Skip to main content

Update on Remote Instruction Effective March 15, 2023: Changes to vaccination policy. Learn more.

Close
The following fields are required:
Error has occurred. Please reload this page and try the operation again.
  • Agents
  • Student Login
  • Instructor Login
Global
      • Programs for University Students
        • Berkeley Global Access
        • Chemistry
        • Entrepreneurship
        • Physics
      • Full-Time Certificate Programs
        • Business Administration
        • Entrepreneurship
      • Online Learning
        • Online Courses and Certificates
      • Custom Programs
        • For Universities and Organizations
      • Events
        • Information Sessions
        • Free and Low Cost Events
      • Student Services
        • Prospective Students
        • Newly Admitted Students
        • Current Students
        • Career Services
        • Berkeley Campus
        • San Francisco Campus
      • Berkeley Life
        • Culture
        • Health and Safety
        • Housing
        • Community Guidelines
      • Events
        • Information Sessions
        • Free and Low Cost Events
      • Voices Blog
        • Voices Home
        • Student Stories
        • Professional Pathways
      • Events
        • Alumni Opportunities
        • Information Sessions
        • Free and Low Cost Events

Health and Safety

We are committed to creating a community where all students feel respected, supported, healthy and safe.

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.

Staying Healthy

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.

Berkeley Global Student Health Insurance

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 2022 Anthem plan.

Visit the UC Berkeley Extension Relation page for more detailed plan documents, finding a provider, downloading an insurance card and more.

How long will I be covered under my student health insurance plan?

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.

What does the plan cover?

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).

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.

What is the cost of the Anthem insurance plan?

Health insurance plan costs are subject to change each academic year. Currently, Anthem plan costs for the 2023–2024 academic year are:

  • Fall/Spring Semester: $900 per semester
  • Summer Semester: $540 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.

What medical facilities can I visit under the plan?

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.

Emergency Room

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.

Urgent Care

Get immediate medical attention for severe, non-life-threatening medical conditions. Same-day appointments are generally available.

  • Sutter Bay Medical Foundation (Berkeley)
  • MinuteClinic CVS Pharmacy (Berkeley)
  • Instant Urgent Care (Berkeley)
  • Sutter Bay Medical Foundation (San Francisco)
  • Concentra Urgent Care (San Francisco)

Primary Care/Doctor/Specialist

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.

  • One Medical (Berkeley)
  • Circle Medical (San Francisco)

Pharmacy

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.

Can I visit the UC Berkeley Health Clinic (Tang Center)?

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.

Does the plan cover COVID-19-related expenses?

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.

Does the plan cover me outside of the San Francisco Bay Area?

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."

Does the plan cover me if I travel outside of the U.S.?

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.

What should I prepare before arriving in Berkeley?

  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.

Do I need to get any vaccinations before coming to Berkeley?

Students must comply with the requirements listed on the UC Berkeley University Health Services page, and must meet all deadlines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

The University of California requires students who are accessing campus facilities at any UC location to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. You may read the full policy here.

In addition to the UC Berkeley requirement, the United States Government is requiring non-citizen, non-immigrant air travelers to the United States to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination received within no fewer than 14 days prior to boarding an airplane to the United States.

The list of acceptable vaccines is as follows:

  • Single dose: Janssen / J&J
  • 2-dose series: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, BIBP/Sinopharm, Sinovac

Very limited exceptions from the vaccination requirement can be found on the CDC website.

If you are not vaccinated and are not approved for an exception or medical exemption, you will not be allowed to enroll in classes or access campus facilities.

Immunization Requirements

Berkeley Global students are required to have the following immunizations:

  • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): a booster vaccine every 10 years for adults
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Varicella (chicken pox)
  • Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) blood or skin test
    • The first step for TB clearance is submitting the TB Screening Questions on the “Medical Clearances” page on eTang. Once you have submitted the TB Screening Questions, you will get a notification if there are additional steps you need to take (such as submitting TB test results, etc).

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:

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

What kind of vaccinations can I receive once I'm in Berkeley?

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.

Can I waive the school-sponsored insurance plan and bring my own?

Yes, you may request to be waived of the school plan if you can provide proof of an equivalent alternative. Submit proof of insurance that meets all minimum criteria (PDF) before the deadline.

Questions? Contact International Student Services (ISS) at extension-intl@berkeley.edu.

Diverse group of Berkeley students smile as they walk through campus

Staying Safe

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.

Police

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.

