Health insurance in the United States is essential. Unlike
many countries around the world, medicine is not socialized,
so the government does not pay for doctor’s visits, visits
to the hospital, or any other type of medical care. Since an
accident or illness can be very expensive, adequate
insurance coverage is required. NGCSU requires all
international students on an F-1 or J-1 visa to carry
medical insurance through Pearce & Pearce, Inc. Payment is
due along with your tuition and fees each term that you are
enrolled.
You must carry this card with you at all times in case you
encounter an emergency and need to see a doctor. For the
2009-2010 academic year, the insurance premium will be $379
for the fall term and $501 for the spring and summer terms.
To learn more about your benefits go to Pearce and Pearce’s
NGCSU insurance homepage at https://www.pearceandpearce.com/PearceSite/Schools/GA/NGCSU/ .
Also, by going to this website you will be able to set-up
your student account, print a temporary ID card, waive
coverage, and do a network provider search.
Your insurance does not cover expenses related to vision and
dental health. There are various independent vision care
centers that can offer eye exams, glasses, and contact
lenses for a fairly reasonable price. A visit to the dentist
for a cleaning and check-up typically costs less than $100,
but any sort of dental work (fillings, crowns, extractions)
is very expensive. Purchasing a separate dental insurance
policy may be a worthwhile investment. To find out more
about the details of the medical insurance that you must
carry and the optional dental insurance that you may buy,
please visit www.studentinsurance.com .
Also, please be aware that the Pearce and Pearce, Inc.
insurance contracts with certain, but not all local doctors
and clinics. Please visit the website and perform a “Network
Provider Search” to find out which doctor and clinic you may
visit.
