International students are required to have medical insurance coverage that is valid in the United States. Please read the information below for International Student Medical Coverage. You may have received information regarding insurance from the Health Center by mail, but please disregard it. If you do not have coverage in the US, you will be enrolled in International Student coverage through the Dean of Students Office.
The College Health Center is available at no charge to you for minor illnesses. However, if you need to be hospitalized or have medical services that the Health Center cannot provide, you will be responsible for the cost. Also, the Health Center is closed for the summer (after late May). Hospital costs and doctor's fees are very expensive in the U.S. A week in a hospital and a surgeon's fee, plus medication and other charges, could easily cost $10,000. The College provides coverage for accidents that occur on campus, however the College insurance program does not cover illnesses that require outside medical care. It is important for you to have adequate medical insurance, in addition to the College accident policy, during your entire stay in the U.S.
The College offers medical insurance for international students through an outside company, IEES. This policy covers most medical expenses, including hospitalization. Some medical services, including normal dental work and eye doctor charges, are not covered by this plan. It covers you anywhere in the world, so you are covered if you travel or study in a third country. You are also provided with very limited coverage in your home country,
The cost (as of 06/12) is $1560 per year, or $130/month. Cost to students is prorated according to family ability to pay, based on information submitted to the Financial Aid office.
Unless you can prove that you have other coverage equivalent to the IEES policy, that is valid in the US, you will be required to participate in the plan offered by the College. Your coverage will be in force from August 1, 2013 to August 1, 2014. You will be automatically enrolled in IEES and the charge will appear on your Hamilton College bill soon after August 1.
Our office does need to know your plans for ensuring medical coverage. Please fill in the form below, and if necessary, fax proof of coverage, including a detailed policy description, to Regina Johnson at (315) 859-4077.
