Frequently Asked Questions - Appointments and Care

May I utilize the UHS clinic if I have my own health insurance plan?
No. Only students and their dependents enrolled in SHP may go to UHS or receive their benefits.

Does SHP cover preventive services, such as yearly gynecology exams?
No, SHP does not cover preventive services; however, many preventive services, including yearly gynecology exams, are offered through the UHS clinic at no cost to students.

Is prescription coverage part of our insurance?Participants in the SHP are covered by Prescription Card Services (PCS) and you pay a co-payment depending on the category of drug. A mail order prescription program is also available for maintenance prescriptions.

Are contraceptives covered under SHP?
Effective July 1, 2003, the Student Health Program will cover prescribed oral contraceptives and contraceptive devices, including the removal of Norplant. However, the Program will not cover the insertion of Norplant. Non-prescribed contraceptives are still not covered.

Are eye exams covered under SHP?
Eye care is not covered under the Student Health Plan. If you are a full-time student enrolled in the SHP plan, the Wilmer Eye Clinic offers one free routine eye exam per academic year. You must make an appointment by calling 410-955-5080. You will receive a bill for this visit, but you must bring that bill to the UHS Benefits Office for payment. Walk-in visits at Wilmer are not covered.

Are eyeglass frames and lenses covered?
No. Eyeglass frames and lenses are 30% off for all Hopkins students and their family members at the Wilmer Vision Center in the Outpatient Center (410-955-9373).

Does the Bloomberg School of Public Health offer dental coverage? Yes.  More Information on Dental Insurance.

If I want to see a doctor what should I do?
If you have a non-emergency, you have two options.

1) You can make an appointment with a physician at UHS and the entire visit will be paid for by SHP and UHS. In order to make a UHS appointment simply stop into the UHS clinic, located in 401 N. Caroline St., or call the clinic at 410-955-3250 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.).

2) You can make an appointment with the physician of your choice and SHP will pay a percentage of the cost (usually 80% but check the Summary Plan Description for details).

How do I receive mental health care?
You can make an appointment with the Student Assistance Program (410-955-1220) or with Student Mental Health Services (410-955-1892). Both programs offer free services as well as referrals to other services.

How do I receive obstetrical care?
Obstetrical (OB) care can be scheduled by contacting the UHS clinic. Once pregnancy is confirmed, you are referred to the Faculty OB practice. Should you seek care by an obstetrician of your choice without referral through UHS, you will liable for any costs after consideration by our insurance.

If I have an emergency medical need what should I do?
You should go to or call the UHS clinic during normal business hours or call the after-hours on-call physician in order for UHS to cover the 20% that SHP does not cover. (Medical/surgical emergencies 410-955-4331; psychiatric emergencies 410- 955-5964) If you go directly to any emergency room, SHP will cover 80% and you are responsible for the remaining 20%. In addition, it is necessary to contact SHP within 48 hours of any emergency care in order to get coverage from them.

Who are the doctors at UHS clinic?
Care at UHS is provided by the Division of Internal Medicine. The doctors may be students or faculty members in the School of Public Health; therefore, be aware that some of the doctors at the UHS clinic might be your classmates or your professors. You have the right to request any doctor of your choice at the UHS clinic, but please keep in mind that this may cause a longer wait for an appointment.

If I want to see a specialist what should I do?
You must get a referral from a doctor at the UHS Clinic in order for the UHS Benefits Office to pay the 20% that SHP doesn't cover for the specialist visit, and to pay the $100 annual deductible. If you choose not to get a referral through UHS, SHP will cover 80% of your incurred costs and you will have to pay the remaining 20% and yearly $100 deductible if this is your first insurance claim for the calendar year. Be sure to bring your referral form with you to the specialist.

How can I get medical care for my child?
Children of SHP members are covered for care with a pediatrician of your choice. SHP must know that your children are part of your plan, so notify them within the month of the child's birth, or as soon as you become a member of the program. The UHS Benefits Office has a list of local pediatricians to assist you. If your child requires specialist care, he or she must be referred by his or her listed pediatrician. The UHS Benefits Office will pay for the referral only if it is made by the child's pediatrician. The UHS Benefits Office must be notified, in writing, of any referrals to specialists (you can request a copy of the note to bring over to the Benefits Office yourself; this will avoid delays in payment). Additional information regarding pediatric emergencies, diagnostic procedures, and mental health services can be found in the "Ambulatory Health Care Program for Students and Fellows."

If your child needs emergency pediatric care, contact the child's pediatrician first for instructions on how the matter should be handled. This is especially important if you want the Benefits Office to pay what SHP does not cover. If you do not contact your pediatrician first, you will be responsible for any balance after payment consideration by SHP.

Am I covered when I travel?  
You are covered by SHP anywhere in the continental U.S. and abroad as described in the Summary Plan Description. In general, if you are outside of the country you will have to pay the bills yourself and then file claims with SHP to be reimbursed once you return. Be aware that SHP will only pay usual and customary charges which may be different from a physician bill especially in foreign countries. You are not able to take advantage of the supplemental benefits available through UHS when you travel.