Health Service
Luther provides a comprehensive outpatient clinic that can meet most health needs of students. Medical problems that go beyond the scope of Health Service are referred to appropriate off-campus facilities.
Costs
Health service costs are part of Luther's comprehensive fee. Luther College assumes responsibility only for health care of students that can be provided on campus. In some cases, there may be a charge for some services and supplies. Follow this link to see an overview of health services that are offered at a minimal or no charge, or at a fee-for-service rate.
Full-time students (12 or more semester hours) are eligible for all benefits provided their health records are current. Part-time students may be billed for services rendered. If a student withdraws or takes an academic leave-of-absence, all benefits are canceled.
Health insurance
All new Luther students receive information during the summer about our Student Insurance Plan. It is required for all full-time students, unless you are covered under your parents' insurance policy. Please make sure that your parents' insurance coverage allows you to obtain care in the Decorah, Iowa area. Also, be aware that if you belong to an HMO or similar plan or a state-funded insurance plan, there are sometimes restrictions and limitations for medical or pharmaceutical services provided outside your HMO territory. In cases where coverage from your private insurance may be limited in the Decorah area, you may want to consider the Student Insurance Plan as a secondary insurance option. We have negotiated an excellent plan for this coverage, for $490/year.
Please note that if you do NOT want to purchase this plan you must follow the directions in the letter, go to the Health Service website, and sign the waiver (available starting July 2009) in order to decline this insurance policy. If you wish to decline the Student Health Insurance Plan and do NOT sign and return the waiver, the costs for coverage ($490) will be applied to your student bill.
Students are strongly advised to have health insurance. Health care that requires off-campus services is not covered by the health program.
Private health insurance will be considered the primary insurer. Treatments, procedures, dressings and orthopedic supplies, etc. covered by insurance will be submitted to the private health insurance company. Insurance information must be given to the provider at the time services are rendered.
