How’s your summer? In about a month, you’ll be here on campus. So, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to register for Graduate Welcome and Orientation (September 19 and 20). Review emails from Graduate Division specific details and registration.
This week I will go over information regarding graduate health insurance, the on-campus Student Health Center, and immunizations.
Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (GSHIP)
All graduate students are required to have major medical health insurance as a non-academic condition of enrollment. GSHIP fees are assessed automatically as a part of your student fees unless you can demonstrate comparable major medical health insurance coverage with a waiver. The waiver worksheet can help you identify services and level of coverage that are equivalent or better than GSHIP’s offerings. Finally, review all criteria for international students. It is important to review the waiver and criteria in its entirety.
You’ll find graduate student information about a quarter down on the webpage with the section titled, “Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (GHSIP).” On the right side menu of the webpage, you will see other useful information for graduate students. Read the GSHIP 2017-2018 Plan Benefits including medical, behavioral, vision, dental, and pharmacy benefits online.
There is also a Student Health mobile app that you can download for easy access to your benefits, claims, and student health services on campus.
UCI Student Health Center
Services at the UCI Student Health Center are available to all registered students. There may be different fees for services depending if you have GSHIP or health insurance from another provider. Go to their FAQ page and search “Cost of Care”
The Student Health Center is a comprehensive outpatient clinic staffed with licensed primary care physicians, dentists, a physician assistant, registered nurse practitioners, and registered nurses. Medical specialists from various disciplines including dermatology, orthopedics/sports medicine, gynecology, internal medicine, ENT, and psychiatry provide on-site consultation on a regular basis. Student Health also offers basic radiology and clinical laboratory services, insurance consultation, and an on-site pharmacy, making this a comprehensive and convenient clinic dedicated to serving students.
UCI Student Health Center has an After-Hours Nurse Advice Line available to all registered students, which is helpful when medical advice is needed after the Student Health Center is closed. (877) 351-3457 (GSHIP – GRADUATE STUDENTS)
Finally, you can review extensive information on their services, how to make an appointment, and office hours on their website.
Immunizations
As a new student, the Student Health Center strongly encourages you to be immunized. The admission health requirements are posted online. Students are encouraged to enter their immunization and TB screening information and upload copies of their immunization records directly into their secured SHC electronic health record. Go to https://osh.chs.uci.edu/ and logon to the Wellness, Health & Counseling Services Student Health Portal.
Don’t forget to check out our blog for our perspective of graduate student life and useful tips. We post weekly on our Blog. Feel free to ask questions or leave comments on the posts for the international graduate community and we’ll respond back.
Have a great week!
Mathew Perry says
August 22, 2017 at 1:54 pmThanks for providing us so much useful information regarding the student health Insurance. Simply cool!
Matt says
August 19, 2017 at 10:05 amI’m having trouble determining the best option for purchasing health insurance for my wife and daughter. I have been referred to coveredca.com, which provides many better options than the UCI plan for dependents (about $10,000/year cheaper, wow!). But I’m still interested in speaking with any grad students with a spouse or children about how they are coordinating coverage. Feel free to contact me at mjerdean (at) gmail.com. Thanks!
Elham says
August 28, 2017 at 2:07 pmHi Matt,
I have just asked my labmate who is married and has children. He told me, in his opinion, you should get the coveredca and then in December switch to medi-cal (only, if your wage is low like what grad students get). Besides, he mentioned if you apply for insurance now, it will start from October. So for September, it would be safe if you get a travel health insurance.
Bests,
Elham