International Students at Berkeley

Our Student Guide highlights everything you need to know about getting started at the campus health services: how to make an appointment, how much (and how) you pay for services, what's free, important phone numbers, directory of our services, and how to use insurance at UHS.   

We know health insurance can be confusing, and our staff is here to answer any question: give us a call at (510) 642-5700 or email ship@berkeley.edu. Visit the SHIP webpage to learn about benefits (medical, counseling, pharmacy, vision, and dental), definitions of American healthcare terms, insurance for spouses and/or children, and how to use your insurance plan. The SHIP Nurseline telephone nurse advice service is available to all members by phone during all hours, every day at (800) 681-4065. 

Handout: Using SHIP Abroad

International students sometimes feel more confident communicating in his or her native language, especially about health or when describing medical terms. Every medical exam room at the Tang Center offers a translation telephone interpreter service; please ask our staff to use this anytime during your office visit. The SHIP Nurseline also features bilingual nurses and a third-party language line (800) 681-4065.

There is no charge for counseling at UHS and any registered student can access Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). We offer group, individual, and couples counseling to help you with personal, academic, career, and health-related issues, as well as urgent help for crisis concerns. Call (510) 642-9494 to get started. See our CAPS for International Students flyer. 

Not sure what to do? Call our Advice Nurse line, staffed by our nurses Monday-Friday during the day: (510) 643-7197. When we are closed, you'll be automatically connected with an after-hours service that can guide you to the closest medical facility if you need care before we reopen. You can also send a secure message to our Advice Nurses through the eTang patient portal.  

You can find out more about our medical, counseling, and health education staff by viewing our online Meet the Staff directory, which includes any additional languages spoken by our providers. And remember, you can always choose who provides your care here at UHS! 

The cost of health care in the USA can be confusing. View our sample fees list to learn more about the costs of UHS services, how much your SHIP benefits pay if you are enrolled in the student plan, and how to pay for services.

Access us anywhere, anytime through the eTang patient portal; send secure messages, schedule/cancel appointments, view test results, refill prescriptions, fill out forms, and more! 

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. The nearest hospital emergency room is Alta Bates on 2450 Ashby Avenue in Berkeley. View our After Hours resources or call our after-hours referral line (Advice Nurse line) to find out more about how to get care when we are closed.