Healthcare in the U.S.
Immunization
Bring a copy of certified documents translated into English that show the immunizations you have received. As a student who will be residing in any on-campus residential facility, you must comply with the current immunization practices as recommended by the American College Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control. Some medical providers REQUIRE proof of vaccination prior to treatment in the U.S. We strongly recommend that you be immunized before coming to the U.S.
Students must submit vaccination information online.
The required vaccinations include:
- Documentation of two MMR’s (measles, mumps, rubella) or a serum screening titer verifying immunity to rubella
- Documentation of the meningococcal (meningitis) vaccination OR a signed waiver (which we will provide) stating that you have received the educational information and have decided not to have the vaccination
- All students enrolled must be screened for tuberculosis (TB). All identified at-risk students must be tested. All positive tests must be treated.
The recommended vaccinations include:
- Tetanus booster within 10 years of admission (strongly recommended for all adults)
- Varicella vaccination (if there is no childhood history of chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B vaccination (all incoming college students)
If you have children and are bringing them with you, you need to have copies of their immunization record.
If your children are eligible to attend school while they are here, they must prove they have had the following immunizations before they will be allowed to enter school in the U.S.: polio, mumps, measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccinations and a test for TB.
Health Insurance & Healthcare
- Health insurance is mandatory for the protection of you and your family.
- All international students may purchase Rockhurst University health insurance as a part of the enrollment and registration process each term. This is called the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
- The University’s insurance plan covers or exceeds all typical insurance options outlined by the U.S. government as requirements for foreign students.
- International students may waive university health insurance as long as their policy meets the criteria outlined below.
- I agree that my coverage is active, with continuous coverage for the academic year.
- I agree that my plan has an unlimited benefit maximum.
- I acknowledge that my plan is fully compliant under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- Please review your health insurance carefully to ensure it meets all three of the listed requirements.
- It is recommended that student-athletes consider Rockhurst health insurance, as it covers sports-related injuries.
- If you are not using Rockhurst health insurance, please be attentive to your plan's deductible and co-pay levels as these can add up quickly, especially in the event of serious injury or condition.
- Failure to purchase and maintain heath insurance may result in the termination of your immigration status held.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Bring an adequate supply of medication with you so that it will not be necessary to see a doctor during the first few hectic weeks of transition. Bring copies of your doctor’s prescription(s) and a letter from your physician describing your condition(s).
Eye Care
- At this time, a visit to the eye doctor costs about $45 to $100 USD, and eyeglasses can cost $200 USD or more.
- If you have an eye condition that requires more than corrective eyeglasses, then there will be additional costs.
- To save money, have your eyes examined before you leave home and bring a copy of your prescription with you (written in English), so that you will not have to go to another doctor to replace lost or broken eyeglasses.
- Please note that the RU student insurance does not cover the cost of eye care.
What to do when you are sick
Emergency Care
When you need immediate, urgent care, go to a hospital emergency room.
Call 911 in extreme emergencies, or have a friend drive you to the nearest emergency room. See the following page for a list of local hospitals.
Examples of emergency care include:
- heart attack
- stroke
- severe bleeding
- poisoning/allergic reaction
- broken bones
- severe vomiting
- dehydration
Emergency care is extremely expensive in the U.S.
Emergency rooms are reserved for serious health issues. You will need your health insurance card.
Non-Emergency Care
When you don’t feel well or become sick and need to see a doctor, some local places for care include:
Saint Luke's Convenient Care
Rockhurst University Parking Garage
5151 Troost Ave. #200
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 237-1616
Goppert-Trinity Family Care
6675 Holmes Rd. #360
Kansas City, MO 64131
(816) 276-7600
Examples of non-emergency care include:
- Cold
- Fever
- Flu
- Sore throat
- Aches
- Pains
- Inoculations (vaccinations)
- Check-up
- Well-woman exam
- Blood pressure measurement
- Seasonal flu shot
- Sprained ankle
Always go to the non-emergency care facilities for non-emergency issues first. These doctors and nurse practitioners are able to prescribe medicine which can be filled at the pharmacies. They perform routine health exams, and will refer you to a specialist if you need further care. If you see a specialist with your referral, you won’t have to pay as much as just going to a specialist.
