Email this pageHealth and Insurance Policies
Paying for Health Care Services
Mandatory Health Fee: All full-time students of the University are charged a mandatory fee, which covers the cost of visits to the University Health Service (UHS) and the University Counseling Center (UCC). Coverage is from September 1 through August 31. First-year medical students pay an additional pro-rated charge for coverage for the period of time between matriculation in mid-August and September 1.
Health Insurance: In addition to the mandatory health fee, all full-time students are required to have health insurance coverage. Students can enroll in the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan offered through the University Health Service, or they can remain on their own (or their parent’s or spouse’s) insurance. Coverage is from September 1 through August 31. UHS offers a family insurance option for students with one or more dependent children.
Supplementary Fee for Infection Control: M.D. students are required to pay a supplementary fee for infection control to cover costs associated with additional medical precautions appropriate for individuals studying in a hospital environment and having contact with patients.
Health Insurance Selection Process
Every year, all full-time students must complete the online Health Insurance Selection Process before the start of classes to select their health insurance coverage. The link to the Health Insurance Selection Process is in the pink box on the UHS website, which is accessed via the student portal.
Students can: (1) Remain on their own (or their parent’s or spouse’s) health insurance, (2) Enroll in the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance offered through UHS, (3) Enroll in Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance for the student and his/her spouse, (4) Enroll in family insurance for students with at least one dependent child.
Students who choose to remain on their own health insurance will see a credit for the BCBS insurance charge on their tuition bill. Insurance is billed for five months’ coverage for the fall billing period and for seven months for the spring billing period. Students who fail to complete the Health Insurance Selection Process will be charged for the BCBS insurance.
Students can change their insurance selection during the year by completing the Health Insurance Selection Process again. Changes made during the year will take effect on the first of the month following the change. Graduating students not requiring insurance for the period between their graduation and August 31 of their fourth (or last) year may use a Summer Refund Request form to request a pro-rated refund from the Bursar.
If you have questions about the mandatory health fee and/or health insurance, contact the UHS Insurance Advisor at insurance@uhs.rochester.edu or 585-275-2637.
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