International Education Center

Health Care Insurance

 

Health Insurance

Medical care in the United States is expensive. International students attending SMC on the F-1 Visa are therefore mandated to purchase a comprehensive medical insurance policy through SMC. This policy is provided by Academic HealthPlans and is paid for by each student at the time of enrollment. 

Using your Insurance

It is always a good idea to visit first visit SMC’s Student Health Services Center (SHSC) or Center for Wellness and Wellbeing (CWW) to receive services as this is the most economical way to obtain care. If further care is needed, please only use Blue Cross PPO providers.  By using Blue Cross PPO providers, you will maximize your benefit and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

To see a guide on how to use the insurance policy, please visit Health Insurance Guidebook.

Getting Your Insurance Card

Please look for your Welcome Email from GeoBlue. This will have your Certificate number and a link to geobluestudents.com where you will be able to download your ID card.  The card is for your use only. Never lend this card to other students. Carry your ID card with you at all times! You will need your card when you visit a physician’s office, urgent care, hospital, or pharmacy.

Insurance Student Portal

For the most up-to-date plan information including where to find a provider, what is covered, deductibles copays and more, view the Insurance Program Brochure for 2024-2025 or visit the Student Login Portal: smc.myahpcare.com.

Academic Live Care

Students enrolled in the medical plan are eligible for AcademicLiveCare!

This is a TeleHealth platform for virtual doctor visits 24/7 from your smartphone, computer, or other mobile device – all with $0 cost to you!

  • Services include General Care, Urgent Care, Psychiatry, Therapy/Counseling, and Nutritional Counseling

To use this service – follow these simple steps:

  1. Log into: academiclivecare.com
  2. Click “Get Connected and then visit “Academic Live Care”
  3. Sign up using your school email address or Log in if you already have an account
  4. Complete your profile
  5. When prompted enter Service Key ALC – this allows you to see the doctors/providers in California.
  6. Once you schedule your appointment, right before you are connected to the provider you will enter your Coupon Code. Enter the code and click apply to make the cost of your visit free. To find your coupon code, please check your SMC email as the code is listed in the Academic Live Care welcome email. Please be sure to check your spam filter if you do not see this email.

View the Academic Live Care Enterprise User Guide

Academic Vision Care

Students enrolled in the medical plan are also eligible for Academic Vision Care! (AVC)

This service allows you to get free eyeglasses once every 12 months with no out-of-pocket costs. There are over 500 frames to choose from and many are available with no charge or a selection of designer frames available for a small copay. Even if you don't require vision correction, you can use this service to order sunglasses!

Please Note: AVC is only for the eyeglasses and does NOT cover the eye exam. Please use your GeoBlue insurance plan to obtain the eye exam.  Then, you can upload the eye prescription into the AVC system.

How to get started: Please watch for a "Welcome Email" from XP Health. This will provide you with a link and instructions for setting up your account or follow these simple steps below:

  1. Visit https://xphealth.co/avc/ or download the XP Health app.
  2. Click/tap “ACTIVATE YOUR BENEFIT” button.
  3. Sign up using your school email address.
  4. Verify email address to continue enrollment.
  5. Once logged in, go to your account profile tab and click "START SCAN."
  6. The scan will use your device's camera to get measurements of your facial dimensions.
  7. After the scan, fill out the style preferences survey to finish your profile.
  8. Now that your profile is done, you can shop for frames and upload your prescription from your eye doctor.

View the complete Academic Vision Care Guide for instructions and images on how to shop for frames and upload the prescription.

Insurance Contact: Local Representative

Kari Mendoza
Phone: 310-566-2065
Email: kari.mendoza@ahpcare.com
Customer Service Phone: 855-588-8432

Refunds

Please visit the Health Insurance Refund website if you need information regarding refund requests.