Massachusetts law requires UMass Amherst students to get certain immunizations before arriving on campus. Exchange students are also required to get and provide proof of these same immunizations.
As of 2023, the required immunizations include:
- MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Hepatitis B
- Meningitis
For updated information about immunizations, please visit the New Student Immunization Program and the UMass Public Health Promotion Center and Vaccine Clinic.
Unlike countries with nationalized health care, fees are charged for all health services received in the U.S. The cost of health care tends to rise with the level of care provided – with “Primary Care” being the least expensive, and “Emergency Care” and “Hospitalization” being the most expensive.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all students to have comprehensive medical insurance. As an international student at UMass, you are required to be enrolled in the Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP).
The SHBP exceeds Massachusetts requirements for coverage and is administered through Wellfleet Student. Learn more about Wellfleet’s coverage here.
Newly admitted international graduate students, graduate students taking fewer than five credits, and students interested in enrolling family members must manually enroll in the SHBP in the fall. Matriculated students taking five or more credits will have their coverage automatically renewed each year.
Your financial obligation for services will depend on the coverage of the Student Health Benefit Plan. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the network tiers and co-pays before arriving at UMass. The Student Health Benefit Plan does not cover most dental or vision care.
Health Insurance Terminology
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Premium - The premium is the amount that you pay to purchase the insurance coverage.
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Deductible -The deductible is the amount that the insured person must pay before the insurance company starts paying.
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Expenses - Expenses are the costs for services such as surgery, hospitalization, x-rays, prescription drugs, and/or laboratory tests; expenses are defined in the individual insurance contracts.
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Co-pay - The co-pay is the amount you pay before an appointment and can vary depending on the tier level of the provider.
Health insurance companies work with provider networks: doctors and practices that agree to accept payment from that insurance company. While you can make an appointment with a doctor or specialist, it is not guaranteed that the SHBP will cover the cost of that appointment. You should always confirm with the doctor’s office that they accept your insurance in the tier one category (maximum payment) to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
The United States healthcare system also tiers levels of care and the costs associated with each tier. The following categories are a cursory introduction to a complex system. Students should research more about the SHBP and the coverage before arriving at UMass.
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Primary care:
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For most illnesses, injuries, and preventive health care, people usually go first to their primary care provider, like your family doctor or health practitioner at home.
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University Health Services provides primary care for UMass Amherst students.
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Specialized care:
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University Health Services provides specialty care including acupuncture, allergy injection services, birth control, eye care, nutrition counseling, occupational health, pediatrics, physical therapy, radiology and imaging, sexual and reproductive health services, sports medicine and non-operative orthopedics, transgender health care.
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Referrals for services not provided by UHS are available through your primary care provider.
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- Urgent Care
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Non-life-threatening injuries or illness that need same day attention from UHS can be seen by providers at the Walk In Clinic. Patients intending to be seen at the Walk in Clinic are required to join the virtual waiting room and wait for an appointment time. 24 hour health advice is also available via the nurse triage line.
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- Emergency Care
- Life threatening injuries and illnesses such as alcohol poisoning/drug overdose, breathing problems, traumatic injuries, mental health crisis, etc.
- If any life-threatening injury or illness occurs, you can dial 911 to receive emergency medical attention or go directly to Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.
Seeking mental health support can be a difficult decision for many. However, talking to a counselor is not a sign of failure or that there is something wrong with you. Just as you would seek help from an academic advisor or a doctor, seeking counseling is simply one more tool in your wellness toolbox.
The Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) at UMass Amherst provides safe, non-judgmental support to talk with a professional about home sickness, stress, depression, anxiety, or any mental health concerns.
Mental health emergencies are just as critical as physical health emergencies. The Center for Counseling and Psychological Health has crisis intervention and support services available 24 hours a day. Examples of a crisis include but are not limited to suicidal or homicidal thoughts or impulses, hearing voices or otherwise misperceiving reality, overwhelming loss such as a death in the family, and sexual or physical assault.
