Where to Go for Medical Care

If you feel sick or get injured and it is not an emergency, the first place you should go is Student Medical Serviceson campus. Many of the services provided are free. Though you could also go to a doctor’s office off-campus, it often requires an appointment and some doctors may not accept new patients. The Student Medical Services staff will refer you to a doctor if necessary. The town of Hilo also has several “urgent care centers” that do not require appointments and provides a variety of services. Unless your sickness or injury is very serious or life threatening, avoid going to the emergency room at the Hilo hospital because it can be very expensive. In an emergency situation, you can call 911.

If a doctor or nurse gives you a prescription for medicine, you will need to take it to a pharmacy to receive your medicine.

You may need to pay the full price for your medication or immunizations at the time you receive them. However, keep copies of your receipts. You can submit a “claim” (which means a request to have your health insurance pay for the cost of medication or medical care) to the health insurance company to get some or all of the money back.

Click here to find out more about how to use your GeoBlue health insurance or to find a doctor or facility.

Though seeking medical attention in the U.S. may seem intimidating, you can be sure that you will be receiving some of the highest quality medical treatments available. If you are sick or injured, please put your safety first and seek proper medical attention.