Learn about why health insurance is required for all USC Columbia students and information aboutthe only in-network plan for medical and mental health services.
Required Health Insurance
ALL USC COLUMBIA STUDENTS MUST HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE, including: undergraduates taking six hours or more and paying the student health
fee; graduate students taking six hours or more; graduate students with assistantships;
USC School of Medicine students enrolled in 1 or more hours and all international
students.
Every student’s health and well-being are critical components to academic success.
Access to medical care promotes student retention and success. Students with insurance
stay healthier by using recommended preventive care services that help avoid health
issues and often detect medical issues that need attention. The primary purpose of
student health insurance is to provide an affordable and comprehensive benefits package
so students have easy access to physical and mental health care and prevention screenings
while attending school.
Over the past two decades, student health issues have grown more complex. Students
may come to college with a range of health care needs from minor to extensive. Student
health insurance plays a critical role in optimizing student’s choice for health care
services. Those who are uninsured have a higher chance of dealing with more severe
illnesses that may impact their academic success. Since unexpected sickness is one
of the leading factors for family debt, student health insurance is critical to financial
wellness.
What Does the Student Health Insurance Plan Cover?
The Student Health Insurance Plan is comprehensive and covers most medical and mental
health services, x-rays, labs, procedures and prevention services. The plan benefits
include only a $10 co-payment for generic prescription drugs, and covers mental health,
dental and vision care.
Premium Costs & Plan Details
Annual: $3,205
Fall Semester: $1,355.29
Spring/Summer Semesters: $1,849.71
Graduate assistants may receive a subsidy during the 2024-2025 academic year - check
with your department.
Fall Coverage Period: August 1, 2024-December 31, 2024
Spring/Summer Coverage Period: January 1, 2025-July 31, 2025
Deadlines:
The Fall enrollment and waivers begin on Monday, June 3, 2024 and ends on Monday,
September 9, 2024.
Spring/Summer enrollment and waivers begin on Monday, November 9, 2024 and ends in
Monday, February 3, 2025. Waivers cannot be accepted after the deadline. Waivers must
be completed on the MYAHPCARE.
The Student Health Insurance Plan through BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is
considered a Gold Plan in the insurance marketplace. A comparable plan purchased somewhere
else would cost more than $350 per month, while the Student Health Plan is just over
$200 per month. You can sign up for the Student Health Insurance Plan during the
year if you have a qualifying life event that causes you to lose your health insurance.
Disqualification from parents' health plan due to age.
Losing private insurance through loss of employment or divorce.
For qualifying events, please contact AHP directly at sc.myahpcare.com or 1-855-844-3015.
You can enroll spouses, domestic partners and dependent children in your plan. You
will be charged for their coverage separately, and not through your student account.
If proof of insurance is required as a condition of your enrollment, you can request
additional funds for your health insurance premium amount. Contact the Office of Student
Financial Aid and Scholarships at 803-777-8134.
Students with Special Enrollment Status can choose to purchase the Student Health
Insurance Plan.
Independently funded post-doctoral fellows are eligible to purchase the Student Health
Insurance Plan.
Students have an option to purchase short term gap insurance after graduation to ensure
continuous health care coverage. Please go to MYAHPCARE for more information.
Provider and Enrollment Information
The Student Health Insurance Plan is administered through Academic Health Plans and
is underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina. You can obtain more information
by visiting MYAHPCARE.
On the site you may chat with an agent or communicate via email. You may also contact
the provider via telephone at 1-855-844-3015.
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