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For non-life-threatening emergencies, call 413-545-2337 and follow the prompts to reach an on-call clinician.
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For life threatening emergencies, call UMPD at (413) 545-3111 or dial 911.
Hospitalizations can be related to scheduled surgeries or procedures, the birth of a child, or medical emergencies. Listed below are the hospitals near UMass Amherst and affiliated with the UMass system.
Cooley Dickinson Hospital is the nearest hospital with emergency services, critical care unit, obstetrics, and general surgical care. Cooley Dickinson is 8.2 miles/13.19 kilometers from UMass Amherst.
Baystate Medical Center is a large hospital system in Springfield, MA. 28 miles/45 kilometers from UMass Amherst. Baystate offers emergency services, specialist care, adult intensive care, neonatal intensive care (NICU), surgical services, obstetrics and a children’s hospital. Baystate is also a teaching hospital for the UMass Chan Medical School.
UMass Memorial Hospital is located in Worcester, MA is 56 miles/90 kilometers from UMass Amherst. UMass Memorial is affiliated with the UMass Chan Medical School and offers specialist care, cancer treatments, surgery, heart and vascular care, women’s health, children’s hospital, and organ transplant surgery.
Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH)
The Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) can help you live a healthy, balanced life at UMass Amherst. Find out more about our programs and services.
University Health Services (UHS)
University Health Services (UHS) offers convenient, accredited health care and services including physical therapy, eye care and optical services, acupuncture, sports medicine, a full-service pharmacy, allergy clinic, travel medicine and women's health clinic.
Center for Health Promotion (CHP)
The Center for Health Promotion (CHP) is home to the BASICS program, AlcoholEdu, and support services for students in recovery. Peer Health Education and the Not Ready for Bedtime Players are part of CHP.
Center for Women and Community (CWW)
The Center for Women and Community (CWC) offers advocacy, short term counseling and educational programs for people of all gender expressions. It is home to the Women of Color Leadership Network.
The CWC's Rape Crisis Services program provides free and confidential crisis services for survivors of all gender expressions in the Hampshire County and Five College Community. Counselor/Advocates are available 24 hours, 7 days/week to provide support, information, crisis intervention, and medical and legal advocacy.
CWW 24-Hour Crisis Hotline
On campus: 413-545-0800
Local long-distance: 888-337-0800
UMass Men and Masculinities Center
The UMass Men and Masculinities Center supports the development of healthy masculinities at UMass Amherst and beyond from male positive, multicultural, and pro-feminist perspectives. Stop by the office at 120 Thoreau, email them or call 413-577-4MEN (4636).
UMass Police Department (UMPD)
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Police Department operates 24 hours per day, seven days a week, providing patrol, investigative, specialized, and emergency response, as well as crime prevention and educational services.
Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation's programs, services, and facilities to promote and encourage a lifelong commitment to health and wellness. Whatever your interests, take advantage of all we have to offer, including facilities, intramural sports, club sports, group fitness, personal fitness, wellness center, aquatics, and more!
Single Stop Resources
Visit Single Stop Resources because UMass Amherst cares about your success and well-being. These resources can help you find the support you need to get through a challenging situation, stay in school, and graduate.
Disability Services
The Disability Services Office is committed to providing members of the University community with the finest educational opportunities and the most appropriate accommodations available for students with disabilities.
Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life offers a range of educational programs, individual and institutional advocacy, interfaith dialogue, and other bridge-building activities designed to foster an informed, caring and supportive campus community for students of all backgrounds and beliefs, and to promote a greater sense of meaning and purpose in students' lives.
Student Legal Services Office
The Student Legal Services Office (SLSO) is a student-funded law office providing legal assistance to fee-paying UMass Amherst students and student groups.
Ombuds Office
The Ombuds Office is a unique place where all current UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff can talk confidentially and "off the record" about any campus concern, issue, or conflict.