To speak with a Health Service nurse after normal business hours, please call 216.368.2450.
To speak with an on-call counselor in University Counseling Services, please call 216.368.5872.
Understanding Health Insurance and Services
Health care in the U.S. is excellent, but can be expensive. And understanding your options for care can be overwhelming.
The information below is an overview of what you should know about health care in the U.S., as well as how to connect with experts if you still have questions.
Medical Insurance
Having proper medical (health) insurance is a requirement for all Case Western Reserve University students. CWRU provides a student medical plan for all students (also available to their dependents for an additional cost) and conveniently bills the cost directly to students’ accounts so that they’re fully covered year-round.
There are many options for medical insurance; however, not all plans are equal. If you choose to waive CWRU’s student medical plan because you either already have insurance or have purchased another insurance plan, you must prove, in a timely manner and as described by University Health Service, that your plan meets the same level of comprehensive coverage that CWRU’s student medical plan provides. If the other plan does not meet CWRU standards, the CWRU student medical plan fee is reapplied to the student account and coverage goes into effect.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program regulations require that J-1 Exchange Visitors (both student and scholar) and their J-2 dependents carry health insurance meeting specific minimum standards (Code of Federal Regulations – 22 CFR 62.14-). Failure to maintain required insurance coverage can result in termination of J status.
Medical Services
By virtue of being enrolled at CWRU, regardless of your insurance plan, you have free access to the medical staff and services provided by University Health and Counseling Services. Medical insurance still must be purchased and in place, though, so treatment remains affordable in the event of a common illness or a major medical emergency.
If you need to speak with staff after hours, there is a nurse on call through the main Health Service telephone line at 216.368.2450.
An on-call counselor in University Counseling Services is also available for emergencies after hours, on weekends and holidays. Call 216.368.5872 and follow the prompts to be connected to the university counselor on call.
Other medical services also are available, either for free or a nominal fee, through local urgent care clinics affiliated with University Hospitals and other providers as well as The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland.
Always carry your CWRU medical insurance card or other insurance information with you when being seen at any facility other than University Health Service or University Counseling Services.