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What do I do if I am out of state in school, without my primary doctor, and get sick?

I don't understand how insurance and school work together. I don't want my parents to get stuck with a big bill. I won't have them around to help me figure out where to go. Chances are I will need a doctor at some point during my college years. #college #healthcare

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Elizabeth’s Answer

Hey- you're thinking ahead, good for you! I live on a campus with a campus hospital, and if you do as well that's where you'll go for emergencies. Otherwise, there are student health centers on most campuses or something similar. If not, CVS has a minute clinic or there's something similar. I go to CVS for things like flu shots and prescriptions. My roommate has a prescription filled from an on-campus pharmacy.


You should also check to see if your health insurance covers you going out of a certain region! Super important if something big happens (and not like a $25 bill). For example, I'm from out-of-state and my health care doesn't reach as far as VT, so if I got seriously injured I'm not sure what would happen.


Also, best ways to avoid getting sick: clean your dorm, wash your hands, don't get wrecked every weekend and make sure you take some me time in college.


Good luck!

Elizabeth recommends the following next steps:

Find out if your college has student health services
Fill out any health-related questions your college has (insurance, immunization history, etc.)
Find out if you can transfer any prescriptions you may have to the U or, if you're at CVS or something, if there's one in the area you can switch to
Check to see if your current health care covers the area you're going to college in
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paula’s Answer

Lucy,
Prior to leaving for college, have your parents contact their health care insurance carrier to get the details on how to minimize the out of network charges that may come up while you are on campus. Most health plans cover emergencies when out of state but can be a little more restrictive for routine care. I would take advantage of your on campus health services and also use the CVS minute clinic as much as you can. These clinics are staffed with Nurse Practitioners or Physicians Assistants and can treat most minor illnesses such as strep throat, Urinary Tract Infections, or other acute medical issues. Additionally, Telehealth visits are now becoming much more common which allow you to be treated by your own primary care physician via a Zoom call. Try to eat well, get lots of sleep, and take care of yourself.
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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Lucy! Adding to the previous explanations, if you do not have healthcare coverage you get enrolled into the school's healthcare plan; it gets added to your tuition as an additional cost (I used mine for 1 semester because of an issue with current insurance and it was about 1800, but it can vary I think). It doesn't cover everything and may not cover as much as other insurances as well, but it can help out if you do have an emergency situation and need to go to the ER or see a doctor if feeling ill. My family relative had a similar problem, he sprained his ankle while playing basketball and got an X-ray, it was pretty simple, and didn't pay too much because of his insurance with the school. I would definitely check with your current insurance plan; see if they cover out-of-state and maybe see if they can recommend a PCP in the area where you will be attending school. If they do cover it but can't recommend a PCP, a quick search with your school or even online should yield some pretty good results. If your insurance is not covered out of state, maybe then check with the school and see what their options or ask your insurance company what you may do. There are definitely health services on campus and can be helpful so definitely do stop by and see them; I think some services are included in your tuition so I would advise to request more information about them. It may facilitate your need of a PCP; however for emergency services I would recommend to do research with your current insurance and try to work out a plan with your family based on what is covered and not, you definitely don't want to have an emergency situation and be in the hospital without being certain on what coverage you have.

I hope this helps!
Best of luck!
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