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Health Care and Insurance

Medical Services

The College Health Service provides medical care on an outpatient basis to all students.  Health Services is staffed by one part time family physician and by several nurses.  Professional services are free, but charges are made for most medications.  Students whose illness requires hospitalization will be taken to Reid Hospital in Richmond.  Consent for treatment is implied when students register at Earlham; parents will be notified when a student is threatened with a serious illness.

Insurance

The U.S. does not have a nationalized health care system.  Due to the high cost of health care in the United States (a regular doctor’s visit $70-150, a visit to a hospital emergency room $1500+) most U.S. citizens rely on medical insurance to help cover these costs.  A serious accident or injury for international students can be financially devastating and can lead to the end of an academic career.  All students attending Earlham are required to have health insurance.  Students must participate in the Earlham health insurance plan if they do not have insurance that covers them while in the U.S.  Earlham's plan covers basic medical expenses up to $1,000 for each injury or sickness that requires hospitalization, up to $200 per occurrence for any outpatient injury or illness, and up to $3,500 for major medical expenses.  In 2008-09 the fee for one full year will be $180. You will be automatically billed in the fall for insurance, unless you can provide proof of coverage within the U.S.  If you have coverage in the fall that will expire in the spring, you may purchase the student insurance in the Spring Semester for a fee of approximately $112.  Eyeglasses and dental work are not covered by Earlham student insurance.

Typically insurance covers only a portion of medical expenses and you are responsible for paying the balance directly to your health care provider.  If you are concerned about health care and potential high medical expenses, you should consider purchasing different or additional insurance while you are in the U.S.  Please see the enclosed sheets for more information on health insurance options.

You will have the opportunity to meet with the Director of Earlham’s Health Service and with the Business Office representative responsible for filing Earlham Student Insurance claims during orientation.  They are also available to answer individual questions during your stay at Earlham.

Medications

If you currently take a prescribed medication ask your doctor to translate the name into English and to provide its Latin compound.  This will allow you to continue to take the most similar medication while you are in the U.S.

Immunizations

You are required to have your immunizations up to date.  You will receive more detailed information from Health Services regarding these required immunizations.  Please read this information carefully.  You may not be permitted to enroll in classes if you have not had certain immunizations.

Cultural Adjustment and Your Health

The Health Services staff can also assist with physical and emotional changes involved in cultural adjustment. For example:

Some Physical Changes
• Stomach pain
• Headaches
• Fatigue or being tired
• Lack of concentration
• Change in appetite (more or less hungry)
• Change in sleep patterns

Some Emotional Changes
• Loneliness, missing family and friends
• Feelings of isolation
• Homesickness
• Tension
• Nervousness and worry
• Fear of failure

If you begin to notice any of these changes in yourself, first remember that this is a normal part of an adjustment cycle. Try some of the following suggestions and then if the problem persists or changes are severe, consult an International Student Advisor, Health Services, or the Counseling Center.

• Spend time in a place that is comfortable for you, a place where you can relax and be yourself.
• If you feel overwhelmed, take a break, assess what is to be done and establish a list of priorities.
• Make sure to get enough rest and proper nutrition. Establish a regular sleeping and eating pattern.
• Exercise.
• Share your feelings with a friend or with an International Student Advisor. Chances are they have experienced similar changes in the past.