Health Insurance: Students

Health Care is very expensive in the USA and quite different from other countries. In many countries the government pays for health care for its citizens while in the United States individuals are responsible for these costs themselves. The USA has a pay-for-services system. Without insurance, an office visit to see a doctor for a minor illness costs between $100-$200; a "normal" pregnancy and delivery care will cost at least $8,000; an appendectomy with two nights in the hospital could easily be $10,000. These fees are why you must purchase health insurance!

Primary Care for Duke Students
Duke University requires that every enrolled student have mandatory primary care through the Duke Student Health Center.  Thus you will see the Duke student health fee appear on your bursar's bill each semester.  This mandatory Health Fee allows you to receive treatment at the Duke Student Health Center for free.  It also entitles you to use CAPS (the Counseling Center) and the Sports Medicine Clinic, in the basement of Card Gym, at no additional cost. For more information, as well as directions to these clinics, check the website at: http://healthydevil.studentaffairs.duke.edu/

Remember, if you have an emergency that is not CRITICAL when the Duke Student Health Center is NOT open, call 681-9355 FIRST. A recorded message will tell you what to do for medical assistance.

Major Medical Insurance Plan for Duke Students
All International Students with either an F-1 or a J-1 visas are required to carry medical insurance coverage, through the University-approved Plan offered by United Health Care.  Failure to maintain adequate, annually verifiable insurance is a violation of the conditions by which Duke University admitted the student and also violates the federal insurance requirements for J-1 exchange visitors in Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 62.14.

For more information about the Duke University Student Medical Insurance Plan go to: www.uhcsr.com/duke

Unfortunately the United Health Care major medical insurance, and indeed most health insurance plans, DO NOT cover dental work or routine eye exams. For more information, see our handouts, Finding a Dentist for you or your Family, and Eye Exams, Glasses & Contacts.

Health Insurance Plans for Dependents of Students
Spouses and children of students can sign up for the family health insurance plan of United Health Care (the Duke Student Health Insurance).  Go to www.uhcsr.com/duke and look for the dependent enrollment form.  However student spouses and children cannot go to the Student Health Center for their primary care.  Fortunately there are a number of Duke-affiliated health clinics in the Durham and Chapel Hill areas. We recommend that your family members go to one of these clinics, perhaps the one closest to your home. Both spouses and children can go to the Duke Family Medicine Center located on Erwin Road.

For more information, please refer to our handout, Finding a doctor for Family Members - Spouses and Children.

IMMUNIZATIONS
Duke Students

• All Duke students are eligible to get their routine vaccinations at Duke Student Health Center. You can either walk-in or call for an appointment at 681-WELL (9355).

• Information about vaccinations can also be found on the Duke Family Medicine Center website.

Non-Duke Students

• The Durham County Health Department, 414 E. Main Street, Durham, tel. 560-7600 or 560-7608. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30-11:30am and 1:00-4:30pm
  

• The Immunization Clinic of the DCHD offers free vaccines, which are mandated by law, to children 18 years of age and under. Vaccines are also available to adult individuals age 19 and over for an applicable fee.

• Eligibility: Durham County residents

• Fees: None for children and fees vary according to type of vaccine for adults. Some vaccines may require more than one shot for complete protection.

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