Generally speaking, health insurance provides coverage for a certain share of an individual's health care expenses, the person covers the rest. Some insurance plans use a "co-pay" or set fee; others use a percentage (e.g., in an 80-20 plan, the insurance company pays 80% of the cost, the individual pays 20%). 

The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is a health insurance program featuring a "managed care" approach and is considered an excellent value. Like most health insurance plans in the US , SHIP provides coverage for illnesses and injuries; preventive or elective health care is not covered, except as specifically noted in benefit details (e.g., well-woman exams are covered). SHIP meets or exceeds all F-1 and J-1 visa requirements, as well as the health insurance standards developed by the American College Health Association.  Although the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provides coverage for services at Gannett, it is not a "Gannett" plan, but is provided by Aetna Student Health and is underwritten by Aetna Life Insurance Company.

Gannett receives approximately 60% of its funding from university allocation. The remaining portion of funding is generated from charges for services performed at the health center. Although any cost to students living on a tight budget seems high, in fact Cornell subsidizes services to students that would be much higher in a private practice setting. (An appointment with a clinician for an upper respiratory infection that costs $10 at Gannett, would cost five to ten times that amount in the community; an appointment with a counselor that costs $10 at Gannett would cost 7 seven to twelve times that amount.) Cornell requires all students to carry health insurance to help them cover the health care expenses they incur at Gannett (beyond what is subsidized) and from providers of emergency and specialty services.

Many Gannett visits involve only a $10 charge for enrolled students. Consultations with a triage nurse, visits with a clinical counselor, group counseling, health education services, and consultation with the on-call health care provider or counselor are provided at no charge.

Gannett charges fees for x-rays, lab tests, medications, physical therapy, some other services, and missed appointments, but many of these expenses may be covered by your health insurance plan. 

All charges covered by SHIP will be submitted automatically, so you will only have to pay the $10 visit charge or other co-payments at the time of the visit, unless you have charges that are not covered. If you have other insurance, you will have to pay for services when you receive them, but we will provide a bill you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Fees at the time of the visit can be paid for with cash, personal check, or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover); during the academic year, students can apply any charges to their bursar bills.

Whenever you have questions about health care expenses at Gannett or elsewhere, Gannett's Billing Office staff will be happy to assist you. The Billing Office (255-7492) is on Level 5 of Gannett.

For information about the Student Health Insurance Plan, visit the Cornell University Office of Student Health Insurance in Collegetown (255-6363).

Please do not let financial concerns be a barrier to receiving needed health care. Talk with your health care provider or a member of the Gannett Billing Office staff (Level 5 of Gannett or 255-7492) who will help you consider your options, maximize insurance reimbursement, defer fees, extend payment, or access financial assistance. Cornell's International Students and Scholars Office may also be able to provide assistance to international students. Call 255-5243.