The College of Medicine and School of PA Studies requires all UF PA students to be covered by major medical insurance. It is not sufficient for the student to seek care through the Student Health Care Center, for the SHCC can offer only primary outpatient care. Insurance may be acquired through a family major medical policy, through a private insurance agency, or by purchasing the University of Florida Student Government Health Insurance (https://shcc.ufl.edu/fees-and-insurance/health-insurance-options/). The insurance plan should offer comprehensive coverage in Gainesville and Alachua County, and not simply at a distant city/county/state. Students must realize that medical expenses for care provided by UF Health Shands Hospital System and hospitals affiliated with the College of Medicine, including laboratory procedures and emergency care, are the responsibility of the student and not the College of Medicine or the University. Coverage should also include maternity benefits and coverage for an occupational injury that might put the individual at risk for a bloodborne infection such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV infection.
If a student’s health insurance has finally determined that it will not cover a medically appropriate course of prophylactic treatment for the student’s potential exposure to HIV or other communicable disease (which exposure occurred in the course of the student’s clinical rotation), A student may request the College of Medicine’s assistance by discussing his/her situation with a representative of the Office of Student Affairs at 352-273-7971.
The SPAS also strongly advises all students to acquire disability insurance, to provide protection in the event of a long-term illness or injury.