Healthcare in the United States is very expensive. A short stay in the hospital can cost thousands of dollars, and the government does not provide free health care. Individuals must make their own plans for dealing with health care issues. You can protect yourself from the high cost of health care by obtaining health insurance.
The Savannah College of Art and Design requires international students to maintain adequate health insurance coverage for the entire academic year. International students (F-1 visas) are required to provide proof of adequate health insurance. Students can choose to provide proof of their own insurance, or they may accept a policy that will be placed on their bill if an alternate plan is not approved two weeks before the beginning of the first quarter.
A complete copy of the policy should be mailed or faxed to the ISSO at least two weeks before classes begin. The policy must clearly indicate that it covers 80-100 percent of health care costs and is valid for one calendar year. The policy must cover $50,000 per illness or injury, as well as pregnancy, provide $10,000 for repatriation and $25,000 for medical evacuation.
Read the International Student Insurance Waiver form (PDF -- 92K) for more information.
If you get sick, contact the
student health clinic (300 Bull St.; 912.231.9956). A nurse practitioner is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Scheduled appointments are made daily, 9-11:45 a.m. Walk-in patients are seen daily, 1-3:30 p.m. You do not have to pay a deductible to see the nurse if you have your SCAD insurance card with you. If you have the health insurance policy that the SCAD distributes, you must complete a claim form signed by the nurse practitioner at the student health clinic. You are responsible for 10 percent of the billed charges. Once the form is complete, send it to the address on the claim form, along with any receipts for prescriptions.
If you carry an alternate health insurance policy, contact your company directly to identify its claim procedures. If you see a doctor from the SouthCare Provider Network, you have to pay 10 percent of the charges plus a deductible. If you see a doctor who is not a member, you have to pay 30 percent of charges. See page 4 of your health brochure. Memorial Health University Medical Center and Candler Hospital are both part of the SouthCare network.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 for an ambulance. For nonemergency transportation to a doctor’s appointment, call the SCAD transportation service at 912.525.RIDE (7433).
Read your health care policy carefully to see what it does and does not cover. If a health care procedure is not covered by the policy, you have the option to use the student health clinic and pay the $35 deductible plus reduced-rate lab fees. If you have any questions regarding health care or insurance, call the international student services office at 912.525.7304 or T.W. Lord and Associates at 800.633.2360.
If you choose to accept the health care policy SCAD offers, you must pay the cost of insurance for one whole calendar year. If you are going to graduate, then you must follow procedures stated on the insurance termination form available at the ISSO. After you have finished all of your classes; you will receive a proportionate reimbursement.
If you are registered for thesis or an internship, you must have health insurance coverage.
- Beginning fall quarter 2007: $803
- Beginning winter quarter 2008: $537
- Beginning spring quarter 2008: $399
- Beginning summer quarter 2008: $202
