SCampus Student Guidebook

Getting Started

Health Insurance

USC Student Health Insurance Plan
Executive Director: Dr. Lawrence Neinstein
(213) 740-0551
649 W. 34th Street, Parking Structure D
Email: b.well@usc.edu
www.usc.edu/uphc

The university requires that all students have health insurance. This will help to cover the cost of health care that cannot be obtained at the University Park Health Center, especially in emergency situations where hospitalization may be required. All students carrying six units or more are automatically enrolled in, and charged for, the USC student health insurance plan. All international and Health Sciences campus students are required to have health insurance and are automatically enrolled in this plan, even if they carry less than six units.

The health insurance plan works in conjunction with the university’s student health centers. For this reason, all students enrolled in the insurance plan are required to pay the student health fee and access their primary care at the student health center on their campus.

Although the student health fee covers most services rendered at the health center, there is a nominal fee for some services that include: laboratory tests, prescriptions, immunizations, copies of X-rays and copies of medical records.

It is important to remember that the health fee will not cover the cost of hospitalization or specialty care that cannot be obtained at the health center. For this coverage, you are required to carry supplemental health insurance.

Waiver Requirements

Enrollment in the USC student health insurance plan will only be waived and the premium charge removed from the fee bill if documented proof of health coverage from another plan is presented with the waiver request using the online waiver application. The deadlines to request a waiver are: fall 2011: September 9, 2011; spring 2012: January 27, 2012.

In order to receive a waiver of the USC student health insurance plan, the insurance presented must meet the following requirements:

• Must provide at least $500,000 in lifetime aggregate coverage (no per incident maximums).
• Policy must have no major exclusions: pharmacy coverage, mental health coverage and maternity coverage (for female students) are required.
• Must have effective dates covering the entire semester for which the waiver is requested: fall 2011 (August 15, 2011 through January 9, 2012); spring/summer 2012 (January 10, 2012 through August 19, 2012).
• Must have a policy deductible of $2,500 or less.
• Must pay for at least 70 percent of covered expenses to providers in the Los Angeles area. Emergency coverage only in Los Angeles is not accepted for a waiver.
• Maximum out-of-pocket expense on the policy (deductible plus out-of-pocket maximum) must not exceed $7,500.
• Must provide identification card or policy with student’s name and/or policy information allowing USC to confirm eligibility.

For more information please email the Student Health Insurance Office at b.well@usc.edu or call (213) 740-0551. You may also visit the Student Insurance Office at 649 W. 34th Street, located in Parking Structure D.

Student Health Insurance for Students Studying Overseas

Students enrolled in overseas study programs are required to have one of the insurance plans through USC. Students already enrolled in the USC plan are covered overseas. Students who waive the USC student health insurance plan are automatically enrolled in the USC overseas studies health insurance plan for the duration of their programs.

Student Dental Plan

Dental coverage for students is available for purchase and billed to the student’s account. Dental coverage is not automatic and must be purchased. Dependent coverage will also be available at a separate premium rate. Coverage is for the entire year and must be purchased by September 9, 2011. Spring enrollment will only be allowed for new incoming students in the spring semester. Plan details are available at www.usc.edu/uphc.