International Student Services - Health Services

Health Services for International Students

The Student Health Center in Strebel Hall offers medical treatment to students with minor or short-term illnesses, and counseling services to any student upon request. These services are free for all Utica students provided they have complied with the University’s health requirements.

Once you are deposit paid* and have received your nine-digit student I.D. number, you can register for the Utica University Student Health Portal and upload your required health documents. To create your account, please use this link: Student Health Portal. All new students must upload their health information to the portal before arriving on campus. Students who did not have a physical exam before arriving may arrange for one with the Health Center at a cost of $60. Students must also provide proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

We strongly recommend that students get fully vaccinated before traveling to the United States. In addition to the measles, mumps, and rubella immunizations, the American College Health Association (ACHA) strongly recommends that students be vaccinated against tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria, polio, varicella, hepatitis B, COVID-19, and meningitis. However, students who arrive without proof of full immunization can be vaccinated at the Health Center for a low fee. For more information on Utica University's Immunization Policy, please click here.

Counseling Center 

We believe that the college experience is all about learning and growing, both professionally and personally. Many students have a tough time adjusting to college life and being away from home for the first time. The Counseling Center is here to help students with these and other challenges, such as unforeseeable losses and big disappointments. Counselors are there to help students regain control and gain the maximum benefit from their whole experience at Utica University.

All Counseling Center services are completely confidential. Without the student’s permission, Counselors will not and cannot update or inform parents, family, and/or friends about your use of Counseling Center services. In the event that they are concerned for the safety of a student, or for the safety of others, they may need to reach out to those supports in the event of an emergency. All services are completely free to Utica University students.

You can make an appointment by calling 315-792-3094, at counseling@mikeshiner.com or in person by stopping by Strebel 204. In an after-hours emergency, call Campus Safety at 315-792-3046 and ask for the counselor-on-call.

International Health Insurance

Medical treatment, even if only minor, is very expensive in the United States, and health insurance is required for all international students. Therefore, all international students, new and returning, are automatically enrolled in the University’s International Student Health Plan with United Health Care, with the health insurance premium added to the student's bill. Health insurance is subject to deductibles and maximum limits.

Like most U.S. health insurance, you are expected to pay some of your medical expenses. There is a $200 deductible. However, there is NO CHARGE if you visit the Student Health Center and they refer you to an Urgent Care center. The deductible will also be waived if you visit an Emergency Room and are admitted to the hospital.

Most providers (physicians, nurses, other health care workers) will bill the insurance company directly. But occasionally you will have to pay upfront and get reimbursed. There is a “Claim Form” for this purpose downloadable from your UHC portal. Please see an adviser in the Office of International Education for help with this process.

Below is a partial list of the accident and sickness expenses covered by this plan – for more information and the full legal policy, please see the current plan policy you received with your insurance card:

• Accidents and sickness (such as cold, flu, pink eye, headaches, stomachaches, breaks or fractures, and others)
• Hospital stay
• Diagnosis, treatment, and surgery by a Physician
• Lab tests, X-rays, etc.
• Physiotherapy ordered by a Physician
• Prescription medicines
• Nervous/Mental disorders (limits apply)
• Alcohol & drug related injuries
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Maternity
• Suicide & self-inflicted injuries
• Trip interruption in the event of the death of a parent or sibling
• Emergency medical reunion (if hospitalized more than 6 days)
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Emergency medical evacuation

EXCLUDED (not covered by the plan - partial list)

• Charges for treatment which exceed Reasonable and Customary charges
• Injuries from professional, interscholastic, and amateur sports
• Routine physicals & immunizations
• Cosmetic surgery
• Elective surgery or treatment
• False teeth, dentures, ear tests, hearing aids
• Eye examinations for corrective lenses
• Routine dental treatment & dental care
• Congenital conditions
• Expenses in connections with a felony offense
• Injuries sustained while mountaineering with ropes, hang gliding, bungee jumping, horse or car racing, parasailing
• Weak, strained, or flat feet
• Diagnosis and treatment of acne
• Contraception and treatments for infertility
• Sex change operations
• Weight reduction programs

For more information about the international health plan, please login to your UHC account or contact the Office of International Education at 315-792-3082. Please refer to the presentation below: 

UHC International Health Insurance Presentation

Questions about Health Services on campus?

Contact the Student Health Center at (315) 792-3094 or visit their website.