Health and Safety Faq's
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What vaccinations are required?
US universities require certain vaccinations before you can enroll.
Common required vaccines:
Vaccine | Required For |
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) | Most universities |
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) | Most universities |
Hepatitis B | Many universities |
Meningococcal (Meningitis) | Required for undergrads in many states |
Varicella (Chickenpox) | If you never had disease/vaccine |
COVID-19 | Many universities (check policy) |
TB Test (PPD or Quantiferon) | Required for international students |
How to submit:
- Get records from home doctor
- Translate to English if needed
- Upload to university health portal
- Complete before deadline (or hold on registration)
If missing vaccines:
Can get them at campus health center (may cost).
2. How does health insurance work?
US health insurance can be confusing — here’s how it works:
Key terms:
Term | Meaning |
Premium | Monthly fee you pay for insurance |
Deductible | Amount you pay before insurance starts paying |
Copay | Fixed fee per visit (e.g., $20 for doctor) |
Coinsurance | % you pay after deductible (e.g., 20%) |
Out-of-pocket max | Max you pay per year |
In-network | Preferred providers (costs less) |
Out-of-network | More expensive, or not covered |
How to use it:
- Get insurance card (digital or physical)
- Find in-network provider
- Show card at appointment
- Pay copay at time of visit
- Insurance pays rest
For international students:
- University plan automatically enrolled
- Can waive if you have equivalent coverage
- Keep insurance card with you always
3. Where do I go if sick?
Multiple options depending on severity:
Situation | Where to Go | Cost |
Minor illness (cold, sore throat) | Campus health center | Low (covered by insurance) |
Minor injury | Urgent care clinic | Medium ($100–$300) |
Serious emergency | Hospital ER | High ($1,000+) |
Mental health | Counseling center | Low or free |
Dental | Dental school or clinic | Varies |
Campus health center:
- First stop for most issues
- Appointments usually available
- Prescriptions, basic lab work
- Referrals to specialists if needed
After hours:
- Most have nurse hotline
- Urgent care for non-emergency
- 911 for life-threatening
4. What is mental health support like?
US universities take mental health seriously — free counseling available.
Services offered:
- Individual counseling (one-on-one)
- Group therapy
- Crisis intervention
- Stress management workshops
- Psychiatric services (medication)
- Referrals to off-campus providers
Common reasons students seek help:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Homesickness
- Academic stress
- Relationship issues
- Culture shock
How to access:
- Call counseling center
- Schedule initial appointment
- Meet with counselor
- Discuss ongoing support
Confidentiality:
Everything you share is confidential (except if you’re danger to self/others).
5. Is counseling confidential?
Yes, absolutely. Counseling services are confidential by law.
What’s protected:
- Everything you tell counselor
- Your attendance records
- Your diagnosis (if any)
- Treatment notes
Exceptions (very rare):
- You threaten to harm yourself
- You threaten to harm someone else
- Child/elder abuse disclosed
- Court order (extremely rare)
Even parents cannot access:
Counselors cannot share with parents without your written permission — even if parents pay tuition.
Why this matters:
You can be completely honest without worrying.
6. What if I have a medical emergency?
Steps to handle medical emergency:
- Call 911 if:
- Life-threatening condition
- Severe bleeding
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Serious accident
- Go to nearest ER:
- For serious but not life-threatening
- Bring insurance card and ID
- Tell them you’re international student
- Campus emergency:
- Call campus police (number in phone)
- Use blue light emergency phones
- They’ll direct ambulance if needed
After emergency:
- Contact international student office (they can help)
- Notify family
- Keep all medical records
- Follow up with insurance claims
Save these numbers:
- 911 (emergency)
- Campus police
- International office emergency number
- Insurance card (always carry)
7. Do I need prescription medication?
7. Do I need prescription medication?
If you take medication, plan carefully.
Before leaving:
- Get enough medication for first 2–3 months
- Carry in original bottles with labels
- Get doctor’s prescription (in English)
- Check if medication is legal in US (some aren’t)
- Get letter from doctor explaining need
In US:
- US prescriptions required for refills
- Cannot use foreign prescriptions
- Must see US doctor for refill
- Campus health center can help
- Insurance may cover some medications
Controlled substances:
Very strict rules. Carry documentation.
Pro tip:
If possible, switch to 90-day supplies before leaving.
8. What is Title IX?
Title IX is federal law protecting against sex-based discrimination and harassment.
What it covers:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual assault
- Dating violence
- Stalking
- Discrimination based on sex/gender
- Pregnancy discrimination
Your rights:
- Study in environment free from harassment
- Report incidents without fear
- Get accommodations (class changes, etc.)
- Investigation of complaints
How to report:
- University Title IX coordinator
- Online reporting form
- Campus police
- Any faculty/staff (they’re required to report)
Support available:
- Counseling
- Academic accommodations
- No-contact orders
- Housing changes
- Legal support
Title IX protects ALL students regardless of gender or immigration status.