SCampus Student Guidebook

Getting Started

Health Insurance

University Park Health Center
Executive Director: Dr. Lawrence Neinstein
(213) 740-UPHC
(213) 740-APPT (appointment desk)
849 W. 34th Street
Email: uscins@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. The cost for coverage is $405 for the fall semester (August 17, 2009 to January 10, 2010) and $580 for the spring semester and summer session (January 11, 2010 to August 15, 2010).

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 will only be waived if documented proof of coverage from another plan that meets the following university requirements is presented to the Student Insurance Office on your campus:

1. The waiver request must be submitted by September 11, 2009 for the fall semester and by January 29, 2010 for the spring semester and summer session. You may also request a full academic year waiver by submitting proof of adequate health care coverage and by checking the appropriate box on the waiver form. The deadline for full year waiver is September 11, 2009.
2. Must provide at least $500,000 in lifetime aggregate coverage (no per incident maximum).
3. Must cover the student for the entire coverage period.
4. Must have effective dates covering entire semester: Fall 2009 (August 17, 2009 through January 10, 2010), Spring/Summer 2010 (January 11, 2010 through August 15, 2010).
5. Must pay for at least 70% of covered expenses to providers in the Los Angeles area. Emergency coverage only in Los Angeles is not accepted for a waiver.
6. Maximum out-of-pocket expense on the policy (deductible plus out-of-pocket maximum) must not exceed $7,500.
7. Must provide proof with your name on it (identification card or insurance policy).
8. Must have a deductible of $2,500 or less per policy year.
9. The plan description must be provided in the English language, currency must be converted to U.S. dollars and there must be an insurance contact number in the United States.

For more information please email the Student Health Insurance Office at uscins@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 USC health insurance coverage. These students are automatically enrolled in the USC overseas studies health insurance plan unless they are enrolled in the USC 
student health plan. The Student Health Insurance Office is located at 649 W. 34th Street (PSD). For more information, please call the insurance office at (213) 740-0551, email at uscins@usc.edu, or visit the office located in Parking Structure D.

Student Dental Plan

Dental coverage for students is available for purchase at a premium of $136 per year, billed to the student’s account. Dependent coverage will also be available at a separate premium rate. Coverage is for the entire year and must be purchased by September 11, 2009. Spring enrollment will only be allowed for new incoming students in the spring semester. Plan details are available at www.usc.edu/uphc.