Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for international students to ensure you have adequate health care coverage while you are studying in the United States. Insurance terminology can be confusing, so here is a website that explains common insurance terms to assist you in understanding the system.
Additionally, the United States does not have a national health care plan. Check out this short video for a brief overview of the U.S. health care system to assist you in advance of your arrival.
As a new international Penn State student, you will be enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for Penn State, which is administered and underwritten by United Healthcare Student Resources.
There is the opportunity to waive this coverage if you have personal health insurance that meets the regulatory requirements. New students who do not take action to waive enrollment through LionPATH by the deadline will be automatically enrolled in the SHIP for Penn State and the health insurance premium will be charged to their student account. Students will be charged the fall premium on their fall tuition statement and the spring and summer premiums on their spring tuition statement.
Immunizations
Additionally, international students are required to upload evidence of immunizations. To satisfy Penn State immunization requirements, students must provide proof of:
- Two doses of Measles (Rubeola), two doses of Mumps, and one dose of Rubella OR
- Two doses of the MMR immunization OR
- Results from a blood test showing immunity
The first dose must have been given on or after the student's first birthday. Dose two must have been given at least four weeks after dose one.
If you are living in on-campus housing, you must also provide proof of the Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), also known as Menveo, Menactra, MenQuadfi. This immunization is effective against the most common meningococcal infections caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. One dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine administered at age 16 or older is required.
Please note that not all Meningococcal vaccines are acceptable. If you have not already received your Meningococcal vaccine, we recommend that you wait and get the vaccine on campus to be sure that it is the correct type. The vaccine commonly used in China is not the type that Penn State accepts.
Log into your Penn State account to upload immunization evidence »
It is recommended that you translate your immunization documentation to English before uploading it to Penn State’s MyUHS.
Penn State Berks Health Services
Penn State Berks students can visit Health Services for medical concerns and physical exams. Health Services is located in 8 Perkins Student Center. Please visit the Health Services webpage for more information.
Penn State Berks Counseling Services
Short-term counseling is provided free of charge to all current Penn State Berks students. Appointments are available in-person or via Zoom/phone. Please visit the Counseling Services webpage for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact your International Student Adviser. The International Student Services office at Penn State Berks is here to support you.