Seeking Medical Care and Using Insurance

Where to go for Medical Needs

As an international student enrolled in United Healthcare your primary health care provider is Student Health Services. In non-emergency cases you should always visit Student Health Services first.

Your health and well-being is always the most important thing, so please seek medical care immediately if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

However, whenever possible and if your medical condition permits we recommend obtaining a referral from Student Health Services if your needs cannot be met by their office. This may help with your claims and costs. If you receive a referral from Student Health Services to an off-campus physician or specialist prior to visiting that off-campus provider you are eligible to waive your $200 deductible charge and $25 copay.

In the U.S., depending on the severity of the medical need you may be able to visit Health Services/primary care, an urgent care clinic, or a hospital emergency room in cases of severe or life-threatening injury or illness. Here are some examples:

Minor Illness or Injury

Example: Cold, cough, sore throat, or flu; fever; minor cuts; muscle sprain; skin rashes

Student Health Services
1400 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12222 (Dutch Quad)
Phone: 518-442-5454 Appointments: 518-442-5229

Serious Illness or Injury

Example: Serious injury; severe shortness of breath; fainting; bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes or direct pressure

*Please go to the nearest Urgent Care*

Wellnow Urgent Care (St. Peter's)
1438 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203
Phone: 518-649-9986

St. Peter’s Hospital Emergency Room
315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208
Phone: 518-525-1550

Albany Medical Center Emergency Room
43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Phone: 518-262-3131

Medical Emergencies

Example: Any life threatening issue

*Call 9-1-1 for Ambulance/Paramedic and immediate medical assistance*

St. Peter’s Hospital Emergency Room
315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208
Phone: 518-525-1550

Albany Medical Center Emergency Room
43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Phone: 518-262-3131

You may find this article helpful for understanding how the US healthcare system is different from other parts of the world.

During the Visit

You will be asked for your insurance information at the medical facility. Please be prepared to provide a copy of your insurance card.

Expected Costs

Starting August 15, 2022, students enrolled in the International Insurance (United Healthcare) plan should expect:

A $25 copay for each office visit (a "co-pay" is a specific dollar amount the policy-holder pays for certain services, which typically applies to doctor visits and prescriptions drugs)
An annual $200 deductible (The specific dollar amount for which the policy-holder is responsible before the insurance company will pay toward a claim)
This co-pay and deductible can be waived if you obtain a referral from Student Health Services prior to visiting the off-campus provider.

Please note: International Insurance (United Healthcare) is medical insurance. It does not cover routine eye or dental care.

After Visit (Filing Claim)

When do I need to file a claim?
You can file a claim for reimbursement using the e-claim system. Please log into your United Healthcare account for specific instructions.

If you are having trouble filing a claim, please contact United Healthcare:

Phone (U.S.) +1 855-282-3517
Phone (collect outside the U.S.) +1 610-254-5304

If you have already contacted United Healthcare and need additional assistance with understanding the claims process, please contact the International Insurance Coordinator at UAlbany:

Veisyantha (Henny) Jong-Futerko, Insurance Coordinator, CIEGS
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 518-591-8172 (ask for Henny, the Insurance Coordinator)
Fax: 518-591-8171

Understanding Insurance Terminology

Benefits - Explanations of policy inclusions and exclusions
Medical Lifetime Maximum - The maximum amount paid for covered medical costs during the policy-holder’s lifetime.
Medical Annual Maximum - The maximum amount paid for covered medical costs in the policy year.
Benefits per illness or injury - The maximum amount paid for covered medical costs related to any one condition (illness or injury)
Deductible - The specific dollar amount for which the policy-holder is responsible before the insurance company will pay toward a claim
Copay - A specific dollar amount the policy-holder pays for certain services, which typically applies to doctor visits and prescriptions drugs
Coinsurance - Type of insurance in which a percentage of the total medical bill is paid by the policy-holder
Annual Maximum Out-of-pocket - Deductibles, copays and any share of coinsurance. The highest total amount your health insurance company requires you to pay towards the cost of your health care every year. Note: Some plans don’t include deductible in the annual out-of-pocket maximum
Provider Network - Providers (doctors/hospitals) with whom the insurance company has an agreement. Coverage levels are normally better in-network while copays and other costs are higher out-of-network (providers such as doctors who are not part of the negotiated insurance company's network
Pre-existing condition - A medical condition determined to have been in existence before the policy went into effect
Maternity - Coverage for the costs of prenatal care and childbirth for pregnant women. Highly recommended for all women of childbearing age.
Medical evacuation - Coverage to transport seriously sick or injured patients to their hospital of choice in their home country for continued care
Repatriation - Transportation of mortal remains to home country for final interment.