HARVARD UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES
Below is a summary of the services available at Harvard University Health Services (HUHS). Students are encouraged to visit website for detailed, up-to-date information, including department locations, phone numbers, and hours of operation; how to make appointments; event listings and announcements; and additional health information and resources.
Services at Holyoke Center include:
- 24-hour urgent care
- Primary care
- Mental health
- Medical/surgical subspecialties
- Pediatrics
Primary care and some mental health services are also available at each of the three satellite clinics located on the Law School, Business School, and Longwood Medical School campuses.
URGENT CARE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Any student experiencing symptoms of a medical emergency (e.g., chest pain, severe shortness of breath) should call 9-1-1 immediately. After-hours and weekend care for non-routine, urgent medical concerns or symptoms is available through the After Hours Urgent Care Clinic.
AFTER HOURS URGENT CARE CLINIC (AHUCC) HUHS
The After Hours Urgent Care Clinic (AHUCC) is open nights, weekends, and holidays. Students can schedule same-day non-routine appointments online through the Patient Login at huhs.harvard.edu beginning at 3:00PM, Monday through Friday. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to call their primary care team or mental health provider for advice during regular office hours.
PRIMARY CARE SERVICES
HUHS is committed to providing each student with complete, coordinated health care through a working relationship with a primary care team comprised of a primary care physician (PCP), nurse practitioner, registered nurses, and health assistants.
Students are assigned a primary care physician (PCP) and primary care team that will provide care through the year. A complete listing of primary care clinicians is available at the HUHS website. Students may change their PCP at any time for any reason by e-mailing Member Services ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) with their selection. Students with chronic medical conditions are advised to establish a relationship with the primary care team early in the academic year. It will be helpful to provide copies of medical records of health care received at other facilities.
REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS
All students are required to comply with the Massachusetts immunization regulations and submit a complete immunization history to Harvard University Health Services prior to registration. NOTE: Incomplete or overdue forms may delay registration. There is a fee for most immunizations.
Travel Health Immunizations and Information
HUHS provides immunizations and related services, including expert counseling and advice for individual travel health needs, on a fee-for-service basis. HUHS recommends scheduling travel health appointments six to eight weeks in advance of travel.
HIV TESTING
HUHS provides confidential HIV testing. For those who would prefer to have anonymous testing, visit the HUHS website or the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts website for suggested locations.
STILLMAN INFIRMARY
Stillman Infirmary provides short-stay care for medical and mental health problems, and certain post-operative cases. Admission to the Stillman Infirmary is based on clinical indications as determined by a student’s primary care team and/or the After Hours Urgent Care Clinic staff.
PATIENT ADVOCATE
The Patient Advocate is available to assist students with any concerns, questions, or comments. All communications are confidential.
SPECIAL NEEDS
HUHS is prepared to meet the general and special health care needs of students. Early contact with a primary care clinician is advised to establish a base for continuity of care during a student’s active stay at Harvard. A variety of access services are available through the Accessible Education Office website, including sign-language and oral interpreters. The Patient Advocate is available to assist individuals with special needs.
OTHER SERVICES
Other services available at Holyoke Center include:
Note: Not all of these services are covered by insurance.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND ACADEMIC COUNSELING SERVICES
Department of Behavioral Health and Academic Counseling
The Department of Behavioral Health and Academic Counseling (BHAC) includes Mental Health Services, Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Bureau of Study Counsel, Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, and the Center for Wellness.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
HUHS Mental Health Services provides coverage to students 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Counseling is available for a wide variety of concerns, including:
- Bereavement
- Transitional issues and adjustment difficulties
- Depression, anxiety, or stress
- Concerns interfering with work or relationships
- Sexual concerns
- High-risk behaviors around food, alcohol and/or other substances
Treatment options include individual psychotherapy, medication management, and group and couples therapy. All visits are confidential and mental health records are held separately from the rest of the medical record, except for information on medications and hospitalizations.
Mental health services are also offered at satellite health clinics on the Harvard Law School, Business School, and Longwood Medical Area campuses.
OFFICE OF ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUG SERVICES
The Office of Alcohol & Other Drug Services (AODS) is a resource for students offering a wide range of programs and services aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with heavy, episodic drinking and substance abuse. AODS collaborates with students and staff throughout the University to create a comprehensive program focused on the health and safety of Harvard students.
Center for Academic and Personal Development
Please see website or Chapter 11: Academic Resources for more information.
OFFICE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE
24-hour response line: 617-495-9100
The Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (OSAPR) provides confidential, 24-hour information, assistance, and support for those who have experienced sexual assault and related forms of interpersonal violence, including sexual harassment and relationship abuse. Services provided by HUHS and OSAPR include:
- Transportation to Harvard-affiliated hospitals and coordination of follow-up care as appropriate
- Assistance with resource referrals
- Explanation of options for medical and mental health care, reporting, and adjudication
- Consultation and support for friends, partners, and other relations of sexual assault survivors
- Educating the Harvard community about sexual assault, its prevention, and its impact
Students may access these services by calling or visiting the Office. All communications and services are completely confidential and no information about the victim will be reported to the police unless the victim requests it.
