Health Care
Getting Help
Need to find a doctor? Feeling ill? Having a major medical emergency? Ohio University and Athens, Ohio have different options for you depending on what you are needing. Read on to learn more about those options.
Primary Care & Urgent Care (when open)
As an Ohio University student, you have access to on campus health services. If you do not feel well or if you have a minor illness, you should go to the OhioHealth Campus Care Center. You can learn more about what is provided at Campus Care on their website. Please make sure that you carry your health insurance card with you.
Off-Campus Urgent Care Options (if Campus Care is closed)
Urgent medical conditions are ones that are not considered emergencies but still require care within 24 hours.
Two off-campus options:
Holzer Clinic URGENT CARE located at 2131 E State St in Athens. Contact: 740.593.3594.
EXPRESS CARE located at 265 W Union St, Athens. The phone number for Express Care is: 740.594.2456.
Emergency Care
If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation and you cannot wait to see a doctor, go to a hospital's emergency room.
The closest hospital is O'Bleness Memorial Hospital which is located at 44 W. Union St. in Athens. Contact them at 740.566.4925. If you cannot make it to the hospital emergency room, but still need immediate medical help, you can call 911 for an ambulance to take you to the hospital.
**Please note that dependents of international students cannot get health care service at the OhioHealth Campus Care Center**
Paying for Medical Needs
The U.S. does not have universal health care. If you are unable to pay cash to cover your medical costs (i.e., surgery for an appendicitis can cost more than $50,000), you need to carry health insurance. Please note that Ohio University requires all students to carry health insurance.
Learn more about OHIO's student health insurance
When you arrive for your visit to a provider, they will ask for a copy of your insurance card. Depending on your insurance, they may also ask for a co-pay (fixed amount you must pay for an individual service unless you have met your insurance plan deductible).
It is also possible that your insurance will not cover all costs related to your visit, surgery, or medical procedure. This may mean that you will receive a bill following your visit. If you do not understand your bills you can ask the provider (e.g. your doctor, urgent care, the hospital) or your insurance company. In the event that you need additional help or need further clarification you can reach out to Ohio University's Student Insurance Office (studentinsurance@ohio.edu).
Further Information
- Ohio University student health insurance FAQ - includes answers to frequently asked questions such as, how do I get a physical insurance card?
- Ohio University student health insurance wavier information - includes information on how to waive the required student health insurance and options for other appropriate insurance that meets the waiver requirements.
- Understanding Insurance in the US explained for International Students - includes helpful information on understanding how insurance works in the United States.