Navigating Student Health Insurance at the University of Utah
Understanding health insurance options and requirements is crucial for students attending the University of Utah. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the university's health insurance policies, available plans, and resources for student health and well-being.
Mandatory Health Insurance for Students
The University of Utah mandates that all students have adequate health insurance coverage. This ensures that students have access to necessary medical care while pursuing their education. The university recognizes that health insurance in the United States operates differently compared to many other countries.
University-Sponsored Insurance Plan
Utah Global has partnered with Wellfleet Student and University Health Plans (UHP) to offer a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) specifically designed for its students. This plan provides substantial benefits for covered medical expenses at a reasonable cost. New Utah Global students are automatically enrolled in the Utah Global SHIP, making enrollment mandatory.
Coverage Details of the Utah Global SHIP
The Utah Global SHIP, administered by United Healthcare, offers comprehensive coverage for various medical needs. A detailed breakdown of the benefits can be found in the Brochure located in the "Benefit Information" tab in the navigation menu on the left-hand side of this page. Students are encouraged to carefully review the coverage details to understand the scope of the plan.
Dental and Vision Coverage
The Wellfleet medical plan includes dental coverage, allowing students to visit any dentist of their choice without being restricted to a specific network. The complete description of dental benefits is available in the Brochure located in the "Benefit Information" tab on the left-hand side of this page. Enrollment in this plan is mandatory.
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Vision coverage is provided by VSP Vision Care. A complete description of benefits and a participating provider search can be found by clicking "Vision Insurance" in the navigation menu on the left-hand side of the page. As with the other plans, enrollment in this plan is mandatory for eligible students. Once enrolled, students do not need ID cards or claim forms when visiting a VSP Network Doctor.
Health Insurance Requirements for Progressed/Matriculated Students
Progressed/Matriculated Year 2-4 Utah Global students are required to have health insurance, but will not be automatically enrolled in the Utah Global SHIP. This means that these students have the option to choose their own health insurance plan, provided it meets the university's requirements.
Students who enroll in an annual insurance product will be enrolled in the vision plan provided by VSP Vision Care. If a student selects a semester-only product, they will not receive vision benefits and will be responsible for any vision services they may receive, including vision exams, glasses/frames, contact lenses, etc. For students enrolled in the vision plan, no ID cards or claim forms are needed when you see a VSP Network Doctor.
Waiver Option for Existing Insurance
Students with existing health insurance coverage may be eligible to waive the university-sponsored plan. To qualify for a waiver, the existing insurance must provide coverage equivalent to or better than the plan offered by the University. Travel Plans do not qualify. It's important to note that insurance plans purchased by students may not always provide equivalent or better coverage. Students seeking a waiver must submit proof in English of their existing coverage.
Health and Immunization Requirements
All new students are required to submit proof in English of immunity for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). This is a standard health requirement for university enrollment to protect the campus community from preventable diseases. Rubella Vaccine is one of the vaccines required.
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Resources for Student Health
The University of Utah provides various resources to support student health and well-being.
Student Health Center
The University of Utah Student Health Center, located on campus at 555 Foothill Drive (Campus Map), is a primary resource for addressing most medical problems and injuries. Health clinics, like the Student Health Center, take care of most medical problems and injuries. It's advisable to schedule an appointment in order to be seen by a health care provider.
Redwood Urgent Care Clinic
For immediate medical attention, The Redwood Urgent Care Clinic is open from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm Monday through Sunday. This clinic can address a wide range of issues, including bleeding, pain, or injury. When facing a medical problem or injury the best place for you to go is The Redwood Urgent Care Clinic.
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing
Due to the high rate of tuberculosis, the university offers TB skin tests for $10.00. The testing is available daily from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
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