Trine University International Booklet 2016 | Page 23

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Health care and Medical System in the U.S.
The healthcare system in the U.S. might be different than the healthcare system in your home country
and can be difficult to understand. Medical care in the U.S. is more costly than in any other country in
the world. Most students cannot afford to stay in the hospital if they did not have insurance. The
hospital charges can be more than $2,500 per day. Insurance does not cover all illnesses or injuries, and
most policies do not pay 100 percent of the costs. Generally, going to a physician’s office or the campus
medical clinic is less expensive than going to an Emergency Room. However, use the Emergency Room if
there is a life-threatening or severe illness or injury.
Terms to Know
Copayment or Copay: The portion of a covered expense, after the deductible is paid, that must be paid
by the insured individual. The copayment may be a specific dollar amount, or a percentage of the
covered amount.
Covered Expense: Any expense for which complete or partial payment is covered by the insurance
company.
Deductible: The initial portion of a covered expense that must be paid by the insured person before the
insurance company pays its part of the expense.
Exclusion: Any condition or expense for which no coverage is provided and the insurance company will
not pay any amount.
Fee for service: The doctor, clinic or other medical professional expects the charge to be paid at the time
the service is provided.
Insurance identification card: A card provided by the insurance company showing the name of the
insured individual, the policy or identification number, and the address and telephone number for
claims and questions. An individual should always carry this card.
Insurance policy: The written contract defines the insurance plan, its coverage, exclusions, eligibility
requirements and all the benefits that apply to an individual covered by the plan.
Insurance premium: The amount of money required for coverage under a specific policy for a given
period of time.
Lapse in coverage: A break in insurance coverage, usually resulting from nonpayment of a premium.
Pre-existing condition: A medical condition that existed before an insurance policy was purchased.
Preventative care: Measures taken in advance of symptoms to prevent illness or injury.
Provider: A doctor, clinic, hospital or other medical professional.

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