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) |
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 for 2021-2022 |
SHIP offers major medical, mental health, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage. Berkeley SHIP continues to offer comprehensive benefits including:
|
| Pricing |
Undergraduates: $1,894 per semester Graduates: $3,044 per semester |
| 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
- 2021-2022 benefits
- Sample Fees for Tang Center Services
- 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 |
Medical Facility Cost Comparison
Sample Scenario: You broke your arm
Please note that prices below are rough estimates only and may not reflect the total actual cost. This is only an example!
| Tang Center (with SHIP) | Tang Center (without SHIP) | Emergency Room (with SHIP) | Emergency Room (without SHIP) |
| Estimated total: $42.95 | Estimated total: $114.50, excluding cost of prescription | Total: $250 | Estimated minimum total: $252, excluding cost of prescription and other services as needed |