When you arrive at your host institution, you should find out what student health services are available. Normally this would be the first place to go if you have a medical problem, and the treatment received there is often less expensive. The health service will refer you to a specialist or a hospital if you need additional treatment.

Your health insurance card provides the www.hygeia.net website for referrals to First Health Provider Organization (PPO) providers. If you choose to visit a First Healt provider, they should bill IEES direct (First Health logo is on your insurance ID card). Please be sure to present your ID card to all medical providers at the time of service. You are not required to see a First Health provider and are not penalized if you go elsewhere - it is your decision. If the service provider is not in the First Health PPO, you may be asked to pay the expenses yourself and then request reimbursement by filing a claim directly with IEES. Please download the BCS Insurance Claim Form . Prescription medications will have to be paid for at the pharmacy and you then submit the claim to IEES for reimbursement.

Expenses incurred outside the USA:
You will usually pay your expenses yourself and then request reimbursement by mailing original receipts and a claim form to IEES. Please download the BCS Insurance Claim Form . If you need assisstance with payment arrangements, please contact MEDDEX as soon as possible. MEDEX can often arrange direct payment between IEES and the medical providers for alrge out-patient and in-patient claims.

All claims or inquiries about claims should be sent to:

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE SERVICES, Inc.
P.O. Box 370
Ithaca, NY 04851-0370
Phone: 1-866-433-7462 or (607) 272-2707
Fax: (607) 272-2703

File insurance claims promptly! All claims must be submitted within 90 days of the accident or sickness giving rise to the claim. A claim can only be processed with itemized bills and a diagnosis. Please read the claim instructions carefully. Remember to keep photocopies of all documents submitted to IEES. You should advise the ISEP coordinator at your host institution if you have any difficulties with your claim.

If you extend your stay outside your home country through ISEP, you must also extend your insurance coverage by contacting sgross@isep.org. Please note that the monthly rate is subject to change when you extend your coverage. Please allow up to 10 business days for your request to be processed.

When you submit your request to extend your placement, please include payment for extending your insurance coverage. Please provide the exact dates of the coverage extension, your credit card number and expiration date, or payment in the form of a bank draft or money order (in U.S. dollars) made payable to "ISEP" for the appropriate amount. Only personal checks drawn on U.S. bank accounts will be accepted.

If you withdraw from ISEP after enrolling in the insurance program or if you shorten the duration of your stay outside your home country, you may request a refund of your insurance premium. Refunds of unused insurance will be refunded less one month's administation fee.

Email sgross@isep.org to request a refund. Your request must be received at least two weeks before the date you wish to end your insurance coverage. ISEP cannot be held responsible for your failure to request a timely refund. Refunds cannot be made retroactively.

Since benefits are not provided for treatment received in your home country, this coverage will not pay benefits once you return home. It is necessary for you to arrange other insurance to take effect upon your return home.