Health Center: International Students

Welcome to the University of Portland! The entire Health Center staff is looking forward to your arrival on campus. We look forward to working with you to assist you in meeting your physical, mental, and academic health needs. The Health Center offers a variety of services including primary medical care, mental health counseling, academic support, disability services, and health promotion and education. We invite you to browse our website to discover the services that are available to you as a student at the University of Portland.

HEALTH CENTER REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Health History Form
All students at the University are required to submit a Health History Form and provide, according to State Law, documentation of having received two doses of the measles or MMR vaccine. The online Health History form can be accessed by clicking the link below. Please have your immunization record(s) in hand as it will help expedite the completion of the form. Note: A certified translation of your immunization records must be submitted to the Health Center. You may attach an electronic copy to the online Health History form, send them by mail, or fax them to the Health Center, 503-943-7199.

Click here to access the online Health History form

If you need the Health History form in an accessible format, please contact the Health Center by phone, 503-943-7134 or by email, health@up.edu.

Tuberculosis Screening
The University requires that international students from countries at higher risk for Tuberculosis (TB) be tested for this disease. Click here for the list of countries. A tuberculin skin test (TST or PPD) is acceptable but not the preferred method, because previous BCG vaccination can interfere with the test. The preferred method is the blood test for TB, known as IGRA. Two acceptable versions of this test are the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test or the T-Spot TB test. Tests must be performed by a licensed U.S. health care provider.

Regardless of which test is used, a positive test must be followed by a chest X-ray and a clinical evaluation by a licensed health-care provider to exclude Active Tuberculosis. The result of this testing must be submitted to the University Health Center no later than two weeks into the first semester of attendance.

If you are unable to have this testing done before arriving at UP, the UHC will perform a QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test. The cost of the test is approximately $65. The UHC staff can refer you for a chest x-ray and perform the clinical evaluation, if necessary.

Health Insurance
All full-time undergraduate students are required to carry medical insurance and are automatically enrolled in, and billed for the Aetna Student Health Insurance plan unless you provide proof of comparable health insurance coverage. If you choose to use health insurance from your home country, be sure that it covers medical procedures and exam performed in the U.S. as well as repatriation. 

Students with comparable existing health insurance coverage may opt to waive the health insurance. For instructions on how to waive the Aetna Student Health Insurance, please click here to be directed to the Student Accounts webpage.

Due to the high cost of medical care in the US, we advise all graduate students to enroll in a health insurance plan as well. Graduate students will not be automatically enrolled in the University-sponsored health insurance.

If you would like more information about the Aetna Student Health Insurance plan, please review the 2012-2013 Aetna Student Health Insurance Brochure for a brief overview of coverage. Additional information, brochures, and claim information are available from the Aetna Student Health website - www.aetnastudenthealth.com - or by calling 1-877-373-2756.