Parents

Photo of a mother and daughter who is wearing graduation regalia

You’re still the first ones they turn to for the answers they can’t find on Google, and these pages are your “cheat sheet.” Know what to tell your student about campus resources, health insurance, and more.

Health insurance

What’s included with tuition?
Most services at MIT Medical are available to students at no extra charge.
What you need to know about the Extended Plan
The MIT Student Extended Insurance Plan picks up where the MIT Student Medical Plan leaves off.
We’re eligible to waive; why shouldn’t we?
With the Extended Plan, you’ll avoid large out-of-pocket expenses and delays in accessing care.
All about the waiver
Are you eligible to waive? Learn about the online waiver process with our helpful FAQ.
What about vision and dental coverage?
Vision and dental care is available at MIT Medical, but full vision and dental coverage is not available through the MIT Health Plans.
What your student needs to know about health insurance
Help your student learn to navigate the healthcare system and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Getting care in Cambridge

When a student needs care right away
Is your student sick or hurt? Here’s how to get the care he or she needs.
Urgent Care
Walk-in care at MIT Medical is available 365 days a year.
Routine appointments
Getting the care your student needs starts with scheduling the right kind of appointment. Learn more here.
Why your student needs a PCP
Your student’s primary care provider is the key to a healthy school year.
Prescriptions
Use the MIT Pharmacy, or find another pharmacy near campus.
Getting care outside of MIT Medical
Services outside of MIT Medical will be covered by the Extended Plan or your student’s other comprehensive insurance plan.

Mental Health and Stress

Student mental health services at MIT Medical
Roughly 15–20 percent of MIT students visit MIT Medical’s Student Mental Health and Counseling Services every school year.
Mental health care outside of MIT Medical
Mental health services outside of MIT Medical will be covered by the Extended Plan your student’s other comprehensive plan.
Recognizing signs of stress
As a parent, you may be the first to know when your son or daughter is struggling, and you can play an important role in making sure they get the support they need.
Talking to your student about mental health and stress
Worried about your son or daughter? The first step is to discuss your concerns. Here are some tips.
Parental involvement and patient privacy
With a few exceptions, we cannot share students’ medical information—including information about diagnosis or treatment—with parents.
Resources
MIT provides a number of student support services.

Services at MIT Medical

Urgent Care
Our walk-in Urgent Care Service is open from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. 365 days a year.
Primary Care
Your student’s primary care provider will be the person he or she sees for most routine care.
Laboratory and radiology services
Our onsite X-ray and laboratory services creates a seamless care experience for students who are sick or injured.
Eye Service
MIT Medical’s Eye Service provides a wide range of routine and specialty eye care services.
Pharmacy
The MIT Pharmacy fills prescriptions written by MIT Medical clinicians and offers over-the-counter health products at discounted prices.
Allergy
MIT Medical’s Allergy Service offers evaluation and treatment for a wide range of allergies and allergy-related asthma.

Of Special Interest to Parents

Waivers

The deadline for submitting a waiver request was January 15, 2020. You may submit a late waiver request online through January 31, subject to a $150 late fee.

FAQ: What parents need to know about patient privacy

Your student’s medical privacy is protected by law, but there are times when you might be involved in your child’s care.

What about vision and dental coverage?

Vision and dental care are available at MIT Medical; however, full vision coverage is not available through the MIT Health Plans, and dental coverage is only available to graduate students.

Assuring continuity of care

Continuity of care is important for students with chronic medical or mental health concerns.

Helping your child navigate the health care system at MIT

Parents can do a lot to help a student get the care he or she needs at school.

MIT Medical will be closed July 3–6 for the Independence Day holiday. All services, including Urgent Care, will be closed. View urgent care centers open during the holiday weekend.

Up-to-date information for the MIT community about COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019): medical.mit.edu/covid-19-updates

Of Special Interest to Parents