Health Services and Insurance

Health Services

All registered students are eligible to use the services of the Caltech Student Health Center and Student Counseling Center.  The centers are open and staffed five days a week during normal business hours, 8:15 am - 4:45 pm and are closed from 12-1 pm for lunch.

• Caltech Student Health Center
• Caltech Student Counseling Center

After Hours Services

After hours emergency contacts and services:

• On campus: Caltech Security (x5000 for emergency, x4701 for non-emergency)
  Off-campus: 911
  
  
• Emergency medical care
  Huntington Memorial Hospital
  100 W. California Blvd.
  Pasadena, CA
  Emergency Room: 626-397-5111
  
  
• Non-Emergency medical care
  Fair Oaks Urgent Care Center
  401 South Fair Oaks
  Pasadena, CA
  626-795-2244
  
  
•  Psychological emergencies, call Security x4701 and have the on-call psychologist paged.

On-the-Job Injuries

Students who believe that they were injured or became ill as part of a Caltech work-related activity may be eligible for Workers' Compensation, which is handled  through the Caltech Workers' Compensation Administrator, a process that is separate from the standard student medical insurance.  For any on-the-job injury other than that requiring simple first aid, the affected student should contact security, and notify their supervisor (advisor), who should contact the the Workers' Compensation Administrator (x4577) immediately.

Medical Leave

Students that have health conditions that prevent them from carrying our their regular duties may be eligible for medical leave. A medical leave is intended for the students to recover from health conditions and be able to return to successful graduate study. In order to be placed on leave, the student must apply for leave, and get the concurrence of the Caltech Student Health and Counseling Center, Option Representative, Advisor, and the permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Students on medical leave are eligible for Caltech health care benefits.

Health Insurance

All full-time regularly enrolled Caltech graduate students are eligible to participate in the student health care benefit plan. The student health plan is managed through the Caltech Benefits Office (626-395-6443, hrbenefits@caltech.edu) and the providers are Aetna and Delta Dental.  All registered graduate students are required to have health insurance and most elect to use the Caltech plan. Students may elect to use a different plan if their insurance meets the waiver requirements.   Students that are working or traveling abroad are covered, but should read the bulletin on coverage and discuss this with the Benefits Office if they have any questions.

• Medical Plan Highlights
• Dental Plan Highlights
• Enrollment Information for 2012-13
• Coverage while traveling abroad
• Enrollment/Waiver Guide

• Waiver Requirements

2012-2013 Premiums

Students selecting the plans pay a portion of the premium, which is billed three times during the academic year to his/her Bursar account.   The premium is subsidized by the Institute and the students are asked to pay a modest portion.

Student Health Insurance Plan: The graduate student cost for academic year 2012 - 2013 is $166 per term or $498 per plan year. As long as you are enrolled in the Plan for any part of the Term, your coverage and the full cost applies for the entire Term. Note that the Insurance Term is distinct from the school terms.

Student Dental Insurance Plan: $102 for the plan year

Dependent Health Care

For an additional charge, you may also enroll your spouse and eligible dependent children in one or both plans.  The Graduate Studies Office will provide reimbursement of dependent health care costs, up to $100 per month per dependent.  Students should apply by submitting a request for reimbursement and copies of bills or proof of payment to the Graduate Studies Office.

Health and Dental Care Deductibles and Non-Allowable Costs

Students should work with the Benefits Office before paying any medical costs for which they are billed directly.  The Benefits Office will work with the providers to determine if the student is truly responsible for the costs or if these can be reduced or paid (in full or part) by the providers.  Once all of these determinations have been made, if the student still has substantial out-of-pocket costs then the Graduate Studies Office may be able to provide financial assistance.  Full documentation and timely submission of information about the expenses is needed before such requests will be considered.