Internationals | MIT Medical

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Healthcare in the US might seem very different—buying insurance, making appointments, choosing a primary care provider. Find answers to all your questions here.

All about health insurance

What is health insurance?
There is no universal healthcare in the U.S., so most people buy health insurance.
Do I need health insurance?
Healthcare in the U.S. is very expensive. Health insurance can help.
How much will health insurance cost?
Your “premium” is just part of the price. Look at other out-of-pocket costs as well.
How do I choose the right health insurance plan?
Ask: What does it cover? How much does it cost? Is it easy to use?
Is there an MIT health insurance plan for me?
When you buy an MIT health insurance plan, you can get your medical care right on campus.
What about my family?
If you buy MIT insurance for yourself, you can also buy it for your family.

Getting care when you need it

Healthcare in the United States: The top five things you need to know
American Healthcare 101: Health insurance? Primary care providers? What you need to know to get started.
What’s a PCP?
Your “primary care provider” will be the clinician you see most often. Learn more.
All about appointments
Do you want to see your PCP or another healthcare provider? You’ll need an appointment.
What if I need care right away?
Sometimes you can’t wait a week for an appointment. What should you do?
Medications and prescriptions
How do you get a prescription? Where should you go to buy medications?
Getting care if you don’t have MIT insurance
MIT Medical only accepts MIT insurance. Where can you get care with another insurance plan?

Using your MIT insurance

Choose a PCP
Use our website to choose a primary care provider or switch to a different one.
Make an appointment
Want to make an appointment with your PCP? Here’s how to do it.
Prescriptions
You can fill prescriptions from MIT Medical clinicians at the MIT Pharmacy.
Urgent Care: What you need to know
Need care right now? You can use MIT Medical’s Urgent Care Service without an appointment.
Pediatrics
If you’ve bought MIT insurance for your children, they can get their care here, too.
When you need care outside of MIT Medical
What happens when you need to see a specialist outside of MIT Medical? Or if you get sick while traveling?

Resources to help you stay healthy

VPR
Help for survivors of sexual violence and stalking, including emotional support and help getting medical and legal assistance.
Spouses & Partners Connect
Did you come to MIT with your husband, wife, or significant other? This group can help you build a social network, learn a new language, and find the resources you need to build a life in the Boston area.
Wellness classes
Meditation, yoga, parenting, weight-management—MIT Medical has classes for everyone!
getfit
MIT’s annual fitness challenge is open to all. Form a team, and start moving. Meet weekly exercise goals, and qualify for prize drawings.
Student Mental Health and Counseling
MIT Medical’s Student Mental Health and Counseling Service helps members of the MIT community manage the challenges and pressures of daily life at MIT.
Coping with homesickness
It’s normal to miss your home. Here’s how to cope.

Of Special Interest to Internationals

Healthcare in the United States: The top five things you need to know

American Healthcare 101: Health insurance? Primary care providers? What you need to know to get started.

Dental services at MIT Medical

How to use MIT Medical’s Dental Service and what it will cost.

Choose a PCP

Use our website to choose a primary care provider or switch to a different one.

Privacy and confidentiality at MIT Medical

We won’t share your medical information without your permission.

Coping with homesickness

It’s normal to miss your home. Here’s how to cope.

Name that specialty

In the United States, you’ll get your routine care from your primary care provider (PCP), but when you have a complicated medical problem or need to have special tests, your PCP may refer you to a specialty provider at MIT Medical or elsewhere.