Requirements

The U.S. Department of State requires the following health insurance coverage for Exchange Visitors and their dependents: medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness with a deductible not to exceed $500; repatriation of remains in the amount of at least $25,000; and expenses associated with medical evacuation of visitor to his or her home country of $50,000. For more information, please visit http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health.html

Helpful Tips

  • Health insurance in the U.S. is very expensive, and most health insurance policies rarely cover 100% of expenses. If you are not covered by MSU’s insurance plan, OIP can offer suggestions for other plans that do meet the coverage requirements.
  • Always carry proof of insurance in your wallet with you.
  • Bozeman has two urgent care clinics, a major hospital, and many private doctors and specialists to serve your health needs during your stay.

Please Be Aware

  • All students registered in seven or more on-campus credits are eligible to use the Health Service. Doctor visits are always free.
  • Most insurances do NOT cover dental or lenses. It has to be a separate contract.
  • If you have MSU insurance and go to the Health Service, all lab tests, xrays, minor surgeries, procedures, and medical supplies such as crutches are free. You will have a co-pay for any prescriptions (this varies, depending on the prescription).
  • If you do not have MSU insurance and go to the Health Service, the doctor visit is still free, but you will have to pay for any xrays, labs or minor procedures. The pharmacy at the Health Service can usually bill your insurance company for prescriptions. Charges for services such as xrays or labs are due at the time of the visit. The Student Health Service will give you a statement to send to your insurance carrier. If you have an international policy, often they will reimburse you for 100% of the services if you use the Student Health Service.
  • Ambulances are very expensive. Use it only if it is a true emergency.
  • Please make sure that pharmacy is covered.

You should be familiar with the following terms:

  • "Co-pay": the co-pay is the amount that must be paid after each visit to a doctor's office.
  • "Deductible": the amount the insured is required and obligated to pay by the insurance policy. The deductible is chosen by the insured.    Generally the lower the deductible, the higher the insurance premium.
  • "Out of pocket expenses": direct outlays of cash which will not be reimbursed.

Three Ways to Insure Yourself or Your Family Members

MSU Insurance Private U.S. Company Home Country

Blue Cross Blue Shield 

MSU Student Health Insurance 

Please also know that:

  • No MSU insurance plan for dependents is available.
  • The student insurance (only) will be automatically charged to the student's account unless waived by the student.

 

 Purchase a health insurance plan from a private company in the U.S. Please check each plan's coverage to be sure it offers enough coverage. Purchase an insurance plan in your home country. Be sure to verify any international plans include the U.S.

Note: Make sure to read the information provided by your insurance company carefully in order to understand what your coverage includes and how it works. Keep your insurance card in your wallet or purse at all times.

Prescriptions

  • With MSU insurance: $15, $30 or $50, depending on your prescription.
  • Without MSU insurance: Varies, depending on your insurance coverage. Please bring your prescription insurance card to the pharmacy window.

Note: Except for the pharmacy, we do not bill insurance other than the student policy. Save all receipts for submitting to your insurance carrier.

Useful Numbers