What paperwork do I need to submit to Health Services before I arrive?

1.  Obtain documentation of immunizations and send to Health Services. All international students regardless of the number of credits you are taking must comply with the State of Massachusetts immunization requirements. Click here for immunization requirements.

2.  Complete the Health History & Immunization form and send to Health Services. 

3.  Enroll in the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan. All international students are now required to purchase the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP).

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How does health care work in the U.S.?

The U.S. health care system is different than in most other countries. Instead of socialized or government paid medicine, here each person has to pay for their own medical care- costs to see the doctor, obtain prescription medications,  have labs/procedures done, and for expensive hospital stays.  Health insurance helps cover the costs of such visits as just seeing a doctor can cost at least $75 and if admitted to the hospital, the cost can range from $2500 per day to over $30,000 per day!

Without insurance, the person would be responsible for paying all of those costs. With insurance, the person would be responsible to only pay a portion (usually a co-pay) for these costs. Therefore, it is very important and useful to have health insurance to help navigate and afford the U.S. health care system.

As an international student, it is important to know that the U.S. government does not pay any part of any medical expenses for international students and it is a violation of immigration law for F-1, F-2, J-1 and J-2 students and/or their dependents to accept public assistance.  It is important to sign up for the an insurance plan prior to becoming ill or injured as most insurance companies will not allow enrollment after these occur, as these would be considered a “pre-existing condition” for which the insurance companies are not mandated to provide coverage.

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What type of health insurance plan do I need at Suffolk?

Massachusetts state law now requires all international students studying here to have health insurance, regardless of the visa or number of credits.  To ensure that all students are provided with the most cost effective coverage and meet the Massachusetts state and U.S. Immigration law requirements: 

All international students are now required to purchase the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP).  This means that every year the student is studying here, the student will be automatically billed and enrolled in the SSHIP.  

This law will be strictly enforced.  Do not purchase another policy or have your sponsor (embassy or government) purchase a policy for you unless you intend to have additional health insurance. 

International students currently covered by another plan should not renew the policy for 2008-2009 and should inform third parties (embassies or other sponsoring organizations) who may have purchased other insurance for them.

International students with a parent or spouse who is employed by a U.S. company and who are covered under a U.S. health insurance plan through that company, may be eligible to waive the SSHIP.  This means that as an international student, the student will be automatically enrolled and billed for SSHIP, and it will be up to the student to discuss eligibility for waiver and provide the necessary documentation for that waiver.

Note: Participation in the SSHIP is valid for the academic year only.  Students will be billed and re-enrolled each August. The SSHIP will become effective on August 21, 2008, for all undergraduate and graduate international students, except law students.  If you will be attending Suffolk Law School, the health insurance will be effective on August 10, 2008.

Click here for links to the plan brochure and a summary of plan benefits

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How do I enroll in the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP)?

Detailed information on how to enroll in the SSHIP can be found by going to the Health Insurance section of our website.

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Do I need to purchase health insurance if I am arriving in the U.S. before classes start?

Many international students choose to arrive in the U.S. before orientation and classes to set up housing, bank accounts, etc.  As the SSHIP only covers the existing school year, additional coverage (Early Arrival Insurance) will need to be purchased so that students have health insurance during that extra time here. Early Arrival insurance will provide health insurance for you for up to one month prior to the above start dates of the regular policy.    

The International Early Arrival Summer 2008 plan is offered through University Health Plans.  The additional coverage may be purchased by downloading an application, completing the form, attaching a check made payable to University Health Plans (UHP) for the $122 fee, and mailing the completed form directly to UHP.

Early Arrival Insurance must be purchased prior to arrival or up to 3 days after arrival in the U.S. If it is not purchased during this time, the coverage will not be available.   The applicable benefits can be found in the 2007-2008 brochure.  Additionally, because it is only one month of coverage, the prescription benefit is limited to $100 for that period.    back to top^

Do I need to purchase health insurance if I have a dependant (child or spouse)?

Students who have dependents (spouse or child) should purchase the dependent’s insurance within a few days of arrival in the U.S.  Dependents are required by law to have health insurance, but are not required to have the Suffolk insurance; only the student is required to purchase the SSHIP. Since only students may be treated at Suffolk Health Services, students should locate a physician or clinic for their dependents as soon as possible so that if/when they become ill or injured, they know where to go for health care.

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If I get sick, what are some tips for accessing health care in the U.S.?

1.  Students should always go Suffolk Health Services first, for any health care needs. With the SSHIP, Suffolk Health Services serves as the primary care physician for the student. This means that all health care must be done by these clinicians or referrals must be obtained in order for the student not to incur any extra costs. With this in mind, the hospital emergency department should only be used for life-threatening injuries or illnesses.  

2.  Students should always carry their insurance card. Most hospitals, doctors and pharmacies work directly with insurance companies for payment. Without the insurance card, students may be required to pay the cost themselves and then apply to be reimbursed by the insurance company.   

3.  Students should complete insurance claim forms accurately and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. The staff in the Suffolk Health Services Office works directly with the SSHIP provider and may assist students with the paperwork. 

4.  Students should read and become familiar with the policy terminology and benefits. Important words to know and understand are: Deductible, Co-pay, Preferred Provider, Primary Care Physician, and Pre-existing Condition. These and other important terms and concepts are described in the brochure.  

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There is a hold placed on my registration from Health Services, what should I do?

A hold was placed on your registration because Health Services records show that you have not met all of the listed immunization requirements.  Either Health Services does not have documentation of your immunization records, the documentation is incomplete, or you are missing or have an expired immunization.  Health Services will send you notification prior to the registration period.  If you have any questions about what information Health Services is missing, please call 617-573-8260.

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