Health Services

Overview

At the University of Northwestern, we want to do all we can to help you successfully navigate through college life, and sometimes that means managing unexpected challenges due to illness or injury. Health Services will try to help manage your health concerns as best as we can within our scope of practice and capability. However, sometimes health insurance is necessary to get the care you need and can help keep medical expenses from derailing your educational goals.

All students must carry health insurance.

Many of you will be covered by your parents' health insurance plan during your years in college. If so, please make sure you carry a copy of your health insurance or a card provided by your insurance company. Health Insurance is needed for all medical care received off-campus.

If you are not covered by a parent's health insurance plan and/or are looking for insurance, you can check out MNsure.org for more resources.

Secondary Insurance

The University provides secondary accident insurance coverage for all full-time undergraduate students. Students are enrolled automatically at no additional charge.

Claims must be submitted to the student's primary carrier first, and then a secondary claim can be submitted if needed. Claims must be filed within 90 days of the date of accident and can be submitted via e-mail, fax or mail. Brochures and claim forms are available in Health Services and Athletics. If you have any questions, contact BMI Benefits: (800) 445-3126.

In the event of an accident, the insured should:

1. If at college, report immediately to Health Services so that proper treatment and or referral can be prescribed or recommended. Athletes should contact Jennifer Ryan, Athletic Trainer, jlryan@unwsp.edu.
2. If away from college, consult a medical provider and follow their advice. Notify Health Services within 30 days after the date of the covered accident or as soon thereafter as is reasonably possible.
3. Staple all your Explanations of Benefit (EOB) and itemized medical and hospital bills to the claim form and mail it to the Claims Administrator: BMI Benefits, P.O. Box 511, Matawan, NJ 07747 Toll Free: (800) 445-3126.

International Student Medical Insurance

All international students are required to purchase international student medical insurance. For more information and assistance with this contact the Health Service's office at 651-631-5246.

All students need to provide evidence of certain immunizations once they are admitted to the university. This is to protect you from serious illness and also to protect our community. It is the student's responsibility to provide accurate immunization dates to achieve compliance. These dates will become a part of your official medical record.

What's Required?

Minnesota College Immunization Law requires all students born after 1956 be immunized against certain diseases, allowing for certain specified exemptions.

• Tetanus/diphtheria (Td or Tdap), at least one dose is required within past 10 years. If no childhood immunizations were received, the student must receive one Tdap, followed by one Td four weeks after the initial Tdap, and then one additional Td 6-12 months after that.
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), must report 2 doses after age 12 months or provide titer results. You must have received all three vaccines: measles, mumps AND rubella for the requirement to be met in Minnesota.
• If you have not received childhood immunizations and you were born on or after 1980, you also must provide proof of varicella disease (chicken pox) or two doses of varicella.

How do I Report it?

Students report their Tetanus (Td or Tdap) and MMR dates online by logging into theROCK>New Students Tab>Pre-registration forms>Immunization Record.

Under Minnesota law, you do have to submit an immunization record to your college or meet one of the legal exemptions. To complete an exemption form, sign into theROCK > New Student Tab > Pre-Registration forms > Immunization Record > Bottom right hand corner > Immunization Exemption Form. Please note: Exemption must be signed by a Notary Public

What's Recommended?

• Meningitis (The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is recommended for all persons through age 21 years. Also, talk to your health care provider about meningococcal B vaccine.)
• Hepatitis A (2 dose series recommended for people with increased risk, for international travelers and others who wish to obtain immunity.)
• Hepatitis B (3 dose series)
• Varicella (2 doses given one month apart if no history of having chicken pox)
• Poliomyelitis (recommended for students under 18 years and some international travelers)
• Influenza (annual)
• Mantoux testing (required for all international students and for students who have been where tuberculosis is endemic)

Immunizations and Testing Available at Health Services

• Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria and Pertussis)
• Seasonal Flu
• TST (Tuberculin Skin Test)
• Immunizations can also be done for low cost at
  • Ramsey County Public Health
    555 Cedar Street
    St. Paul, MN 55101
    Phone: 651-266-1234 - please call for an appointment
    Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.