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Newsletter Three: Pre-Arrival Information
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Hi from GW,
This newsletter covers the below topics related to healthcare, health insurance immunizations and mandatory health information.
- Healthcare: Before Arrival
- Immunizations Records
- Submitting Immunizations to GW
- Health Insurance: After Arrival
- Requirement
- Application for exemption
- Using your plan
- Printing your insurance card
- Upcoming Events
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With questions, please email me at sbglobal@gwu.edu. I look forward to meeting you all in August!
Cheers,
Jeff DeLaitsch Program Associate International Student Services sbglobal@gwu.edu
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Health Care: Before Arrival
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Please note the below information can be accessed online via the GW Medical Services website. On this website, you can find more detailed information on required immunizations, the health insurance requirement, waiving health insurance, and using your insurance. You can also make an appointment to visit the GW Colonial Health Center located conveniently on campus after you arrive in D.C.
Covid Vaccine Requirements
In light of the global pandemic, GW is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all faculty, staff, students, and members of the community. With that being said, anyone who plans on being in-person this fall will be required to obtain a COVID vaccine. You should have already received communcation from the school regarding this requirement, however please continue to visit the GWU Coronavirus Response Website and the Frequently Asked Questions for the most up-to-date information regarding vaccine requirements for the Fall 2021 semester.
Immunization Requirements
If you are under the age of 26, you are required to submit immunization records to the Colonial Health Center. You should submit records from your healthcare provider with the dates detailing when you received the required immunizations. The Medical Services website outlines the vaccinations required, what documentation is needed, and how to submit an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
Submitting Immunization Records
YOUR IMMUNIZATION RECORDS ARE DUE TO MEDICAL SERVICES BY AUGUST 1, 2021. You can upload your medical records here. For questions, please email immunreq@gwu.edu or call 202-994-5300 option #4. Please retain a copy of your immunizations for your records. It is each student’s responsibility to ensure that their healthcare provider completes their immunization records and that it is sent to Student Health by the deadline. Failure to submit the Immunization Records will result in a hold on your student account that prevents you from registering for classes the following semester.
If you have any questions regarding GW Health Services please contact chcadmin@gwu.edu or you can call 202-994-5300.
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Health Insurance: After Arrival
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Required Coverage
All international students holding an F-1 visa are required to have and maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of their GW studies. International students holding an F-1 visa will automatically be enrolled in the GW student health insurance plan (Aetna Student Health) and the cost of that coverage will be added to your bill for tuition, fees, and other university expenses.
Health insurance is important for students because it guarantees that you will be able to obtain necessary treatment in the event that you develop a serious illness or injury. It also guarantees that you will be able to obtain medical preventative services from a doctor like immunizations and physical exams. Review additional coverage details of GW’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) at the GW Colonial Health Center website.
Application for Exemption
Upon arrival on campus, and after registration, you will have the right to request that (1) you not be covered by the GW Student Health Insurance Plan and (2) the charge for health insurance on your university bill be removed. You may request this by completing an exemption or waiver application and by providing documents that prove you have health insurance under a different plan that satisfies certain minimum requirements.
Waivers are granted through the Aetna Student Health website. Detailed information on waiver criteria for international students in F-1 immigration status can be found online at the GW Colonial Health Center website.
If you would like additional information about the health insurance requirement, key features of the GW Student Health Insurance Plan, or the application for health insurance exemption, please review this 2020 - 2021 Program Brochure available online at the GW Colonial Health Center website. Once the 2021-2022 brochure is made available, you will be able to access it on the GW website.
Using Your Plan
If you do not waive GW’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), you will automatically be enrolled in the plan. With this plan, accessing medical care in both preventative and emergency situations is very convenient.
If you have SHIP coverage, need to see a doctor, and are within 25 miles of campus, you should first seek treatment at the Colonial Health Center – located on campus. To find providers outside of GW Student Health Service that accept your insurance, please visit Aetna Student Health DocFind.
Printing Your Insurance Card
Insurance cards will not be mailed out automatically. Please contact Aetna Customer Service, 1-800-213-0579 to request a physical card after you have been enrolled. Alternatively, all students enrolled in GW's Student Health Insurance Plan will be able to print their insurance cards by visiting Aetna Student Health. For easy step-by-step instructions on how to print your insurance card, please visit the Colonial Health Center website.
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Mandatory Orientations for International GMBA Students
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Arriving in the States
We recommend that you arrive in the US as early as possible but no earlier than 30 days prior to your program start date listed on your I-20. Arriving as early as possible will give you time to acclimate to the US and Washington DC and adhere to all CDC and GWU quarantine and vaccination guidelines.
Orientations
These mandatory orientations will provide pertinent information for international students. You MUST attend these orientations.
- GMBA International Student Institute
All international GMBA students studying on F-1 or J-1 visas are required to attend this orientation. Dates: Monday, August 2nd - Friday, August 6th, 2021. Please plan on attending these virtual orientations every day this week. - GMBA Runway
All GMBA students are required to attend this orientation. Dates: Monday, August 9th – Thursday, August 27th, 2021
See additional details here
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Click Below For Previous Pre-Arrival Newsletters
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Coming to Your Email Soon
Newsletter four: Finances Newsletter five: Checking in & Adjustment to the US
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