Taking care of your physical health includes seeking medical care, not just for illness, injury and emergencies, but also for preventative care and routine check-ups.
Since the U.S. does not have universal health care, you will also need to obtain health insurance to help cover your medical costs. Please make sure that you carry your insurance card with you.
Medical Care Types and Definitions
When seeking out medical care, there are many types of physicians, clinics and service offerings. Here are some general medical care terms and their meanings:
- Primary Care – Health care services for routine, preventative, and wellness needs and/or treatment for common illnesses.
- Urgent Care – Urgent medical conditions are not considered emergencies but still require care within 24 hours.
- Emergency Care – If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation and you cannot wait to see a doctor, you should go to a hospital's emergency room.
On-Campus Primary & Urgent Care
As an Ohio University student, you have access to on-campus health care services.
-
OhioHealth Campus Care
Located at Hudson Health Center , the OhioHealth Campus Care Center offers primary and urgent care services. If you do not feel well or you have a minor illness, start by going to the OhioHealth Campus Care Center . You can learn more about Campus Care and their services on their website.
**Dependents of international students cannot get health care service at the OHIOHealth Campus Care Center.**
Please Note: Campus Care offers limited hours. If they are not open, select an off-campus location to seek medical care.
Off-Campus Urgent Care Options
If Campus Care is closed and you have an urgent medical need that is not an emergency, there are two options available in Athens, Ohio.
-
Express Care
Address: 265 W. Union St., Athens, OH 45701
Phone Number: 740.594.2456
See Express Care's website for more information and hours of operation.
-
Holzer Urgent Care
Address: 2131 E. State St., Athens, OH 45701
Phone Number: 740.593.3594
See Holzer Urgent Care's website for more information and hours of operation.
Emergency Care
If you are in a life-threatening situation and cannot wait to see a doctor, seek out emergency care.
-
O'Bleness Memorial Hospital
Address: 44 W. Union St., Athens, OH 45701
Phone Number: 740.566.4925
Please Note:If you cannot make it to the hospital emergency room, but still need immediate medical help, you can call 911 for an ambulance to take you to the hospital.
Paying for Medical Needs
The U.S. does not have universal health care. If you are unable to pay cash to cover your medical costs (i.e., surgery for an appendicitis can cost more than $50,000), you need to carry health insurance. Please note that Ohio University requires all students to carry health insurance.
Health Insurance Options
-
OHIO's Student Health Insurance
The Student Health Insurance Policy is provided by United Healthcare Student Resources, and offers Domestic, International, and Regional Campus students, as well as their dependents, a comprehensive commercial health insurance policy.
-
Health Insurance Options and Requirements
Learn more about how to use health insurance in the U.S., review health insurance options, and learn about J-1 Scholar Health Insurance Requirements.