Health Insurance (important)
Whether you’re participating in a short 4-month program or extending to 12 months, there is a good chance you may need to see a doctor or visit an urgent care clinic at some point.
If you already have health insurance, that’s great — but there are still important steps you and/or your parent should take before you arrive. Most insurance plans provide basic out-of-state coverage for urgent care or emergency room visits, but living in Florida for the DCP is not the same as visiting on vacation. Some policies only provide extended coverage for students who are away at school, but again — the DCP is not automatically considered the same as attending college.
Don’t assume “It’s a college program, so my insurance will cover everything. Many CPs have learned this lesson the hard way.
Big Mistake #1: “I didn’t think about insurance until I got sick.”
Big Mistake #2:“I don’t need to worry — I’m on my parents’ insurance and they have great coverage.”
Big Mistake #3: “I’m healthy and besides, I can’t afford insurance.”
* AdventHealth is the official healthcare partner of Disney. Their Urgent Care locations are called CentraCare.
STEP 1 — CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY BEFORE YOU ARRIVE IN FLORIDA
Explain where you will be living (Flamingo Crossings Village address is 13335 Hartzog Road
Winter Garden, FL 34787), what you’ll be doing (Disney College Program), and for how long.Ask what coverage you have while living in Florida.
Many insurance companies will cover you if you’re “officially” away at college but remember, Disney isn’t college. If you’re still enrolled and taking classes they might make an exception but don’t assume they will.Check which urgent care facilities near Flamingo are in-network.
The two major healthcare systems in the area are:
AdventHealth*
Orlando Health
Confirm copays and deductibles.
Example questions to ask:
How much is an urgent care copay — $20? $40?
Do I pay upfront and request reimbursement later?
What would an average urgent care visit cost out of pocket?
(Keep in mind: an urgent care visit without coverage can easily be $300–$500+.)
STEP 2 — If You Don’t Have Coverage, or Your Plan Doesn’t Cover You Well in Florida
You may want to purchase health insurance specifically for your time in the program. Yes, it’s an additional cost — but it can save you hundreds or even thousands later. The easiest place to compare plans is the U.S. Health Insurance Marketplace: (www.healthcare.gov )
Because healthcare networks are regional, you must shop for Florida-based plans. If you don’t have your exact apartment yet, that’s okay — you can use the main Flamingo address: 13335 Hartzog Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
IMPORTANT WARNING
Right next to Flamingo Crossings Village East is AdventHealth ER. This is an Emergency Room — NOT an Urgent Care. Many CPs walk in for things like sore throat, earache, flu symptoms, or stomach bugs and later receive very large bills — often thousands of dollars.
Use ER only for real emergencies. A simple rule: If you wouldn’t go to the ER for it at home, don’t go to the ER here.
Urgent care is the correct stop for most minor illnesses.
(Insert photo of AdventHealth ER here)
