Insurance & Fees

Health Insurance

Every registered student is eligible to use the University Health Center (UHC).

The University of Maryland requires comprehensive health insurance coverage for all undergraduate students admitted in or after Fall 2009 and are registered for 6 or more credits.

Students should check with their family’s insurance company to discuss their eligibility of benefits and reimbursement procedures for UHC fees. Most HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) do not cover services outside their areas, so students in outlying counties in Maryland or in other states or nations may want to consider enrolling in the student health insurance plan.

The top three things you need to know about insurance at UHC:

1) Call your insurance provider before visiting the Health Center to make sure they will cover services at the UHC. The UHC is in-plan with Aetna, United HealthCare, Cigna and Carefirst/ Blue Cross-Blue Shield PPO and EPO plans only. Some insurance plans may require a referral, preauthorization or precertification.

If your insurance is a HMO or POS plan, call customer service to verify benefits for care provided at the UHC. Generally, the customer service phone number is listed on your insurance card. Make sure you know your policy number and policyholder’s name when you call. Be sure to ask if your visit to the UHC will be covered and if you will be responsible for any payment.

WARNING: Some HMO plans do not have out of network benefits. You will be responsible for all charges.

2) Always bring your insurance card and photo ID to every visit.

3) Call ahead to schedule an appointment at (301) 314-8184 or make an appointment online.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, dial 911.

To find out more about payment and specific insurance plans, view our list of Frequently Asked Questions. Also view the Young Person's Guide to Health Insurance (pdf).

Please direct general health insurance questions to (301) 314- 9144.

Mandatory Health Insurance

In order to understand the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and the Mandatory Health Insurance Waiver, please visit http://www.health.umd.edu/SHIP.

For Graduate Students

Insurance is voluntary for graduate students, and graduate students do not complete a health insurance waiver.

For more information or to enroll in SHIP, visit http://www.firststudent.com.

Fees

Students are charged a fee for most office visits, plus fees for visits with specialists and for certain procedures such as x-rays, laboratory tests, allergy injections, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture and medications dispensed through the pharmacy and medical units. Insurance coverage for these services may vary.

Students are directly responsible for payment of UHC fees they incur.

Fees for services can be billed to the student's account through the Bursar's Office or an individual may pay their bill by cash, check, Terrapin Express, or credit card at the Pharmacy.

**Fees, excluding pharmacy costs, are waived for students enrolled in the student health insurance plan.

Visitors

A visitor's fee is charged to anyone who is not currently registered as a student. Visitors are charged a fee for office visits, plus fees for visits with specialists and for certain procedures such as x-rays, laboratory tests, allergy injections, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture and medications dispensed through the pharmacy and medical units.

Visitors must pay for their visit PRIOR to being seen. Any additional services (laboratory, x-ray, etc...) required must also be paid for prior to being performed. Payment is to be made at the Pharmacy and visitors must pay by cash, Visa, Discover, or Mastercard.

Referral

If you require a referral for treatment off campus or admission to a hospital, you are responsible for any bills you incur. The University Health Center assumes no financial responsibility for care you receive off campus.

If you have questions about the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), please call the University Health Center Business Office at 301-314-8165.

If you have general questions about insurance, please call the University Health Center at 301-314-9144.