Local Healthcare Options
Emergency Care
St. Luke’s Hospital
4401 Wornall Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64110
816-932-2000
Truman Medical Center
2301 Holmes St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-404-7500
Research Medical Center
2316 E. Meyer Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64132
816-276-4000
Pediatric Care Emergency Room
Children’s Mercy, Adele Hall Campus
2401 Gillham Rd.
Kansas City, MO 6418
*Emergency room care is the most expensive form of healthcare and should be used only in true emergencies.
Hospitals and Clinics
Truman Medical Center Facilities
2301 Holmes St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Internal Medicine Clinic
Children’s Mercy, Adele Hall Campus
2401 Gillham Rd.
Kansas City, MO 6418
Kansas City Free Health Clinic
3515 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111
816-753-5144
kccare.org
Health Department
Kansas City Health Department
2400 Troost Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Health Department: 816-513-6008
Dental Appointments
UMKC School of Dentistry
650 E. 25th St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Student Clinic
816-235-2100
*Services provided at lower costs by dental students
Walk-In Clinics
Saint Luke's Convenient Care
Rockhurst University Parking Garage
5151 Troost Ave. #200
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 237-1616
CVS Minute Clinic
Inside CVS/pharmacy #8599
5170 Roe Blvd.
Roeland Park, KS 66205
913-432-0110
www.minuteclinic.com
CVS Minute Clinic
Inside CVS/pharmacy #8599
315 W. 75th St.
Kansas City, MO 64114
www.minuteclinic.com
Walgreens Take Care Clinic
7500 Wornall Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 444-4179
www.takecarehealth.com
Walgreens Take Care Clinic
3845 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111
816-561-7620
www.takecarehealth.com
Required Immunizations and TB Testing
All newly enrolled or readmitted students at Rockhurst University are required to comply with the Immunization/Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Policy. Students may submit vaccination information online through our Submission Process. Please obtain copies of your immunization records demonstrating proof of vaccination for measles, rubella and mumps. All students enrolled must also complete an online TB survey. If the survey determines that the student is at high risk, a negative TB test dated within the last year and performed in the U.S. must be submitted through the student portal.
Each student required to undergo a TB risk assessment by a healthcare provider shall submit appropriate written documentation of his/her TB risk assessment results, including but not limited to any skin test results, blood test results or chest x-ray results signed by an appropriate healthcare provider.
*Students who do not comply with these requirements will not be allowed to register for their second semester.
Vaccination Requirements
As a student who will be residing in any on-campus residential facility, you must comply with the current vaccination practices as recommended by the American College Health Association and the Center for Disease Control.
The Required Vaccinations include:
-Documentation of two MMR's (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) or serum screening titer verifying immunity to Rubella
-Documentation of meningococcal (Meningitis) vaccination or a signed waiver (which we will provide) stating that you have received the educational information and have decided not to have the vaccination.
-Any student entering Rockhurst from outside the United states must who evidence of tuberculin (TB) screening within 12 months. Positive screens must be treated.
-All students must be screened for Tuberculosis (TB). All identified at-risk students must be tested. All positive tests must be treated.
The Recommended Vaccinations include:
-Tetanus booster within 10 years of admission (strongly recommended for all adults)
-Varicella vaccination (if there is not a childhood history of chickenpox)
-Hepatitis B vaccination (all incoming college students)
All immunization history should be submitted at Immunization Process.
Mandatory Insurance for International Students
Healthcare in the U.S. is a private system that is complex and expensive. To make sure that you are able to cover any medical expenses, RU provides student health insurance at a reasonable price. International students may choose to waive this insurance if they have a plan that meets the criteria below.
1. I agree that my coverage is active, with continuous coverage for the academic year.
2. I agree that my plan has an unlimited benefit maximum.
3. I acknowledge that my plan is fully compliant under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Please refer here for more information
Contact Information Regarding Insurance/Vaccinations
Terri Haines, terri.haines@rockhurst.edu