Health Care & Insurance
As an international scholar or employee you have invested a considerable amount of time, energy and money to come to the United States. A major medical problem could be unexpected and costly for you. It is for this reason that all international students, scholars and faculty must ensure that they have proper health insurance and know about options for medical care at the University of Mississippi and within the community.
General Medical Care Procedures
In the U.S., there are many types of health care facilities. Some will require that you have an appointment while others like the Student Health Center and “urgent care” facilities do not. Physicians who specialize in a particular type of care often require that a general-practice provider give a referral in order for you to even make an appointment with the specialist.
Health insurance plans may also influence which doctor or facility you use as the health insurance reimbursement may be greater if you use a doctor that is part of the insurance company’s preferred provider network.
- Generally the first place you should go for treatment is the University Health Center. The Health Center can refer you to a specialist, if needed.
- If you need assistance when the University Health Center is closed, consider using an urgent-care facility.
- For serious injuries and life threatening conditions, the hospital emergency room is appropriate.
Providing medical insurance information
When you visit a doctor’s office, be prepared to provide your medical insurance information.
A member of the doctor’s staff will ask you for a medical history before you are examined. The purpose of this is to obtain background information needed to treat you and to determine if there are any medications which should not be used.
When asked to complete the history, be as exact and honest as possible, as these records will be used to determine your treatment. Medical records are private information, and cannot be released without your explicit permission.
J-1 Scholar Health Insurance
The U.S. Department of State and the Exchange Visitor Program requires that all persons in J-1 or J-2 status have health insurance.
J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors must maintain the health insurance during the entire duration of their program. Exchange visitors and their dependents may also be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. Persons who willfully fail to maintain coverage are subject to termination from the program.
medical benefits of at least $100,000 per person per accident or illness
repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000
does not have a deductible that exceeds $500 per accident or illness
Eligibility
J-1 Scholar Researcher/Professors who are paid by the University of Mississippi and are full-time employees for periods longer than four months are eligible for health insurance through the University of Mississippi with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi.
Coverage
The Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi health insurance offered through the University of Mississippi exceeds the minimum requirements listed by the Department of State for medical benefits, but the insurance does not provide coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, nor does it provide sufficient deductible requirements.
Separate Coverage Requirement
Any J-1 Scholar who receives health insurance through the University of Mississippi Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan must purchase separate insurance coverage. In addition, any J-1 Scholar whose funding is from personal funds or a source other than the University will need to purchase health insurance that meets the minimum requirements. The health insurance plan used by University of Mississippi students and scholars may be purchased upon arrival for both themselves and any J-2 dependents.
United Healthcare Insurance
The University of Mississippi has partnered with UnitedHealthCare to offer health insurance to J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents.
The minimum coverage period is one month (and partial month coverage is not an option).
Complete Enrollment Form
If you would like to sign up for the University-affiliated UHC plan, submit the Enrollment Form. Once ISSS has verified your eligibility, you will receive an email with additional details and instructions on how to make your payment. You can enroll your dependents at the same time as you are completing your application.
It is important for anyone in J-status who is taking classes to make sure that they are being billed properly for their health insurance during the first week of each semester. Also, J-1 Scholars and Professors who are taking classes for benefits will be billed for health insurance just like any other student, even if they have health insurance through Human Resources.
It is possible to remove charges for student health insurance for full-time employees such as J-1 Scholars and Researchers, but someone seeking to remove the student health insurance charge must follow the International Student and Scholar Services waiver application process.
These insurance companies have plans that meet the Department of State requirements for insurance. Please note that not all plans meet the DOS requirements and you will need to check to ensure that all requirements are met prior to purchase.
ISO International Student Insurance
isoa.org
Plans
J-1 Exchange Plan or J-1 Superior Plan3 month minimum coverage period
iNext International Travel Protection
inext.com
Plan
Global Adventure Plan or Global Adventure Plus
1 month minimum coverage period
Seven Corners Travel Insurance
sevencorners.com
Plans are customizable
- Plan must not have a deductible that exceeds $500
- Must select coverage of at least $100,000 per accident or illness. The default selection is $50,000 so it must be changed
No minimum coverage period
xxxxxxx
isa.intlinsure.com
(this one is frequently the least expensive monthly rate)
Plans
Global Care Savings, Global Care Essential, Global Care Basic, Global Care Plus- For Global Care Plus, you must select a deductible that does not exceed $500
3 month minimum coverage period
International Student Insurance
internationalstudentinsurance.com
Plans
Patriot Standard, Patriot Platinum, Atlas Travel American- For each plan, you must select a deductible that does not exceed $500
- For each plan, you must select a coverage of at least $100,000
Local Medical Facilities
On-Campus Health Care Facilities
Student Health Center
Most students’ and employees’ first choice for non-emergency health care will be the Student Health Services Center located on campus at the V.B. Harrison building. Student Health Services is open Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and from 9:00-5:00 on Fridays.
For more information visit Student Health Services Center
Employee Health Center
Employees of the University who are benefits-eligible are able to use the Employee Health Center.
For more information visit Employee Health Center
Off-Campus Health Care Facilities
“Urgent-care” clinics
Places that do not require an appointment and are a good option if the Student and Employee Health Centers are closed.
REDMED URGENT CLINIC
LOCATION: 1902 B, Jackson Ave W, Oxford
TELEPHONE: 234-6464
URGENT CARE CLINIC OF OXFORD
LOCATION: 1487 Belk Boulevard, Oxford
TELEPHONE: 234-1090
IN CASE OF A MAJOR EMERGENCY, SEVERE ACCIDENT, OR LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION:
BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL NORTH MISSISSIPPI
1100 Belk Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655
EMERGENCY ROOM: 911
Medications, Dental, & Vision Care
Medications and Prescriptions
You may be given a prescription for medications to help you recover from illness or injury. Prescriptions must be filled by a licensed pharmacist. The Student Health Center has a pharmacy. There are also pharmacies located within stores such as Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS and Chaney’s.
Dental and Vision Care
Dental and Vision care is separate from medical care in this country, and most health insurance does not cover dental or optological procedures. Separate dental and vision insurance must be obtained for dental or vision coverage. Employees of the University can purchase dental insurance through Human Resources. Vision or eye-care insurance can be purchased from a variety of insurance companies found online.
Counseling Services
The University Counseling Center offers students free personal counseling. It is common in the United States to talk about problems to others, especially professionals, who can help.
If you find that you are having issues such as stress, relationship problems, or depression, please consider seeing one of the licensed professionals at the Counseling Center. Counseling records are entirely confidential. Such records are released only with your permission.
You may reach the Counseling Center by calling 915-3784 or visiting olemiss.edu/counseling.
Drugs & Alcohol Related Issues
William McGee Center
The center provides education, intervention, and support services to enhance well-being and aid in alcohol and drug overdose provention.
Local Treatment Facilities
Find local facilities that offer in-patient, out-patient, and telehealth care.