Medical Clearance and Health Insurance Information
Office of International Education

All new students receive a set of materials from the Office of Student Life, which includes important medical forms and information about the health clearance required in order to register for and attend classes at ESF. Please note that ESF contracts for Health Services from Syracuse University's Health Services Center; all medical inquiries and documentation should be directed to Syracuse University's Health Services Center (315-443-2666).

Medical Records & Immunizations

New York State public health laws require that all students provide documentary evidence of their health history and immunizations (measles, mumps, rubella, and meningitis).

Accordingly, you must complete the four-page Health Form with your doctor/physician and the Meningitis Legislation Requirement and Form (available online) and submit to Syracuse University Health Center. You will not be allowed to register and begin classes at ESF until this form is received.

Completed Health Forms should be mailed to:
Syracuse University Health Services
Attn: Medical Records
111 Waverly Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244-2320
USA

If you do not supply these records to Health Services prior to or upon your arrival, you will be required to obtain immunization(s) at a charge of approximately $45 to $115 and insurance may not cover this expense. Please avoid this expense by providing your completed medical record to Health Services prior to or upon arrival.

Tuberculosis Testing

As part of the health clearance process for new students, you are required to go thorough tuberculosis screening in accordance with state and county guidelines. This clearance process is mandated before you will be able to register for classes and may require additional testing when you arrive at ESF. If a chest x-ray is medically indicated for this clearance, it must be taken and read in the United States or Canada within 3 months of arrival. Therefore please plan to have all your tuberculosis testing done as part of health clearance at the Syracuse University Health Services immediately after arrival on campus. Returning students from Leave of Absence may or may not be required to have the testing done again. Please consult with the Health Services by e-mailing at suhealth@syr.edu.

Health Insurance

ESF students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are required by SUNY policies to maintain adequate health insurance with medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. International students (F-1 or J-1 status) are automatically enrolled in the SUNY Health Insurance Plan prior to matriculation and the fee for the medical coverage is added to the Bursar bill. The annual single student premium for the SUNY Plan is $994.75 for 2009-2010 academic year. You will be enrolled in this insurance every year of your program and the coverage will continue until graduation.

The SUNY Health Insurance Plan serviced by Haylor, Freyer & Coon and covers accidents and sicknesses as well as visits to and referrals from the Syracuse University Health Services. About a month after enrollment, students receive a card that is to be presented to the medical facility when medical care is requested.

Before seeking any medical care, including obtaining the required tuberculosis screening and immunizations necessary to complete the Health Form and clearance process, international students should contact the Cashiers Office (102 Bray Hall / 315-470-6630) to obtain a health insurance card.

• SUNY Health Insurance Plan Brochure
• SUNY Dependent Health Insurance Plan Brochure

Alternative Health Insurance Plans

Students are permitted to substitute the plan by completing a Health Insurance Coverage Statement and submitting evidence of comparable alternate coverage [a copy of your health insurance plan coverage details; proof of medical evacuation and repatriation coverage (if not included in your primary health insurance policy); and proof of enrollment (e.g., health insurance card)] as long as the coverage is maintained throughout the duration of the academic program. Please note that comparable coverage is coverage that meets or exceeds all of the minimum requirements noted below.

Minimum Health Insurance Requirements:

• Medical benefits of at least $200,000 (US $) per person per accident or illness
• Medical benefit coverage payable up to the reasonable and customary charges of the following expenses:
  • Physician and surgical, ambulance, emergency room, in-patient and out-patient care, mental and nervous costs, maternity care, nursery care of a newborn child
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
• Expenses associated with medical evacuation to home country in the amount of $10,000
• A deductible not to exceed $50 per sickness or injury
• Coverage of pre-existing conditions

You must submit the Health Insurance Coverage Statement along with evidence of comparable alternate coverage to the Cashier in 102 Bray Hall or the Bursar’s office in 103 Bray Hall within 30 days of the first day of class each semester you attend SUNY-ESF. If you do not present this evidence within this time frame, you will be responsible for the full insurance coverage for that semester.

For international students who hold an assistantship through the State or the Research Foundation of New York:

F-1 Visa holders who hold a State Graduate Assistantship are required to enroll in the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP). You must also purchase supplemental Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage ($72/ year) at the Cashier's Office as the SEHP insurance does not include this coverage. Before seeking any medical care -- including the medical requirements for the Student Health Service Record (Syracuse University Health Services form) -- and to enroll in this plan, contact Human Resources (216 Bray Hall).

F-1 Visa holders who hold a Research Foundation Assistantship have the choice between the International Health Insurance through the Bursar’s Office or the Research Foundation Student Health Insurance (RFHI). You must also purchase supplemental Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage ($72/ year) at the Cashier's Office as the SEHP insurance does not include this coverage. Before seeking any medical care -- including the medical requirements for the Student Health Service Record (Syracuse University Health Services form) -- and to enroll in this plan, contact Human Resources (216 Bray Hall).

Family/Spouse Health Care 

Adequate health insurance with medical evacuation and repatriation coverage must be obtained for every member of your family who accompanies you to the U.S. The SUNY Health Care Plan can be purchased for dependents who join you in the U.S. The fee for the 2009-2010 academic year is: $2136 (spouse); $1152 (child).

If you have children who will be attending public schools, you will be required to show proof of immunization, including the three D.P.T (diptheria, pertussis, tetanus). Bring copies of medical records for yourself and your family members.

Traveler's Insurance

It is recommended that international students purchase traveler’s insurance to ensure that medical care coverage is avaiable while en route to the U.S. if your home insurance will not cover the expenses of emergency medical care.