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:

• Prescription medications (like antibiotics or some birth control) must be prescribed by a licensed U.S. healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, PA). Unlike in some countries, pharmacists in the U.S. cannot prescribe medication; they can only fill prescriptions. 
  • Note: There is one birth control pill available in the U.S. without a prescription.
• If you take medication regularly, it is best to bring a supply for the first few months of school, as it may take time to get a new prescription here.
• If you bring antibiotics with you to self-treat, we strongly recommend that you do not take them until you have been seen by a U.S. provider. This can complicate tests that may need to be performed.
• If you on an injectable medication, ensure it has been stored properly for your trip. Some need refrigeration, and you can find this information on the medication's packaiging.
• Depending on the formulation, we may not be able to administer your medication if the equivalent is not FDA-approved in the U.S. If this is the case, you will need to make an appointment at UHS General Medicine to get a new prescription for an FDA/U.S.-approved drug.
• If you administer the injectable medication yourself, you can continue as you did at home but will need to get the medication from your home country.
• When you get a prescription, always bring your insurance card to the pharmacy to reduce costs.
• Common pharmacies in Massachusetts include Osco, CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. 

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products:

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) products (like pain relievers or allergy medicine) are available without a prescription at pharmacies, grocery stores, and the university bookstore. 

Finding Drug Equivalents:

• 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.