  • University of California Berkeley Police Department phone number: (510) 642-3333
  • Berkeley City Police Department phone number: (510) 981-5911

Fire Department

Fire Department website

Berkeley Fire Department
2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704

Prepare for an Emergency

  • Get familiar with simple emergency procedures by visiting the website of the UCB Emergency Management Office.
  • Download the app for real-time updates on your phone or mobile device.
  • If you have difficulty speaking English during times of stress, write down in advance the information you will need to give doctors, police officers, or other emergency workers.
  • Get to know some of your neighbors. People are more likely to help someone they know than a stranger. People are also more likely to watch over your home in your absence if they know you.
  • California experiences earthquakes but most are very small. Still, you should be prepared by having food and water, plus a flashlight on hand.

Contact Us

Your privacy is important to us.

Email Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us!

We do not share your information with other organizations for commercial purposes.

We only collect your information if you have subscribed online to receive emails from us.

We do not partner with or have special relationships with any ad server companies.

If you want to unsubscribe, there is a link to do so at the bottom of every email.

Read the full Privacy Policy

Back to your information.

Global

1995 University Ave., Suite 130

Berkeley, CA 94704-7000

internationaladmissions@berkeley.edu

Phone: +1 510-642-2564

Facebook Facebook Icon Twitter Twitter Icon LinkedIn LinkedIn Icon YouTube YouTube Icon Instagram Instagram Icon
WeChat QR code

Programs

  • Programs for University Students
  • Online Learning
  • Information Sessions

Graduates

  • Student Stories
  • Professional Pathways
  • Voices Home

Student Resources

  • Latest COVID-19 Information
  • About Us
  • Career Services
  • Visa Information
  • Health and Safety
  • Housing
  • Community Guidelines
  • Accessibility
  • Nondiscrimination
  • Privacy
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

The University of California, Berkeley, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). UC Berkeley Extension—like all other UC Berkeley schools, colleges and departments—is accredited by WASC through the University.

Berkeley Global is a part of UC Berkeley Extension. Your transcript, certificate and all visa documents will be issued by UC Berkeley Extension.

About UC Berkeley Extension

Copyright © UC Regents

Powered by Destiny One

Cookie Policy

By clicking “Accept All Cookies,” I agree to permit this website to share my information, including a device identifier and my browsing history on this site, with selected partners, including Google, Meta/Facebook and others, to enhance my browsing experience and to ensure that marketing communications are targeted to my needs in accordance with our Cookie Policy and our Privacy Policy.

Session Time-Out

For security reasons and the protection of your personal information, your session will time out due to a period of inactivity in minute(s) and second(s). Click Extend My Session to continue. For security reasons and the protection of your personal information, your session timed out after a period of inactivity. You will be redirected to the home page.

Confirm

Alert

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

This statement explains how we use cookies on our website. For information about what types of personal information will be gathered when you visit the website, and how this information will be used, please see our Privacy Policy.

How we use cookies

All of our web pages use "cookies". A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers that we place on your computer or mobile device if you agree. These cookies allow us to distinguish you from other users of our website, which helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and enables us to improve our website.

We use cookies and other technologies to optimize your website experience and to deliver communications and marketing activities that are targeted to your specific needs. Some information we collect may be shared with selected partners such as Google, Meta/Facebook or others. By browsing this site you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy. You can revoke your voluntary consent to participate in monitored browsing and targeted marketing by selecting “Disable All Cookies” below.

Types of cookies we use

We use the following types of cookies:

  • Strictly necessary cookies- these are essential in to enable you to move around the websites and use their features. Without these cookies the services you have asked for, such as signing in to your account, cannot be provided.
  • Performance cookies- these cookies collect information about how visitors use a website, for instance which pages visitors go to most often. We use this information to improve our websites and to aid us in investigating problems raised by visitors. These cookies do not collect information that identifies a visitor.
  • Functionality cookies- these cookies allow the website to remember choices you make and provide more personal features. For instance, a functional cookie can be used to remember the items that you have placed in your shopping cart. The information these cookies collect may be anonymized and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites.

Most web browsers allow some control of most cookies through the browser settings. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them please visit https://www.allaboutcookies.org/.

Specific cookies we use

The list below identify the cookies we use and explain the purposes for which they are used. We may update the information contained in this section from time to time.

  • JSESSIONID: This cookie is used by the application server to identify a unique user's session.
  • registrarToken: This cookie is used to remember items that you have added to your shopping cart
  • locale: This cookie is used to remember your locale and language settings.
  • cookieconsent_status: This cookie is used to remember if you've already dismissed the cookie consent notice.
  • _ga_UA-########: These cookies are used to collect information about how visitors use our site. We use the information to compile reports and to help us improve the website. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form, including the number of visitors to the website, where visitors have come to the site from and the pages they visited. This anonymized visitor and browsing information is stored in Google Analytics.

Changes to our Cookie Statement

Any changes we may make to our Cookie Policy in the future will be posted on this page.