located on campus between Lake Superior and Goldfine Halls, is designed to serve the unique medical, counceling, and halth education needs of students. Health Services is opened from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, call (218)726–8155. If you need immediate care and do not have an appointment, you can speak to or visit a triage nurse ((218)726–7870). The Student Services Fee pays for unlimeted Health Services visits, including exams for general illness, injuries, physicals and preventive care, and gynecological care.

Medical services for your family

If your family memebers are covered by health insurance, arrange medical services through a provider that accepts your insurance. Verify the coverage with the insurance company as well as the provider before scheduling appointments. Important: If you have uninsured family members, it is your responsibility to pay for any medical services they receive.

"Over the counter" remedies

For minor aches and pains, or common colds and flu, medications are available at drug stores, pharmacies, and discount department stores. Medication that do not require a doctor's prescription, such as aspirin, cold or flu medication, and other pain relievers, are often referred to as "over the counter" medication.

Emergency and Urgent Care

Health care providers distinguish between emergency services and urgent care. Emergency services are those required for a serious injury or life-threatening illness. Urgent Care is given for problems that are less serious but cannot wait for regular doctor appointment. Emergency care: You should go to a hospital emergency department only if the problem is life-threatening or extremely serious. Services provided at an emergency room cost much more than the same services at a regular clinic. Urgent Care: Call your doctor's office first – you may be able to get an immidiate appointment. If not, go to an urgent care department or clinic desingated by your health insurance plan. Be sure you know where you go for immidiate care before the need arises.

Dental care

Dental Care is not covered by student health insurance.