FAQ

We expect to begin billing health insurance for services starting in Winter Quarter 2026. 

Yes. As long as you pay the Health Services Fee as part of your enrollment each quarter, you can access care at the Student Health Center. If your insurance is out-of-network, you don’t have insurance, or you have a high-deductible plan, you’ll still be able to pay charges through your student account. We’re developing a discount plan called the Bridge Program to help make care more affordable in these situations. You can also choose a discounted "self-pay" option.

Yes. The quarterly Health Services Fee helps fund the infrastructure and staffing needed to provide accessible, high-quality care on campus. It supports both the Student Health Center and the Counseling & Wellness Center, and funds campus-wide health programs like Sexual Health education, Mental Health outreach, and Stress Resilience initiatives. 

Costs will vary based on the type of visit. Your insurance benefits will determine your out-of-pocket costs. Most students will still have the option to pay for services through their student account, as is currently available. If a student is paying for services without insurance, a "self-pay" rate can be shared before any services are rendered. A student can always decline services if the charge is too much. 

We are working to contract with the 20 insurance companies that represent the vast majority (95%) of Western students. These include: 

Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Regence, Kaiser, Aetna, Molina, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Tricare, WA Apple Health (CHP/Medicaid), Coordinated Care, UMR, Asuris, Lifewise, Amerigroup, Lewermark, Providence, Ambetter, and First Choice. 

If we can’t bill your insurer directly, we’ll give you a claim form to seek reimbursement from your insurance company. 

You can: 

• Remain on a family insurance plan
• Enroll in insurance through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange
• Enroll in Western’s Student Health Insurance Plan 

The best way to prepare is to make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Once we finalize the contracts with the insurance companies (see above for list) (expected by end of Fall Quarter) so that we can bill them directly for your care, you can verify coverage directly with your insurer. If you’re uninsured or exploring options, visit the Washington Health Benefit Exchange or consider enrolling in Western’s Student Health Insurance Plan. 

Absolutely. Care first, payment second. If you’re uninsured, we’ll explain low-cost options, and you can still be seen the same day if needed. 

Never. Your visit goes forward, and our billing team will work with you afterward on the most affordable path. 

Yes. Your immigration or residency status does not affect your right to receive services at the SHC.  International students are required to enroll in the WWU Lewermark health plan.

Students who are immigration impacted may qualify for Apple Health Expansion health insurance. 

If you do not have insurance and do not qualify, we will walk you through payment choices privately and respectfully to find the best option to meet your needs. Please see our Financial Hardship Policy or talk with us if you are unable to pay your bill. 

Tell them: “You are welcome at the SHC. SHC staff never share immigration information. You can continue to receive care if you are uninsured and the SHC will help you to navigate discount payment options if that is needed.”  

The mandatory Health Services Fee funds campus-wide wellness initiatives and keeps SHC visit prices low. Insurance billing covers specific clinical services you actually use, allowing us to offer more specialty care without raising student fees. 

In some cases, yes. Simply tell the front desk, and we’ll route the charge to your student account or the discount plan instead. People insured with Washington State Medicaid cannot choose to self-pay for services unless there is an exception to rule requested.

No. We can provide an estimate of the bill before any billable service, and we flag anything your insurance is unlikely to cover so you can decide next steps. 

Since most health insurance plans are different, your plan’s coverage for your bill should be discussed with your insurance carrier. Our fee schedule is available for review in our office.

Possibly—many insurers mail an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). In Washington state, your insurer can’t share information related to certain types of healthcare. To request that your insurance company sends protected health information to you instead of the person paying for your health insurance fill out a Confidentiality Request Form. If you’re still concerned and wish to be seen without using insurance, let us know before the visit ends. Options include: self-pay or the Bridge Program (more information coming soon).

Your medical chart is strictly confidential and stored in our encrypted system, separate from academic files. Only you and your healthcare team can access it without your written consent. 

Please bring the card—or a clear photo of the front and back—so we can verify coverage quickly and keep wait times short. 

The SHC had a time limited, unrenewable grant that funded an insurance navigator. We are hoping to have more funding for this position in the future. In the meantime, our staff will be trained to answer insurance questions and we recommend speaking with your health insurance provider for specifics on your coverage. If you are considering changing your insurance plan, please see the above resources.

Check back here for updates as more details become available. Email is the best way to contact us: Student.HealthCenter@wwu.edu