Insurance FAQ

The following questions and answers may help you with your decision to waive (or not) the Student Injury and Sickness Plan.

Do I need to buy the school insurance plan?

Yes, if any of these apply:

  • Your plan does not meet the SHI Requirements (Student Health Insurance), within the Mount Holyoke College area.
  • Your plan does not meet the definition of comparable coverage and you must purchase the Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan. Examine your current coverage carefully, regarding access and out of pocket expenses for non-emergency visits for laboratory testing, diagnostic testing, consultation with specialist and use of mental health services.
  • You are an international student.
  • Your insurance plan is provided through a state funded program outside of Massachusetts.

Which students can use Health Center services?

The clinical services of the Mount Holyoke College Health Center are available to all MHC students. Please see Medical and Nursing Services for details on our services, billing information and hours of operation.

Will my insurance cover Health Center charges?

No, the Health Center does not bill any Third Party insurers. However, there is no charge to visit or speak with a Clinician. Charges for the following services will go on the monthly student bill (unless the student is participating in the pre-paid Health Center Option):

  • Lab
  • Physical Therapy-Evaluation & Treatment
  • Nutrition-Evaluation & Treatment
  • Extended Nursing Care
  • Medical or Allergy Injections
  • Medical Supplies

What about coverage for Mental Health Services?

  • There is no charge for visits to the counseling service, but a short term of brief therapy model is used.
  • Review network providers and referral policies for your plan carefully.

What about referrals to specialists?

  • Review the rules for your insurance plan and the listing of network providers in this area.
  • Review these details with your student and provide a copy of the insurance card.
  • Students covered under the Student Injury and Sickness Plan are encouraged to discuss referral with a clinician though a referral is not required.

What about medications?

  • Student Illness and Injury plan has a four-tier co-pay structure.
  • Prescriptions filled by Community, a Walgreens Pharmacy are delivered to the Health Center daily.
  • Students must have a copy of their insurance card and their Prescription Coverage card.
  • See Pharmacy Services for details.

Chronic or pre-existing medical conditions?

  • Pre-existing medical or mental health conditions are covered by the student sickness and injury plan.
  • Review the Health Plan carefully for benefit coverage.

PCP in South Hadley?

  • The Health Center Clinicians fill this role for students managing acute and chronic illness in addition to prevention services.

What if my student is very healthy?

  • Please review the chart below

All visits with the nursing staff, nurse practitioner and physician and counseling staff are without charge. Referrals to specialists are not covered by the Prepaid Health Center Option.

Common Situation Service/Test APPROX Health Center Charge Student Health Ins. Prepaid Health Center BOTH OPTIONS WAIVED
Cold/sore throat Throat culture

CBC

 $19

$20

 Covered, no charge to student Covered, no charge to student Charged to student's bill
Urinary tract infection Urinalysis and culture $20 Covered, no charge to student Covered, no charge to student Charged to student's bill
Nausea/vomiting Observation in Infirmary

IV Hydration

 2-4 hrs
$50-$150

$60

 Covered, no charge to student Covered, no charge to student Charged to student's bill
Sprained ankle Physical Therapy $75 Covered, no charge to student Covered, no charge to student Charged to student's bill
Neck/back or shoulder pain Physical therapy $75 Covered, no charge to student Covered, no charge to student Charged to student's bill
Abdominal pain Observation in Infirmary

Lab Work

 2-4 hrs
$50-$100

Average
$20-$45

 Covered, no charge to student Covered, no charge to student Charged to student's bill
Acute anxiety attack/
Depression		 EKG

Observation in Infirmary

 $65

$50-$150

 Covered, no charge to student Covered, no charge to student Charged to student's bill
Preventive Screening Exam Lab Work $50-$75 Covered, no charge to student Covered, no charge to student Charges to student's bill