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Navigating healthcare in the United States can feel complex, different, and expensive. The International Student Health Compass provides practical information to help international students understand where to seek care, how to use health insurance, and where to find campus and community health resources.
Use this site to compare healthcare options, understand common insurance terms, locate services, and prepare before you need care.
Learn when to use University Student Health Services, urgent care, an emergency department, or mental-health crisis services.
Learn about deductibles, copays, in-network providers, excluded services, insurance cards, and out-of-pocket costs.
Find University Student Health Services locations, appointment information, mental-health support, virtual services, and low-cost health supplies.
Find nearby urgent care centers, emergency departments, dental services, and lower-cost community resources.
Healthcare
Any medical, preventative, mental, or psychological care.
Health Insurance
A contract requiring a health insurer to pay some or all of your health care costs in exchange for a fee (premium).
Provider
A licensed practitioner or facility (doctor, NP, PA, clinic, or hospital) that delivers health services.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
An advanced-practice registered nurse who can evaluate health concerns, diagnose conditions, order tests, prescribe medications, and manage treatment within their professional scope of practice.
Physician Associate (PA)
A licensed healthcare professional who can evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, order tests, prescribe medications, and provide treatment as part of a healthcare team.
Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Your primary doctor or clinic for routine checkups, non-urgent care, and general health management. (USHS can serve as your PCP while enrolled at VCU).
Specialist
A medical doctor focused on a specific area of medicine or body system (e.g., dermatologist, cardiologist, allergist).
Mental Health Professional / Counselor
A licensed provider (psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist) offering emotional, psychological, or mental health support.
University Student Health Services (USHS)
On-campus clinics providing primary care services to enrolled VCU students. VCU has two locations!
Urgent Care
Walk-in clinics for immediate, non-life-threatening conditions when USHS or your regular provider is unavailable.
Emergency Room / Department (ER/ED)
Hospital facility for severe, life-threatening conditions requiring immediate emergency care.
Pharmacy
A location or service that dispenses prescription medications. Pharmacists can also answer questions about medication use, possible interactions, side effects, and safe storage.
Prescription Medicine
Medicine that requires an order from an authorized healthcare provider before it can be dispensed by a pharmacy.
Over the Counter (OTC) Medicine
Medicine that can be purchased without a prescription. OTC medicines still have possible side effects, warnings, and medication interactions, so follow the package directions or ask a healthcare professional when unsure.
Patient Portal
A secure online account used to manage parts of your healthcare. Depending on the healthcare organization, a portal may allow you to request appointments, receive secure messages, review test results, and access health documents