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Information for International Students
Welcome to UMass Boston! As an international student, understanding the U.S. healthcare system and navigating your health insurance is crucial. Here's what you need to know:
Insurance
Healthcare in the U.S. can be very costly, as it relies on private health insurance rather than government-provided coverage. UMass Boston requires all international students to purchase the school's health insurance plan to avoid significant healthcare expenses.
Waiving University Health Insurance
- You may waive the University Student Health Insurance Plan if you have comparable coverage through an alternate U.S.-issued insurance plan. This determination is made by the Bursar's Office.
- Family members can also be enrolled in the school insurance at an additional cost.
University health plans
- With UMass Boston's health insurance, you can seek care at University Health Services (UHS) or any healthcare facility within or outside Massachusetts. Always keep your insurance card with you.
- General Medicine 24/7 Phone Line: (617) 287-5660.
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- This is a 24-hour phone line. If UHS is closed, an on-call nurse can advise you whether you need emergency care or can wait until UHS reopens.
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Medical Care
Understanding healthcare terms and processes in the U.S. is essential. Here are some key resources and information:
Important Health Coverage and Medical Terms
University Health Plans provides a Glossary of Health Coverage and Medical Terms to help you understand commonly used terms. an extensive list of commonly used terms.
Obtaining Medicine
Prescription Medications
- Prescription medications, such as antibiotics and birth control pills, require a doctor's prescription. The healthcare provider writes the prescription, and the pharmacist dispenses the medication.
- Bring your insurance card to the pharmacy to help cover the cost of medication. Pharmacists cannot prescribe medications, only fill prescriptions.
- Common drugstore names in Massachusetts include OSCO, CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens.
Over-the-counter (OTC) Products
- OTC products do not require a prescription. They may have different names than what you are used to. For example:
- "Cotton swabs" are often referred to as "Q-Tips"
- "Adhesive bandages" are often referred to as "Band-Aids"
Finding Medication Equivalents
- If you need to find the U.S. equivalent of an international drug, you can look up the drug names and their equivalents here.
Important Numbers to Know
- UHS General Medicine: For questions about insurance and bills from University Health Services or for 24/7 Medical Advice, call (617) 287-5660.
- Bursar's Office: For insurance charges or assistance with the enrollment/waiver process, email bursar@umb.edu or call (617) 287-5350.
- University Health Plans (UHP): To request your insurance member ID, update your address, or ask about general plan information, email info@univhealthplans.com or call (833) 251-1126
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachussets (BCBS): For questions about benefits or claims, call (888) 753-6615.
- Wellfleet Insurance: For questions regarding benefits or claims, call (877) 657-5030.
For any additional assistance or questions, please reach out to the appropriate contact. We're here to help you navigate your health care needs while at UMass Boston.