UMass Boston

If you are a new student, start with the full New Student Health To-Do List to learn about your health portal, required forms and trainings, and how to get care on campus. 

Healthcare in the U.S. is largely privatized and can be expensive. That's why UMass Boston requires all international students to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.

The Student Blue Cross Blue Shield plan offers:

• Access to care on campus through University Health Services (UHS)
• Coverage at medical facilities throughout Massachusetts and beyond

Note: Always carry your health insurance card with you when seeking care. 

If Eligible: Waive the Student Health Insurance Plan

• You can request a waiver if you have a comparable U.S.-based insurance plan.
• Contact the Bursar's Office at bursar@umb.edu or (617) 287-5350 for questions. 

You can receive care:

• On campus at University Health Services (UHS)
• Off campus with providers that accept your insurance

For non-emergency questions after hours, call the 24/7 UHS Medical & Mental Health Line at (617) 287-5660.

In an emergency, always call 911. 

• Prescription medications (like antibiotics or birth control) must be prescribed by a provider. A pharmacist dispenses the medication - they cannot prescribe medications, they only fill prescriptions.
• Bring your insurance card to the pharmacy to reduce costs.
• Common pharmacies in Massachusetts include OSCO, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens. 
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) products (like pain relievers or allergy medicine) are available without a prescription. 

If you need to find the U.S. equivalent of an international drug, you can look up the drug names and their equivalents here.

New to U.S. medical language? Use this helpful Glossary of Health Coverage and Medical Terms.