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 Extension ID number (beginning with an X) and your name as it appears on your passport, and update your local U.S. address. You will then be able to download your insurance card; print it and keep in your wallet. You will use this insurance card to fill prescriptions, visit the doctor 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. You are eligible for one routine eye exam; all other vision issues are only covered in case of a serious injury or accident. Dental procedures 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).

Anthem also provides translations of the health plan brochure that you can access if you prefer to read details about your coverage in your native language.

Health insurance plan costs are subject to change each academic year. Currently, Anthem plan costs for the 2021–2022 academic year are:

• Fall/Spring Semester: $880 per semester
• Summer Semester: $530 per semester

Dependents: Dependent coverage (spouse or child) is available at the same price as above.

Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT): You can extend your insurance coverage during your OPT on a semester basis at the same price listed above.

Request coverage or information by emailing extension-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.

• Alta Bates Summit Medical Center (Berkeley)
• St. Francis Memorial Hospital (San Francisco)
• California Pacific Medical Center Van Ness Campus (San Francisco)

Only visit the ER in case of emergency; if you go for a non-emergency reason, you will end up waiting for hours 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.

• Carbon Health Urgent Care (Berkeley)
• Sutter Bay Medical Foundation (Berkeley)
• Sutter Bay Medical Foundation (San Francisco)
• Concentra Urgent Care (San Francisco)

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 chronic health condition and need regular contact with a doctor. You will also need to visit a doctor in order to get a refill of your prescription medicine. You can find a doctor by using the search tool in your health insurance online account.

• Circle Medical (San Francisco)
• Carbon Health Urgent Care (Berkeley)

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 and 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. Download a free app to assess your COVID-19 symptoms and connect to a doctor virtually.

For more COVID-19 updates and information, refer to the COVID-19 Resource Guide for Students.

Yes. Your Anthem plan covers you anywhere in the U.S. Please use the "Find a Doctor" 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 in the Anthem Plan brochure.

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.

1. Be sure to refill your medicine and bring a copy of your prescription, translated into English, in case you need more while you are here. You can read more about bringing medicine into the U.S. here.
2. Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses and any other eyewear you might need for your time in the U.S.
3. Check with your dentist before leaving for the U.S. as you will not have dental coverage here.
4. If you are planning to arrive early, and will need insurance coverage before your program start date, please contact our office at extension-intl@berkeley.edu.

You are not required to get any particular immunizations before your program starts. However, we strongly recommend that you check your immunization records for the following:

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): a booster vaccine every 10 years for adults
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4)

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:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Tuberculosis BCG Vaccine
• Polio
• Meningococcal B
• Pneumococcal (PSV13 and/or PPSV23)

You do not need to provide documentation from your physician about these vaccinations and immunizations. But if you are from South or Central Americas, Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East or Africa, we also strongly recommend that you get a tuberculosis (TB) blood or skin test to make sure that you are not infected with the TB bacterium.

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.

No appointment is necessary; just visit the pharmacy counter at the store. 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 in-network 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.

For updates about the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, please refer to the COVID-19 Resource Guide for Students.

Yes, you may request to be waived of the school plan if you can provide proof of an equivalent alternative. To request a health insurance waiver, submit the Health Insurance Waiver Request Form (PDF) and proof of insurance that meets all listed minimum criteria to extension-intl@berkeley.edu.

Your waiver request must be received at least three weeks before classes begin or you will be billed and enrolled in the UC Berkeley Health Insurance Plan.

Questions? Contact International Student Services (ISS).