1. Policy Types: There are different policies that can offer different kinds of benefits. Some limit which doctors, hospitals or other providers you can use while others offer broader benefits.
2. Insurance Related Costs:
   • A premium is a payment that you make to purchase health insurance.
   • A copay is a fixed amount that you pay for receiving medical care. This amount is paid for each office visit at the time that you check in for your appointment. The remaining charges for your visit will be submitted to your insurance.
   • A deductible is a fixed amount that you must pay before insurance starts paying a larger percentage of your bills. Your deductible will reset each year.
   • Coinsurance is a percentage of a medical expense that you pay after the deductible is met.
   • The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you would have to pay for covered services within the plan year.
3. Networks: In-network refers to a group of providers (doctors, hospitals, specialists) that have contracted with your insurance company to provide services at discounted rates resulting in lower out-of- pocket costs to you.  If you see a provider outside of your network, you may have to pay a higher share of the bill or insurance may not cover any of the expenses.
4. Limited Coverage: There are plans that do not provide the same protection as full health insurance. Accident insurance and disease-specific plans are examples of limited coverage that may not provide the same comprehensive protection as full health insurance.

Each insurance plan is unique, with specified benefits and coverage as well as a designated network of providers. Here are key questions to ask your insurance company:

• Am I covered?: To ensure the Student Health Center is in-network, please refer to the back of your insurance card and call the customer service phone number or go to your insurance carrier’s website. You may be asked to provide our Tax ID, #900294051, or our National Provider ID. #1699769901. Please note: The Student Health Center is listed under “University Physicians” or “Curators of the University of Missouri.” Please contact the Student Health Center for questions about your health insurance at 573-882-9107.
• Can I change my coverage area while attending Mizzou?: If your plan is not in network, you may be able to explore “away from home care” or “guest membership” options.

Student Health Center Patient Account Representatives are prepared to help students understand health insurance. Call 573-882-9107 with insurance questions, ideally before an appointment or procedure.

Uninsured students are encouraged to purchase the university-sponsored Anthem Student Health Insurance within the specified enrollment period. If this is not possible, students may be eligible for self-pay discounts when using the Student Health Center.

The ability to pay should not be a barrier to receiving healthcare at the Student Health Center. Staff will work with you if you have billing concerns. Learn more about our financial assistance policy.

Important note: Your student health fee is not health insurance.

No one plans to get sick or hurt. Health insurance can protect you from high, unexpected medical costs. The average cost of a three-day hospital stay can be as high as $30,000 and treating a broken leg can cost up to $7,500 or even higher. Health insurance coverage helps pay for these expenses.

Many plans provide preventive care benefits like checkups, vaccines and may even cover some costs for prescription drugs. Your policy or summary of benefits will show what services are covered by your insurance and how much the insurance company will pay for these services or treatments.