Health Insurance

Please note that the following information is meant to be used only by Florida State University faculty, staff, scholars, students and potential scholars and students of Florida State University and only in the context of international visits to FSU specifically. It is not intended to be used and should not be construed as general legal advice.

health insurance brochure
Health Insurance Brochure 		Unlike many countries, the United States does not have a national health care system. Healthcare costs, even for minor illnesses or accidents, can amount to thousands of dollars. In the U.S., it is customary for individuals to buy insurance, paying a fee to "insure" oneself against having to spend a great deal of money in the event of illness or accident. Even then, most U.S. insurance plans do not provide 100% coverage for an accident or illness. These plans typically require you to pay both a deductible and a percentage of the remaining cost.
The student fees you pay each semester allow you to use the Thagard Health Center for basic health care services. These services are provided either for free (such as routine office visits for illness or injury) or at a reduced cost (x-rays or other tests). Some procedures may be partially covered by your health insurance. Please note, students in town but not taking classes (for instance during the summer), will be charged for visits to TSHC. Students must be enrolled in classes for illness or injury office visits to be free of charge.

Thagard visits are generally limited to minor, primary care or emergency care; otherwise, you will be referred to an outside medical facility such as the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and your insurance may then pay for some of the costs. See the Thagard Health Center web site for more information on clinical services (which includes among others: primary care, women's care, pharmacy, allergy, lab, radiology and physical therapy, psychiatry, immunizations and flu campaign), office hours, as well as to make an appointment. Note that most health insurance plans exclude dental services, vision care, prescription medications and pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is an injury or illness during the 6 months prior to the effective date of your insurance and is not covered by the insurance policy for the first 6 months of the policy (with the exception of pregnancy which will not be covered at all if pre-existing).

Since University coverage does not take effect until the first day of classes, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance until your University policy becomes effective.

» Click here for the International Student Health Insurance Brochure

All forms are available in alternative format upon request.