HEALTH INSURANCE

Protection against medical expenses that may be incurred as a result of illness or accident is an important responsibility. Students are responsible for paying all medical costs incurred at all off-campus medical facilities. All students are encouraged to establish a health insurance carrier before arriving on campus.

The insurance that West Virginia University offers to students and visiting scholars and professors is through United Health Care. In order to be eligible for the insurance, students need to be taking 3 or more credit hours. Eligible dependents of those enrolled in the plan may participate in the plan also. To purchase the policy, a brochure and application can be picked up at Student Health Services or in the Student Affairs Office and the premium mailed to the insurance company. For further information, visit http://www.uhcsr.com and http://well.wvu.edu/medical/insurance Visit this Web site under Student Life for information on the dental and vision plans that may be available for an additional cost. All international students are required to have health insurance prior to the first day of classes.

Your Rights include:

• The right to humane care and treatment. You will be treated with respect, consideration and dignity. You can expect that your personal convictions and beliefs will be taken into account when you seek help and that convictions of the provider will not adversely affect your right to rational and appropriate care.
• The right to accurate information, to the extent known, concerning diagnosis of an illness or health-related condition. This will include appropriate alternatives to care when requested.
• The right to participate in decisions which are made regarding your health care and treatment.
• The right to know who is counseling, caring for or treating you. The practitioner's name and professional qualifications should be visible or stated upon introduction.
• The right to information regarding the scope and availability of services. This information should be available to you in written form.
• The right to information regarding fees for service, particularly notification as to what services may involve additional charges.
• The right to confidentiality of your records.
• The right to be informed of any research aspects of your care and the right to refuse to participate. Such refusal will not jeopardize your access to medical treatment.

Your Responsibilities Include:

• Providing full information about your illness or problem to allow proper evaluation and treatment.
• Asking sufficient questions to ensure appropriate comprehension of your illness or problem, as well as the health professional's recommendations for continuing care. If you find the care or course of treatment unacceptable for any reason, it should be discussed with staff of the Health Service or at a Health Service Advisory meeting.
• Showing courtesy and respect to health care personnel and other patients.
• Not lending your personal identification to others. It may lead to entries in the wrong medical chart or errors in treatment.
• Canceling or rescheduling as soon as possible an appointment you are unable to keep so the appointment may be given to someone else.
• Not giving medication prescribed for you to others.
• Communicating with your health care provider if your condition worsens or does not follow the expected course.
• Providing proof of student status.