We know you're traveling far from home to participate in a unique visiting student experience. You'll be studying at a top university known for its rigorous academic standards. This means that while you're here, it's more important than ever to focus on your health and well-being. Here are some resources we offer to ensure that you are happy, stress-free, healthy and successful during your time in Berkeley.
Maintaining your health and well-being is an important part of your learning and program experience, so it's good news that Berkeley is ranked number 1 in this list of healthiest cities in the United States!
During your time here, you will have access to a variety of support and student services, including comprehensive medical insurance, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), community-building activities and more.
Health insurance is mandatory if you are participating in any of our full-time study-abroad programs. We will enroll you into a comprehensive health insurance plan for the duration of your studies. You will receive an insurance identification card that you can use to fill prescriptions, visit the doctor and more.
Our current student health insurance provider is Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company. Read on for details and frequently asked questions.
Note: This information is specific to the 2024 Anthem plan.
Visit the UC Berkeley Extension page for detailed plan documents, finding a provider, downloading an insurance card and more.
Coverage typically begins the Sunday before your program start date and ends one week after the end of the semester. Specific dates for each semester will be shared with you via email and at orientation. Before using your plan, you must first activate it.
To activate the plan, register on the Anthem Website. You will receive an email that lists the earliest date you can begin to register and access your account. When you register, provide your Student ID number and your name as it appears on your passport. You will then be able to download your insurance card; carry your ID card with you at all times. You will use this insurance card to fill prescriptions, visit the doctor's office and more.
You can also access your insurance ID card and other Anthem benefits information on the Sydney Health mobile app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
It covers medical services (sickness, injuries, etc.), preventative care (vaccinations, physical exams, certain tests and screenings), medication, psychiatry and more. Dental procedures and vision issues are only covered in case of a serious injury or accident. Find more detailed plan information here.
In addition, you are eligible to seek Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the University Health Center (Tang Center).
Health insurance plan costs are subject to change each academic year. Currently, Anthem plan costs for the 2023–2024 academic year are:
Dependents: Dependent coverage (spouse or child) is available.
Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT): You can purchase additional insurance.
Monthly insurance: You may purchase additional coverage.
Request coverage or information by emailing visiting-intl@berkeley.edu.
Below you will find the four main options for medical care. The option you choose will depend on your medical issue and the severity of the situation. You can find the nearest facility to you by using the search tool in your health insurance online account.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the nearest Emergency Room (ER) or call 9-1-1.
Only visit the ER in case of emergency; if you go for a non-emergency reason, you will have a prolonged wait time and will need to pay a large sum out of pocket.
Get immediate medical attention for severe, non-life-threatening medical conditions. Same-day appointments are generally available.
When you book an appointment and receive services, please double-check that your desired provider is still in-network.
You can make an appointment with an in-network doctor or specialist by calling his/her office. Use this option if you have a pre-existing or a chronic health condition and need regular contact with a doctor. You will also need to visit a doctor in order to refill your prescription medicine. You can find a doctor by using the search tool in your health insurance online account.
To find a primary care doctor or specialist, navigate to our health insurance broker’s webpage. You may also visit Anthem’s Find Care Webpage. Once you log in, type your city, county or zip code and select your desired care provider. Your search will result in a number of local doctors and physicians. Filter your search results on the left-hand side of the page to find your preferred physician. When selecting a primary care doctor, be sure to check “Accepts New Patients” as a filtered option on your online search.
All major pharmacy chains, such as CVS or Walgreens, have at least one pharmacist on-site who can refill prescriptions and administer certain vaccinations and flu shots. You can also find over-the-counter medicine, other medical products like bandages, disinfectants, and miscellaneous food and household items.
Pharmacists cannot prescribe medicine in the U.S. Instead, go to a hospital, urgent care center or a doctor to get a prescription from them.
As a Berkeley Global student, you cannot use the Tang Center for medical services. However, you can take advantage of its Counseling and Psychological Services.
Yes. There is no exclusion for COVID-19. Hospital stays, doctor visits and medications are covered at the same rate no matter what illness you have. Check out Anthem's helpful guide about COVID-19 health plan benefits.
Yes. Your Anthem plan covers you anywhere in the U.S. Please use the "Find Care" search feature if you need medical help while outside of the Bay Area.
Note: Outside of California, Anthem is called "Blue Cross/Blue Shield."
Yes, but only for emergencies and not when you are in your home country. Travel insurance is included in your Anthem Plan and is offered through GeoBlue Global.
More information can be found online about the Anthem Plan.
GeoBlue Global Health and Safety contact information 24/7 help center:
U.S.: +1-833-511-4763
Note: This does not replace your health insurance. If you have specific health insurance questions, please contact Anthem directly.
Students must comply with the requirements listed on the UC Berkeley University Health Services page, and must meet all deadlines.
The University of California strongly recommends students who are accessing campus facilities at any UC location to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The University’s requirement is to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines per the CDC guidance or submission of a declination form on eTang. You may read the full policy here.
Note: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to enter the U.S.
The list of acceptable vaccines is as follows:
Berkeley Global students are required to have the following immunizations:
Please review the Mandatory TB & Immunizations Program website for the steps you need to complete and deadline information.
Upload your immunization records and enter your immunization dates on the "Medical Clearances" page on eTang.
We encourage you to start this process early as you may be required to complete additional steps prior to arrival on campus.
Getting immunizations in your country before you come to Berkeley is best, but you can also arrange a medical appointment for these after you arrive here. Your student medical insurance covers the cost of the above immunizations.
Other immunizations that we strongly recommend are:
You can receive the following vaccinations at any CVS or Walgreens pharmacy: flu shots, the HPV series, Hepatitis, Meningitis, MMR and Chickenpox. Other vaccinations can be administered by a general physician.
An appointment may be necessary to receive a vaccination at a pharmacy. You will need to present your health insurance ID card.
If you would like to arrange a physical exam before taking any immunization, you can book an appointment with a general-practice physician.
Vaccinations and physical exams are covered by your student health insurance plan's preventive-care benefit. Bring your insurance card to your medical visit.
Yes, you may request to be waived of the school plan if you can provide proof of an equivalent alternative. To view deadlines and request a health insurance waiver, submit the Health Insurance Waiver Request Form. Note: Please use your UC Berkeley CalNet to log in to access the Health Insurance Waiver form. Submit proof of insurance that meets all minimum criteria (PDF) before the deadline.
Questions? Contact International Student Services (ISS) at visiting-intl@berkeley.edu.
Safety is every student's responsibility and we provide numerous resources—both on- and off-campus—to help you stay safe. Safety is also discussed in your student orientation: We'll go over things like the 100 emergency telephones located on and around campus and the numerous safety services available to you 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
Emergency Services 911: You may dial 9-1-1 from any phone to reach emergency services. If dialed from a cell phone, 9-1-1 reaches the California Highway Patrol, a state agency that principally patrols the freeways. If dialed from a landline, 9-1-1 reaches an emergency center that automatically identifies your precise location, and can dispatch police, fire or ambulance.
We suggest adding the following phone numbers into your phone for quick access.
Berkeley Fire Department
2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704