Health & Wellness

Student Health Services

Directly on Pitt's campus, Student Health Service offers a range of basic medical care to students.  These services include a clinic, a pharmacy and additional health education programming.  Visit the Student Health Service website to schedule an appointment or for more details about their services.  

Immunizations

At Pitt, all incoming students, including those living off-campus, are required to show proof of the following immunizations:

  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – 2 doses
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox) – 2 doses
  • Meningococcal Quadrivalent – required only if living in University housing

 

See details provided by University Health Services on their Immunizations Page.  

For those living on-campus, students should submit proof of immunizations to Student Health Services prior to arrival.  See Instructions for providing proof of immunization.  

For those unable to provide this proof prior to arrival may also receive immunization services at Pitt's Student Health Service.  Contact SHS at +1 412.383.1800 to schedule an appointment.  

Health Insurance

All international students are required to have health insurance coverage during the time of their exchange terms or visiting terms.  According to U.S. federal government standards, J1 visa applicants and their dependents are required to have medical insurance coverage with the following minimum benefits [22 CFR 62.14].  

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

Students have the option of purchasing coverage through the official UPMC Student plans or through an alternate private provider.  According to Pitt policy, all plans, however, must be a U.S.-based plan that meets the minimums required for J-1 visa holders.  International insurance plans will not be accepted.  Therefore, plans must be purchased through a U.S. company.  

It is highly recommended that international students studying at Pitt for only one semester purchase their coverage through a private U.S. company, as it affords flexibility that is not available through the UPMC Student plan.  The private plans often do not require the students to list a domestic U.S. address and coverage begins at a date designated (date of U.S. arrival) by the policyholder.  The UPMC Student plan's coverage does not begin until September and will last for a full 12 months.  For UPMC student plan holders, they will be charged a monthly premium for the full 12 months.    

Since understanding health insurance requirements in the U.S. can be very challenging due to many unfamiliar terms, Pitt has put together a glossory of commonly used terms.  When choosing between health insurance policies to purchase, please consult the list of terms to understand the various components of the policies.  The following video  is also a great resource to understanding the complexities of U.S. Health Insurance.  

Consult the OIS's website for private U.S.-based insurance options.