Health Needs & Insurance

At Delaware County Community College, health insurance is required for international students. It is important for resident ELL students to have insurance, too. Insurance should cover emergencies and basic health needs.

In an emergency, call 911.

Things You Should Know about the U.S. Health Care System:

  • The system is privately funded, not government sponsored or socialized
  • Payment is the responsibility of the individual, with or without health insurance
  • Even with health insurance, medical treatment in the U.S. can be very expensive. Without health insurance, medical treatment can be extremely expensive
  • Before you visit a doctor, hospital or facility, always check to see if your insurance will be accepted
  • Keep copies of all bills and papers for at least one year
  • You can ask a second doctor for an opinion before getting treated
  • Know your own health needs and background. Keep copies of your past medical records with you
  • Inform your doctor about the conditions and medications you have had in the past
  • You can ask the doctor questions about your condition and your treatment. You may want to take a friend to the doctor’s office with you to translate or help with paperwork
  • Go to a hospital only in a true emergency; otherwise, go to a doctor first