As a Berkeley Global student, you cannot use the Tang Center for medical services. However, you can take advantage of its Counseling and Psychological Services.

Yes. There is no exclusion for COVID-19. Hospital stays, doctor visits and medications are covered at the same rate no matter what illness you have. Check out Anthem's helpful guide about COVID-19 health plan benefits. 

Yes. Your Anthem plan covers you anywhere in the U.S. Please use the "Find Care" search feature if you need medical help while outside of the Bay Area.

Note: Outside of California, Anthem is called "Blue Cross/Blue Shield."

Yes, but only for emergencies and not when you are in your home country. Travel insurance is included in your Anthem Plan and is offered through GeoBlue Global.

More information can be found online about the Anthem Plan.

GeoBlue Global Health and Safety contact information 24/7 help center:

U.S.: +1-833-511-4763

Note: This does not replace your health insurance. If you have specific health insurance questions, please contact Anthem directly.

1. Be sure to refill your medicine and bring a copy of your prescription, translated into English, in case you need a refill while you are here. You can read more about bringing medicine into the U.S. here.
2. Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses and any other eyewear you might need for your time in the U.S.
3. Check with your dentist before leaving for the U.S. as you will not have dental coverage here.

Students must comply with the requirements listed on the UC Berkeley University Health Services page, and must meet all deadlines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

The University of California strongly recommends students who are accessing campus facilities at any UC location to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The University’s requirement is to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines per the CDC guidance or submission of a declination form on eTang. You may read the full policy here.

Note: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to enter the U.S.

The list of acceptable vaccines is as follows:

• Pfizer-BioNTech
• Moderna/Spikevax
• Novavax

Immunization Requirements

Berkeley Global students are required to have the following immunizations:

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): a booster vaccine every 10 years for adults
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4)
• Tuberculosis (TB) blood or skin test
  • The first step for TB clearance is submitting the TB Screening Questions on the “Medical Clearances” page on eTang. Once you have submitted the TB Screening Questions, you will get a notification if there are additional steps you need to take (such as submitting TB test results, etc).

Please review the Mandatory TB & Immunizations Program website for the steps you need to complete and deadline information.

Upload your immunization records and enter your immunization dates on the "Medical Clearances" page on eTang.

We encourage you to start this process early as you may be required to complete additional steps prior to arrival on campus.

Getting immunizations in your country before you come to Berkeley is best, but you can also arrange a medical appointment for these after you arrive here. Your student medical insurance covers the cost of the above immunizations.

Other immunizations that we strongly recommend are:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Tuberculosis BCG Vaccine
• Polio
• Meningococcal B
• Pneumococcal (PSV13 and/or PPSV23)

You can receive the following vaccinations at any CVS or Walgreens pharmacy: flu shots, the HPV series, Hepatitis, Meningitis, MMR and Chickenpox. Other vaccinations can be administered by a general physician.

An appointment may be necessary to receive a vaccination at a pharmacy. You will need to present your health insurance ID card.

If you would like to arrange a physical exam before taking any immunization, you can book an appointment with a general-practice physician.

Vaccinations and physical exams are covered by your student health insurance plan's preventive-care benefit. Bring your insurance card to your medical visit.

Yes, you may request to be waived of the school plan if you can provide proof of an equivalent alternative. To view deadlines and request a health insurance waiver, submit the Health Insurance Waiver Request Form. Note: Please use your UC Berkeley CalNet to log in to access the Health Insurance Waiver form. Submit proof of insurance that meets all minimum criteria (PDF) before the deadline.

Questions? Contact International Student Services (ISS) at visiting-intl@berkeley.edu.