George Mason University Student Health Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

George Mason University (GMU) prioritizes the health and well-being of its students by providing access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare services. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the health insurance requirements for GMU students, the services offered by Student Health Services, and other essential health-related information.

Student Health Services: Accessible and Affordable Healthcare

Student Health Services (SHS) at George Mason University offers accessible and affordable healthcare services to all currently enrolled students in a caring and confidential environment. SHS operates clinics at the Fairfax, Arlington, and Science and Technology campuses. One of the most significant benefits is that there is no charge to be seen by one of the healthcare providers at these clinics.

SHS provides a range of services, including:

Health care
Counseling
Health education
Prevention services

While there is no charge to see a healthcare provider, fees may apply for:

Lab tests
Medications
Supplies
Physical exams
Procedures
Some office visits

Students can call Student Health Services at 703-993-2831 to speak with a nurse about health concerns. Additionally, an after-hours advice nurse service is available to students, provided by a third party.

Upcoming office closures: July 4, Sept. 1, Nov.

Health Insurance Options for GMU Students

George Mason University offers Aetna Student Health insurance to all undergraduate and graduate students, both full-time and part-time, who are taking at least three credit hours. This student-focused health insurance plan provides coverage at school, at home, and while traveling or studying abroad.

Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan

George Mason University makes health insurance available to eligible students through Aetna Student Health. The Student Health Insurance Plan has been developed especially for Mason students; however, individual students might benefit from other policies. The plan provides coverage for illnesses and injuries locally and when you travel either domestically or abroad and is accepted by many local healthcare providers. The vision plan is included in the student health insurance plan purchase.

Enrollment

Domestic & international students and dependents can enroll online during fall and spring open enrollment. Mason's colleges and schools have representatives who can help with the process of finding and acquiring coverage.

International Students: Mandatory Health Insurance

All F-1 and J-1 visa students are automatically enrolled in the Mason Student Health Insurance Plan. This is a requirement by Federal law and University Policy #6002 to ensure they have adequate health insurance. INTO Mason students with F-1 and J-1 visa status who will be living in the United States are also required to have Mason’s Aetna Student Health insurance and will be automatically enrolled.

Read also: U of U Student Health Plan

F-1 and J-1 visa students pay the premium through their Patriot Web account. For the fall semester, an international student is charged the “Fall” premium. In the spring, the student is charged with the “Spring/Summer” premium.

Domestic Students: Encouraged to Have Health Insurance

Domestic students are encouraged, but not required, to have health insurance.

Important Information for Graduates

Congratulations to all Mason Graduates! As you prepare to graduate, here are some important steps to take regarding your health records and insurance:

Immunization record: Download a copy of your immunization record from the Patient Portal. This is an important part of your medical record.
Medical records: Download any visit summaries or lab results from Student Health from the Patient Portal or request a copy of your medical record to take to your new healthcare provider.
Prescriptions: Request copies of your current prescriptions or make requests for any refills before graduation.
Allergy shots: You may receive allergy shots until the end of the month in which you graduate.
University Student Health Insurance: If you are currently on the university Student Health Insurance, your insurance will terminate by the end of the health insurance term.

Immunization Requirements

Submitting your immunizations records to Student Health Services at Mason is a requirement of all Mason students. All students are required to download the Immunization Record Form. Students must complete Parts 1-4. A healthcare professional must fill out Parts 6-8 for students born after December 31, 1956. The Commonwealth of Virginia and Mason policy #6004 mandate immunization requirements.

Students born after December 31, 1956, must provide documented proof that they have been immunized against certain communicable diseases. A health care professional must complete Parts 5 through 8 of the form. You can get required vaccinations from your local doctor or hospital before you leave your country.

Read also: UVA Health Insurance Requirements

Mental Health Services

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides short-term mental health services for enrolled students. Services are free and confidential. Hence, it will not be part of your academic record.

If you are experiencing a crisis, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us anytime during our regular business hours of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm, or Wednesday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, to speak with a crisis counselor and determine how best to support your needs. For mental health crises, when we are closed, please call CAPS at 703-993-2380 and select option 1 to connect with an after-hours crisis counselor.

Additional Health Information for Students

Immunizations: Submit your completed Certificate of Immunization form by the deadline. Student Health does not bill insurance, but you may want to use it for lab work or at another healthcare facility.
Medications: Bring your medications and prescriptions. Know the names of your medicines and understand what each of your medications are for.
Well-being: Student Health can help you learn how to manage your health care and discuss healthy choices.
Clinic Services: When you do plan to be on-campus, you can utilize clinic services. Check our locations and hours of operation. There is no charge to be seen by a provider. You may call Student Health (703-993-2831) to speak with a nurse about health concerns.

Flu Vaccinations

Students with other health insurance: contact your health insurance provider before getting your flu shot with Student Health Services. They do not bill health insurance. Students self-pay, then can submit a statement to their insurance plan. Statements available in the Patient Portal. Flu vaccination is generally no-cost with most health insurance plans when you get your vaccine with an in-network provider (Dept. of Health and Human Services).

Eligibility for Graduate Assistants

Appointed to a full-time (20 hours/week total) graduate assistantship(s) with a stipend of at least $20,079 per academic year.

Aetna Student Health Network

Aetna Student Health works with Mason and with a network of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and specialists.

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