Frequently Asked Questions: Health Insurance

What is the “health fee” and what does this fee cover?

The per-credit-hour student health fee, paid as part of tuition, covers costs associated with most SHCC office visits. The health fee does not pay for any health insurance coverage, and charges are assessed for things like medications/prescriptions, vaccinations, medical equipment, X-rays, laboratory work, procedures and visits with specialists.

  • Charges are assessed for medical services rendered via phone, such as advice or prescriptions, only if the call is initiated by the patient and if SHCC staff are able to render said services via phone, thereby saving the patient an in-office visit.
  • The SHCC Laboratory charges a $15 handling fee for both in-house and outside tests. This fee is not covered by any insurance policy and is billed directly to the patient’s UF account.
  • Patients may be charged a no-show fee if they fail to arrive before the end of a scheduled appointment or fail to cancel within 24 hours of certain types of appointments, such as minor surgery, specialist visits and women’s health.

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Do I need insurance to use the SHCC?

Though not required to access our services, the university and the Student Health Care Center strongly encourage all students to carry some form of health insurance coverage.

Please note that international students are required to have health insurance. For more information, visit the insurance area of the UF International Center’s website or the UF IC office in room 170 of the Hub, or e-mail insurance@ufic.ufl.edu.

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Does the SHCC take any specific insurance plan/provider?

For your convenience, the Student Health Care Center has the capability to direct-bill many insurance companies for covered medical charges, currently contracting with more than 60 companies and 130 individual plans.* Verify your coverage with the SHCC ahead of your first appointment and save time in the waiting room! Click here to get started.

Prior to coming to Gainesville, contact your insurance company to find out what coverage is provided for the student away from home, keeping in mind that some plans do not cover services in geographical areas other than the home city, or that preferred providers may not be located in the Gainesville area. Should you be unable to reach your insurance company to obtain coverage information, SHCC Patient Financial Services may be able to help. E-mail us at insurance@shcc.ufl.edu or call (352) 273-4546.

*EXCEPTIONS: The SHCC Pharmacy currently accepts university-sponsored prescription plans and the following commercial prescription plans: Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, CVS/Caremark, Medco and Prescription Solutions; other commercial plans may also be accepted — contact us with questions or for more information: (352) 392-1760. Additionally, physical therapy and massage therapy services are currently only billable through university-sponsored insurance plans, though these services are also available through self-pay.

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How do I enroll in a university-sponsored insurance plan?

Enrollment may be arranged within the first 30 days of a semester. Other policies may be available specifically for international students. Visit our University-Sponsored Insurance area for more information.

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  • Important referral information

    A referral from a Student Health Care Center provider may be necessary when using university-sponsored health insurance. Please consult your carrier for any benefit limitations on prescription drugs, mental health, chiropractic care, ambulatory care, dental accidents, elective abortion, anesthesiology, assistant surgeons and more. If you are subject to a pre-existing condition investigation, please contact the insurance company directly with questions.

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Can the SHCC care for my spouse/domestic partner?

The SHCC recognizes domestic partnership, and spouses/domestic partners of students may receive care from the SHCC if they pay a per-semester optional health fee; however, services are not available for children. You may download a copy of the form and requirements, or pick up a copy at the front desk of the SHCC. (You may wish to have this form completed and notarized before you return to the SHCC.) This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any other purpose.

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Additional information/assistance

The SHCC has insurance specialists on staff to assist you with your needs. While it is your responsibility to understand your specific policy, our office will be glad to help answer any questions or point you in the right direction.

SHCC Patient Financial Services contact information:

  • LOCATION: Yon Hall Annex, 2nd Floor
  • MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 117500, 1 Fletcher Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611-7500
  • PHONE: (352) 273-4546
  • E-MAIL: insurance@shcc.ufl.edu

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