International Students and Health Care at WMU
For students at Western Michigan University coming from outside the United States, these are some important things to know about Sindecuse Health Center and health care in the U.S.
Health care costs may be much higher in the U.S.
Health care can be expensive in the U.S., and the insurance you are required to purchase may only pay for part of the cost of care. Your insurance may not cover all services available at the health center.
Not a covered condition?
If your insurance does not cover a condition we can still serve you. You can pay out-of-pocket with your own funds. If your University account is in good standing, you may assign the charges to your account.
How to get the care you need at WMU’s health center
Know your insurance coverage
It’s important to understand the insurance plan you purchased. Read the plan documents carefully and learn what it covers and what it does not cover. It may not be anything like the health care plan you had in your home country. It may use language you do not understand. That’s OK—it can be complicated!
Ask questions
Ask health center staff how your insurance coverage works if you are unsure. We have a dedicated insurance professional available to answer your questions at (269) 387-4219. The staff who check patients in at an appointment can also answer general questions. Please do not send questions regarding personal illness or financial details through the web site contact form.
Upload your Insurance card to the patient portal
Let the health center know what insurance plan you have. You can send it to us through the patient portal. We’ll keep a copy of it for when you visit. Here is how you upload your insurance document with us:
- Take a photo of your insurance card or document both front & back.
- Login to the patient portal and navigate to “Insurance Card”.
- Upload your card images.
Still have questions?
Call us at (269) 387-3287 and follow the prompts to make an appointment with a provider. The patient access services staff will be happy to help you understand the health center. We look forward to meeting you.