Mandatory Health Insurance
FHSU requires all international students to obtain accident/sickness insurance to protect students against heavy financial burdens due to major accidents, illnesses, and long-term hospitalization. International students are automatically charged for group health insurance along with tuition/fees at the time of enrollemnt. The cost of FHSU's insurance plan is $396 for the fall 2007 semester and $570 for the spring/summer 2008 semesters.
If the student chooses, they may obtain health insurance from their home country as long as it meets FHSU's requirements. Check with the Office of International Student Services in Sheridan Hall 208 for those requirements. Students who choose to have insurance from their home country must bring proof of insurance to the Office of International Student Services BEFORE you enroll each semester.
T B Testing
All international students are required to have a TB skin test. This will be done during orientation for both the fall and spring semesters. If students miss the orientation they will need to visit the Student Health Services in the basement of the Memorial Union to have the TB skin test done on their own.
TB skin tests are MANDATORY and non-compliant students will be placed on administrative HOLD and will remain on administrative HOLD until compliance is documented with the Student Health Center. “Administrative HOLD” means that the student is unable to enroll and finalize enrollment for the following semester.Tuberculosis (TB), is a chronic or acute bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs, but which may also affect the kidneys, bones, lymph nodes, and brain. The disease is caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, a rod-shaped bacterium. Symptoms of TB include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, chills, and fatigue. Children and people with weakened immune systems are the most susceptible to TB. Half of all untreated TB cases are fatal.
If the TB skin test is negative, the student has completed the process and a form will be given to the student to bring to the International Office. If the TB skin test is positive, a chest x-ray will have to be done. A nurse from Student Health will call Hays Medical Center and make an appointment for you at the time of your reading. Students can take the Access van to Hays Medical Center for their appointment or if the student knows someone you drives that can take them that will also work. Once the chest x-ray has been done, the student will have to go back to the Student Health Center for a follow-up visit and treatment options.
Fort Hays State University requires all students living in University Housing or Greek Housing to receive the meningitis vaccination or sign a waiver indicating their knowledge of the risks of bacterial meningitis and their decision to not be vaccinated. It is also strongly recommended that all other students become knowledgeable about meningitis and consider vaccination in order to reduce their risk. Students may provide proof of vaccination from their primary care provider or receive the vaccine at the Student Health Center.
Non-compliant students will be placed on administrative HOLD and will remain on administrative HOLD until compliance is documented with the Student Health Center. “Administrative HOLD” means that the student is unable to enroll for the following semester. Immunization status will be maintained at the Student Health Center.
Health Services
The Student Health Center is located in the basement of the Memorial Union and has a qualified doctor who is in the office from 10am to 12 noon every day and nurses available to take care of your general health needs. The phone number is 628-4293.
The office is open 8:00am to 4:30 every day school is in session during the spring and fall semesters. Summer hours are every school day from 7:30am to 5:00pm.
Through Student Health, a variety of medications are available without charge. There is a minimal charge for some laboratory testing and prescription medications. Various medical supplies, such as crutches, heating pads, and ace wraps are available free on a temporary loan basis. Medicine prescribed by a doctor may be purchased at one of the local pharmacies, the staff can advise you to where to go or check the "Yellow Pages" under Pharmacies in the phone book.
Please note that most minor health needs can be dealt with by going to Student Health or the following Health Service. Going to the Emergency Room at the Hays Medical Center/St. Anthony's Campus is very expensive and should only be done in case of a major emergency. When treating a minor illness at the Emergency Room high fees are charged, as well as, for extra care, an extra fee is charged. However, if there is no other option and it is an emergency, Hays Medical Center/St. Anthony's Campus is the best service to contact.