International Student Services

Health care in the United States is largely a private industry. In contrast to the governments of many other countries, the U.S. government does not provide free, universal medical coverage to its citizens. Thus, medical care in the United States is very expensive; a short stay in the hospital can cost thousands of dollars, while a simple visit to the doctor's office can cost hundreds. In order to protect students from the potential financial impacts of health issues, SCAD requires all international students (F-1 visas) to maintain adequate health insurance coverage for the entire academic year.

All international students must enroll in the SCAD international student health insurance plan. Cost for this medical coverage is automatic and has been added to your student account. Exemptions from participation may be granted at the discretion of the international student services office staff (ISSO) for F-1 students who are already covered under certain government or embassy sponsored plans. There is also an exception for certain dependents of employees who have coverage through a U.S. employer.

IMPORTANT:  Alternate policies issued by any agency or affiliate other than a government/embassy sponsored plan or a U.S. employer will not be considered for alternate insurance waiver consideration.

If your alternate insurance policy is a government or embassy sponsored plan, you may apply for an exemption by filling out the alternate insurance waiver form.  Alternate policies must be pre-approved, be equal or better than the coverage provided by the SCAD policy and must be maintained throughout your enrollment at SCAD.  Students who are exempt from enrolling in the SCAD insurance plan may be asked to complete a waiver on an annual basis.  Alternate insurance waivers will not be granted after 5:30 p.m. the second Friday of classes each quarter.

Rates and policy information
The following 2011-12 insurance rates and policy information are provided by:

T.W. Lord and Associates
International Benefits Division
25 Dodd St.
P.O. Box 1185
Marietta, GA  30061
Phone: 770.427.2461
Toll-free: 800.633.2360
Fax: 770.429.0638

Insured by: United States Fire Insurance Company

2011-12

Fall 2011 (12 months of coverage)

• $1,044 ($87 a month)
• $48 ($4 a month program administration fee)
• $1,092

Fall 2011 only (four months of coverage)

• $348
• $16
• $364

Winter 2012 (eight months of coverage)

• $696
• $32
• $728

Spring 2012 (six months of coverage)

• $522
• $24
• $546

Summer 2012 (three months of coverage)

• $261
• $12
• $273

Athlete charges

Fall 2011

• $1,044 ($87 a month)
• $48 ($4 a month program administration fee)
• $168 ($14 a month athletic rider for SCAD student athletes)

Charge to athletes: $1,260

Winter 2012

• $696 ($87 a month)
• $32 ($4 a month program administration fee)
• $112 ($14 a month athletic rider for SCAD student athletes)

Charge to athletes: $840

Spring 2012

• $522 ($87 a month)
• $24 ($4 a month program administration fee)
• $84 ($14 a month athletic rider for SCAD student athletes)

Charge to athletes: $630

Summer 2012

• $261 ($87 a month)
• $12 ($4 a month program administration fee)
• $42 ($14 a month athletic rider for SCAD student athletes)

Charge to athletes: $315