Students walking near Nicholson Health Center

International Students Health Requirements

Welcome to the University of New Haven. The University's Student Health Center, powered by Yale New Haven Health, is one of many free services available to students. Please know that we are here to help you be healthy and successful while you are a student here. To help you prepare for arrival we provide this important information:

Required Documents

Universities in the United States are required to secure documents from all full-time students. Additionally, the state of Connecticut requires all universities to maintain certain health standards. A current health history form should be completed and submitted to the University Health Center prior to course registration and to be cleared for campus housing.

The information provided on the form remains confidential to the University Health Center.

Required Vaccinations

  • Valid MMR injections (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) two injections are required or blood test proving immunity. Injections given before first birthday or prior to January 1, 1969 are not valid.
  • Varicella (chickenpox) two doses of vaccine or history of disease with date or titre (blood test) proving immunity. Forms can be mailed or faxed to health services. We are unable to receive scanned emailed forms.
  • Meningitis (mcv4 serogroup A, C, Y and w135) vaccination is required for all student who plan on living in university owned housing. This injection must be given within the past 5 years.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) screening form: If you answer yes to any questions, a PPD or QuantiFERON TB gold test is required within 12 months of enrollment. The majority of international students will require a TB test.

Please submit all of these completed medical forms to us by US Mail or through MyChart. Make sure to keep a copy for your own records and bring it with you to the USA. Remember we must receive completed forms before you can move into campus housing, and before you can register for your courses.

More information and instructions about required forms can be found on our Forms page.

Recommended Checklist

In addition to the required physical exam, we recommend international students take care of the following things before traveling to the U.S. because certain procedures are not covered under most insurance plans in the U.S:

  • Get a dental check up and get any needed work done
  • Have an eye exam, and if needed, get new lenses. Bring your prescription with you in case you unexpectedly need to replace lenses.
  • Refill your prescriptions and if you need to refill it again in the U.S. bring the doctor’s prescription with you.

A completed health history form is required for all international students.

International Student Health Insurance

The U.S. healthcare system can be complicated. There are no public health options for international students. International students cannot access healthcare without having a private health insurance policy. Please ensure that you receive all the required vaccines from your physician to avoid unnecessary expenses upon entering the U.S. The following video briefly explains the U.S healthcare system and why an adequate health insurance policy is necessary.



US Healthcare System Overview from International Student Insurance on Vimeo.

University of New Haven Student Health Insurance Plan

All full-time graduate and undergraduate international students are required to have University health insurance. International students may not submit an online waiver. The exception to this policy would be for students who are sponsored by their government, such as SACM, and the sponsor has demonstrated that sufficient health coverage is already provided to the students. The University insurance plan is United Healthcare. Click here for information regarding the coverage provided by the University insurance plan.

J-1 Research Scholars must purchase insurance for themselves and their family members to meet the standards dictated by the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program. Click here for more information.

Healthcare Resources

For international students new to the U.S., here are some tips on how to find health care:

How To Find Healthcare