All About Yale Student Health

We have received a couple of questions pertaining specifically to Yale Student Health, and whether or not purchasing student health insurance is worthwhile. There are pros and cons to both sides of this question, so rather than offering a single answer, we will try to point out some of the benefits and detriments of the Yale Health system as YDS students have experienced it in the past. As insurances plans go, it is definitely affordable and easy to manipulate, but there are still some aspects that people should be aware of.

Pro: Accessibility 
One definite benefit of Yale Student Health is that is is generally accessible without too much fuss. The Student Health department of the Yale Health Center keeps several appointments open each day for walk-ins and last minute appointments so that anyone with a pressing need can see someone ASAP. They cover all of the basic health needs, including immunizations, mono and strep tests, annual examinations, reproductive health, issues with drugs or alcohol, and injuries. The Acute Care has an on-call staff 24/7 who cover emergencies as well as basic health assistance when the regular Student Health department is closed (evenings, weekends, holidays, etc.).

Con: The Waiting Game
If you are lucky enough to not be in an emergency situation, sometimes students have to wait a very long time to see a doctor, particularly if they are trying to see a specialist at the YHC rather than a doctor in Student Health. For example, the wait for physical therapy can be several weeks, and eye-doctor appointments often need to be made 2-3 months in advance.

Pro: One-Stop Shop
While there are specific offices located elsewhere downtown, nearly all of Yale's health services are housed in one giant complex on Lock Street, a delightful 12 minute walk from the Divinity School Campus. It's wonderful to be able to see your doctor and walk downstairs to get your prescription, or head down the hall to get an X-ray, or go to the lab to have blood tests, all under one roof.

Con: Inconsistency
Everyone will have different experiences, and there are probably many Yale students who have nothing but praise for YHC. Unfortunately, there are many who have had made appointments with one doctor only to be met with another, or who have been denied requested prescriptions, or who have been made to jump through far too many hoops to get the care they expect. This can be disheartening, infuriating, and a slew of other negative things. As far as student health plans go, this is nothing specific to Yale, and it's certainly not bad enough to cause people to drop their Yale insurance after the first year, but anyone choosing Yale health insurance should be aware that patient services is not always the top priority.

Opting out
On the other side of the coin, thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, Patrick was able to stay on his family's insurance and opted out of the Yale Student Health insurance plan. Even if you opt out of Yale insurance, you can use the Health Center under Basic Coverage. That includes:

• Acute Care
• Gynecology
• Health Education Programs 
• Inpatient Care
• Laboratory Services
• Mental Health & Counseling (6 free sessions/yr)
• Nutrition Counseling 
• Student Health 
• Physical exams 
• Gynecological exams 
• Pap smears
• Flu shots

It does not include hospitalization or specialities, but his family's insurance plan covers all of those with a range of doctors in the New Haven (including Yale-New Haven Hospital). Luckily, he did not get sick enough to have to figure out hospitalization or speciality services that could be more complicated. Some people who have opted out have had difficulty getting to doctors' offices for more specialized care that might have been accessible at the Health Center.

NOTA BENE: Unless you specifically waive Yale's insurance, you will be automatically included in it. You must annually (note to self...) submit a waiver at www.yhpstudentwaiver.yale.edu. That is, you must have health insurance (whether Yale's or another provider) while a Yale student.

If you have any specific questions, please leave them as comments or email us and we will do our best to answer them as soon as possible.