Between studying for exams and going Downtown, few students might think about what they would do in the event of a serious illness. Arielle Biro, a junior majoring in chemistry, never thought she would have to take a medical leave of absence, or deal with the medical insurance woes that come with it.

This past fall, 1,768 students enrolled in Binghamton University’s health insurance plan, according to Johann Fiore-Conte, the director of health and counseling services. The 12-month plan, provided by United Healthcare, costs $1,185 for the 2014-15 academic year, which Fiore-Conte said covers students during semester breaks.

And when Biro was diagnosed with lymphoma this past summer, she came to see how vital her University health insurance was.

Before beginning her treatment, though, Biro spent two weeks determining whether or not her expenses would be covered.

“I was all fed up,” Biro said. “Students don’t realize how confusing the health insurance company is because one, students are typically healthy and don’t have to deal with it, or two, their parents deal with it.”

After multiple calls, she finally spoke with a representative at the BU financial aid office who guaranteed her insurance for the fall semester. Biro filled out documentation with the Dean of Students, Harpur Advising and Decker Health Services formally declaring her leave of absence, and then started her testing and treatments.

Yet, when Biro went to the hospital for a scan, she was told she was not insured. She called Niagara National Insurance, which assists with the marketing and enrollment for the school’s plan, whose representative assured her that she was covered, though it would take time to register her into the system.

Biro’s health insurance was eventually settled and she said she was able to continue her treatments after much stress.

Biro is not alone. Each year, 120-150 students need to navigate the challenges of withdrawing from the University for medical reasons, said Beth Riley, a case manager in the office of the Dean of Students.

According to April Thompson, the dean of students, there are often financial factors to consider before taking a leave of absence.

“I think the first really challenging part is that tough decision of whether or not to take a withdrawal,” Thompson said. “Depending on when you take that withdrawal, you may or may not be eligible to get any refund on your tuition or payments. It’s an investment that you’ve made in the semester that financially you cannot recoup.”

According to Fiore-Conte, the first priority is for students to get the medical help they need.

“I would say that our students are very academically focused and hesitant to interrupt their studies even when health issues are involved,” Fiore-Conte wrote in an email. “Sometimes the best decision from a health perspective is for the student to put academics on hold for a period of time to concentrate on getting better.”

When a student returns to school after medical leave, the Dean of Students case managers work with Decker to arrange appointments with doctors and specialists within the University and within the area. For example, students may need physical therapy after they return to school, and the Dean of Students can help.

Additionally, Decker has a private room where students can Skype with their primary care physicians elsewhere.

Although the insurance company was problematic for Biro, she found the University to be helpful.

“Binghamton was so understanding,” Biro said. “I remember calling Decker and they were very understanding, they just wanted me to get better.”