Healthcare/Medical Insurance

• Find a Doctor
• Children's Insurance
• Can IHouse help?

If I get sick during my first week in Durham, how can I find a doctor?

If you are an international undergraduate or graduate student, go to the Student Health Center.  http://healthydevil.studentaffairs.duke.edu/appointments/index.html

 Do not go to the Emergency Room unless you have a real emergency.  If you have a real emergency, call 911.

If you are anyone else, other than a student, go to one of the Duke Clinics.  For adults, visit:  http://www.dukehealth.org/Services/PrimaryCare

For children, visit:  http://www.dukehealth.org/Services/ChildrensPrimaryCare/index

Do not go to the Emergency Room unless you have a real emergency.  If you have a real emergency, call 911.

Which insurance plan should I purchase if I have children?

If you are a Duke graduate student, we HIGHLY recommend you sign your family up for the Duke University Student Insurance plan for Dependents.  http://healthydevil.studentaffairs.duke.edu/insurance/

If you are a Duke employee, receiving Duke benefits, you are eligible for one of the four health insurance plans offered through Duke.  Most Duke employees with families sign up for Duke Select or Duke Basic.  http://www/hr/duke.edu/benefits/health/health.html

If you are a visiting international scholar coming with your family, and are on your own funding, you should compare health insurance plans purchased from your home country versus health insurance plans through International House.  Unfortunately, the insurance plans offered through International House are very basic and not that good.  These plans cover basic accident and emergency situations.  Click here for a comparison of the four or five health insurance plans International House has on hand.

Does International House deal with health insurance?

International House deals with health insurance indirectly.  If you have questions about health insurance, you can ask us.  But let's try to break it down.

All international undergraduate and graduate students must got to the Duke Student Health Center for basic medical appointments.  http://healthydevil.studentaffairs.duke.edu/medical_services/index.html

All international undergraduate and graduate students are also required to have the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan to cover you for more serious health issues outside the realm of Duke Student Health Center.  http://healthydevil.studentaffairs.duke.edu/newstudents/index.html

If you are a Duke employee, getting a monthly paycheck from Duke University or Duke Medical Center, AND are eligible for Duke Benefits, then you should be eligible for Duke Employee Health Insurance.    However, check with your department if you are not sure.  If you are eligible and you are here on a J-visa, then you must also sign up for Repatriation of Remains and Medical Evacuation insurance. 

If you are not a paid employee or, if you have come to Duke University on your own funding, then you must sign up for a health insurance plan that meets the J-visa requirements.  http://www.dukevisaservices.duke.edu/J_Health_Insurance.html

You can either purchase a plan in your home country or contact International House to sign up for a health insurance plan that meets the J-visa requirements