The health and wellness of international students and scholars at UC Berkeley is a primary concern. Not only does UC Berkeley's academic rigor cause stress, but a new, unfamiliar environment can compound the pressure that you may already be experiencing. Please read on to learn about taking care of yourself at UC Berkeley and in the greater Bay Area.
Required Immunizations
All incoming and re-admitted students must satisfy TB and immunization clearance requirements as mandated by the UC Office of the President prior to the start of their first semester. Questions? Contact the Mandatory TB & Immunization Program Office.
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) | 2 doses given on or after your first birthday (doses must be given at least 28 days apart) OR positive titer results |
| Varicella (Chicken Pox) | 2 doses given on or after your first birthday (doses must be given at least 28 days apart) OR positive titer results |
| Pertussis (Tdap) | 1 dose given on or after your seventh birthday (MUST be Tdap; dTap, Td, and DTP do not fulfill the requirement) |
| Meningococcal conjugate |
(required for all students under 22 years of age) 1 dose given on or after your 16th birthday (MUST be MCV4/Men-ACWY; Men B and Bexsero do not fulfill the requirement) |
| COVID-19 |
The CDC recommends the most updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Obtain updated vaccines as they become available. |
| Influenza (flu) |
Recommended for everyone each fall, especially for those with chronic illness, asthma or pregnancy. |
U.S. Health Insurance
Health insurance is very important as the cost of medical care in the U.S. is high. If you don’t have health insurance, you will be responsible for paying the full price for your doctor and hospital visits. If you have health insurance, the plan will pay for all or part of your medical bills. All Cal students must have health insurance.
Info about Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
| Requirement | As a non-academic condition of enrollment, students must have health insurance that meets the university’s criteria. You are enrolled in the Berkeley Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) automatically to meet this requirement. |
| Plan Benefits |
Berkeley SHIP continues to offer comprehensive benefits including coverage for major medical issues, mental health, pharmacy needs, as well as dental and vision care. |
| Pricing |
Ship fees change anually. Find up-to-date pricing on the SHIP website. |
| Bringing dependents? |
Your dependents may be eligible for SHIP as well. Please visit SHIP for dependents for more information on enrollment, pricing, and deadlines. |
| Questions? |
Phone: (510) 642-5700 Email: ship@berkeley.edu |
Helpful links
- Ship Benefits
- Sample Fees for Tang Center Services
- Medical Billing & Cashier Office Information
- Local Emergency and Urgent Care Centers (Off Campus)
SHIP waiver
For those who have an existing health insurance plan and would like to opt out of purchasing SHIP, you will need to apply for a SHIP waiver. Please note that it is very difficult to obtain a waiver as most foreign health insurance plans do not meet the requirements of the waiver itself.
Questions about the terms on your health insurance plan?
Check out this glossary of terms to help you better understand your coverage. See also HealthCare.gov's Glossary of Health Coverage and Medical Terms.
I feel sick! Where should I go?
The Tang Center should always be your first stop unless it is a matter of life or death. If the doctors think you need further treatment, they will refer you to a specialist.
| Emergency Room at a hospital |
Immediate help with life or death situations Example of emergency medical conditions |
| Urgent Care Clinic at the Tang Center | For same-day consultation for colds, flus, nausea, unexpected illnesses, injuries, conditions which require immediate medical attention, etc. |
| Primary Care | For check-ups including general wellness, immunizations, long term health issues, physical therapy, etc. Example: Preventive care |
| Advice Nurse 24/7 | If you have a medical question, need home-care advice, or are unsure about which services are best for you, call the Advice Nurse |