International Education Center Newsletter

Personal Information Update

F-1 Students Continuing Studies Outside the U.S. in Fall 2021

Check-in reminder: 

If this is your first semester at SMC, make sure you submit the check-in form within 10 days of arrival. If you have not done it yet, do it now by clicking on this Check-In-Form link. 

Graduating at the end of Fall and want to apply for OPT?

Students graduating at the end of the fall semester can apply for OPT earlier than normal: 120 days before the end of the semester instead of the normal 90 days. Contact a counselor now to request the ‘OPT request form'. Instructions will then be sent to you about how to meet with an Immigration Specialist to complete the application for OPT. 

Health Insurance

A referral is required any time SMC's Student Health Center or Center for Wellness and Wellbeing is open. Due to COVID-19, the referral is not currently required. Effective 8/25/21, all students are required to obtain a new insurance ID card.

Click here to download the Sydney App to get your member ID card right away and to find doctors. Or you may click here to register your Anthem Blue Cross account.

Need to see a doctor? Click here to find an Anthem Blue Cross Provider.

If you need to be tested for coronavirus: Your health plan will cover the costs for doctor-ordered COVID-19/coronavirus testing with no copay or deductible, including at out-of-network facilities if an in-network provider is not accessible.

If you contract coronavirus: Your health plan will provide coverage for COVID-19/coronavirus treatment the same as it would any other illness. 

The International Student Insurance Plan moved to Anthem Blue Cross on 08/25/21. Blue Cross has the largest provider network nationwide, allowing you to seek services from thousands of contracted doctors, specialists, urgent care centers and hospitals anywhere in the US.  The name of your new insurance plan is “Blue Cross PPO” – also called “Blue Cross Prudent Buyer”. When using Blue Cross PPO providers, expect a $25 office and specialist visit copayment, $25 urgent care visit copayment and a $50 emergency room copayment when using contracted Blue Cross PPO providers.  There is a $50 annual deductible for International students and dependents and a $250 annual deductible for OPT students and their dependents. 

As with all insurance plans, some services have pre-certification requirements, limitations and exclusions.  Always consult the plan document or Anthem Customer Service for more details.

New Benefit – Dental Coverage with Anthem Blue Cross! We have added dental cleanings and basic restorative services -- up to a $750 maximum benefit per year!   This benefit will cover Diagnostic and Preventive services and basic restorative dental services up to $750 per plan year!   There is a $50 deductible + 20% coinsurance due for basic restorative services. Always use contracted Blue Cross Dental providers to maximize your benefit. Remember, non-contracted providers can “balance bill” you for anything the insurance does not pay.