Student Insurance

Medical Insurance

Washington State University does not require students (except for international students) to have health insurance. However, the policy of the College of Veterinary Medicine is that health insurance is recommended for all students, especially during the clinical year.

If a student is injured or becomes ill as a result of clinical activities (on or away from campus), they do not have any type of health insurance coverage from the university (such as Workman’s Compensation).  Therefore, the responsibility for having medical insurance is solely that of the student, who should see to it that he/she/they is covered by private medical insurance or by the medical insurance offered to students by the university.

We realize that insurance is a significant financial burden; however, the potential for illness or injury as a veterinary professional is also significant. The cost of the insurance is far less than what a student may be required to pay as the result of an illness or injury.

Professional Liability Insurance

During the clinical year, all students will be required to demonstrate that they have professional liability insurance before externships can be completed. The AVMA will provide SAVMA members with complimentary student professional liability insurance coverage for the entire duration of their veterinary schooling, including experiences that occur outside of school. Alternatively, students can purchase professional liability insurance through the WSU Office of Compliance and Risk Management.