Health Information
University Health Requirements - Insurance and Immunizations top>>
In addition to academic requirements, the University of Florida imposes
health requirements on its incoming students. Until these requirements are
met, you will not be permitted to register for courses.
The requirements include:
1. Purchase of comprehensive health insurance:
You can purchase an approved insurance plan online at http://www.scarins.com/.
If you have already purchased insurance in your home country, the insurance company MUST agree to sign the Health Insurance Verification form. All the requirements listed on the form must be met by your insurance. This form must be completed and returned to UFIC. This form can be downloaded from the UFIC website at www.ufic.ufl.edu/sasincoming.htm. Letters or other documentation will NOT be accepted as valid verification of the insurance coverage.
2. Vaccination for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tuberculosis (PPD), meningitis, and hepatitis-B
To verify your vaccinations, you must complete the Immunization form available online at: www.ufic.ufl.edu/oss/incoming.html. You are required to have a doctor/physician provide the dates of your immunizations. To complete the form correctly:
- Two doses of MMR vaccination are accepted by UF (section A). However, your first dose of MMR must have been on or after your 1st birthday and later than 1971. The second dose must have been received at least 30 days after the first and in 1985 or later.
- Tuberculosis test is REQUIRED of all international students. The TB test must have occurred within the last year. The doctor must indicate the date and result of the test. If positive, a chest x-ray is required and the result must be indicated.
- Meningitis and hepatitis B are not required but you must sign and date the waiver form if you have not had these immunizations.
If the UF Student Health Care Center does not accept your immunizations, you will be required to have the necessary vaccinations when you arrive at a cost of $40 or more.
UF Student Health Care Center (Infirmary) top>>
The Student Health Care Center, also known as the Infirmary, is located on campus next to the Florida Gym. The Infirmary is open for regular patient services from 8:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Immunizations Clinic closes at 4:00 during the week before fall and spring semesters.
All students registered for classes are eligible to use the infirmary.
Infirmary services top>>
The Infirmary is staffed with physicians, physician assistants, nurses, psychologists and counselors who assist students in various areas. Students who need help are advised to make appointments by calling 392-1161.
Health Emergencies top>>
If you have a health emergency, you are encouraged to go to the Infirmary on the UF campus first. If the Infirmary is closed, you will have to go to a hospital’s emergency room. Going to the emergency room at a hospital can be very expensive. You should be aware of the policies of your insurance plan regarding coverage for emergency visits to the hospital.
How to Telephone an Ambulance top>>
If someone is not able to take the injured person to the hospital, an ambulance must be called. The all-purpose emergency phone number is: 9-1-1. Because this number is used for health, crime, and fire emergencies, the caller needs to tell the operator which type of emergency it is and give the address.
Emergency Phone Numbers top>>
- Police, Ambulance, or Fire_____ 9-1-1
- UF Infirmary________________ 392-1161
- Shands Hospital______________395-0111
- Poison Information___________ 1-800-282-3171
- University Police Dept.________ 392-1111
- Gainesville Police Dept._______ 374-2400
Pharmacies top>>
It is recommended that you bring a sufficient amount of any prescription drugs you will need during your stay. You should also bring the original boxes for your medications so that you have a list the ingredients for the medication.
The Infirmary has a pharmacy that fills prescriptions issued from the Infirmary but not prescriptions from other health providers. This pharmacy offers many drugs at low costs to students.