CENTER FOR WELLNESS
The Center for Wellness (CFW) offers a unique way to cultivate your overall well-being through holistic services, innovative programs, and community outreach. The CFW offers individual treatments, such as acupuncture, massage, reiki, and shiatsu. Programs include movement/exercise, yoga, safety classes, and special workshops and events throughout the year.
IN COMMON
617-384-TALK
In Common is the peer counseling support line for Harvard’s graduate and professional schools. In Common offers support, and acts as a referral service for students who are dealing with a wide range of issues such as loneliness and alienation, uncertainty about careers, academic or financial problems, or difficulties in relationships. No issue is too big or too small.
In Common is staffed by current Harvard graduate and professional school students. The line is open throughout the academic year. Calls are anonymous and confidential; caller ID is not used. Student volunteers are trained and supervised by professionals from Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) and the Bureau of Study Counsel. Volunteers are recruited each fall; e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 384-TALK for information.
HARVARD UNIVERSITY STUDENT HEALTH PROGRAM (HUSHP)
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MASSACHUSETTS INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
Massachusetts law requires that students enrolled in an institution of higher learning in Massachusetts participate in a student health insurance program or in a health benefit plan with comparable coverage. All Harvard students are automatically enrolled in the Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) and the cost of the program is applied to their term bill.
HARVARD UNIVERSITY STUDENT HEALTH Program(HUSHP)
Student Health Fee: Required of all students who are more than half time and studying in Massachusetts. This fee covers most services at Harvard University Health Services, including internal medicine, medical/surgical specialty care, mental health/counseling services, physical therapy, radiology, Stillman Infirmary, and 24/7 urgent care.
Student Health Insurance Plan: Provides hospital/specialty care through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and prescription drug coverage through Medco. Coverage includes emergency room visits, hospitalizations, diagnostic lab/radiology services, ambulatory surgery, specialty care outside HUHS (limited). Benefit limits and cost-sharing may apply—visit the HUSHP website for more details.
HUSHP STUDENT DEPENDENT COVERAGE
Students may enroll their spouse/same-sex partner and/or unmarried dependent children (under age 19) in HUSHP. Enrollment and renewal for dependents is not automatic. Rates, enrollment forms, and deadlines are available on the HUSHP website.
WAIVING INSURANCE COVERAGE
Students enrolled in a comparable health insurance plan may be eligible to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan. Waivers must be completed by the appropriate deadline or the charges will remain on your term bill. The deadline to waive is August 31, 2012, for the fall term (or full academic year), and by February 28, 2013 for the spring term.
- Before waiving, carefully evaluate whether your existing health plan will provide adequate, comprehensive coverage in the Boston area. View the website to review a waiver checklist for guidance. You will be fully responsible for all medical claims and prescription drug costs if you waive the insurance plan.
- International students studying on campus at Harvard are not eligible to waive the insurance plan with foreign insurance, including those with a US-based administrator. This is a requirement pursuant to the Massachusetts student health program regulations.
DENTAL CARE
Dental care is available at the HUHS Dental Service; discounted rates are available to students. A separate dental insurance plan is available through Delta Dental. Visit the HUSHP website for more information. Coverage is effective from October 1, 2012–September 30, 2013. Enrollment and renewal are not automatic; the deadline for both is September 30, 2012.
SPECIAL STUDENT STATUS
Special students are automatically enrolled in the HUSHP. If students have their own health insurance coverage, they may qualify to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan.
VISITING FELLOW STATUS
Visiting fellows are automatically enrolled in the HUSHP. If students have their own health insurance coverage, they may qualify to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan.
PART-TIME STUDENTS
Part-time students are automatically enrolled in the HUSHP. Those registered as half-time or less are eligible to waive the Student Health Fee, but must also waive the Student Health Insurance Plan if they elect to do so.
NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
Traveling Scholar
Traveling scholars are automatically enrolled in the HUSHP. If students have comparable health insurance coverage, they may qualify to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan. Additionally, they are also eligible to waive the Student Health Fee.
Leave of absence
HUSHP coverage will be impacted by taking a leave of absence. Students should refer to the Leave of Absence policy on the HUSHP website or contact
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for more details.
Leaving mid-term
HUSHP coverage will be impacted for students leaving mid-term. Students should refer to the Leave of Absence policy on the HUSHP website or contact
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for more details.
Returning mid-term
HUSHP coverage will be impacted for students returning mid-term. Students should contact
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for more details.
WITHDRAWAL
HUSHP coverage will be impacted for students withdrawing at any time from the University. Students should refer to the Withdrawal policy on the HUSHP website or contact
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for more details.
EXCHANGE SCHOLARS
GSAS Exchange Scholars visiting other universities
Exchange Scholars from GSAS visiting other universities are automatically enrolled in the HUSHP. If students have their own health insurance coverage, they may qualify to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan. Additionally, they are also eligible to waive the Student Health Fee.
Exchange Scholars from other universities visiting GSAS
Exchange Scholars visiting GSAS from other universities are automatically enrolled in the HUSHP. If students have their own health insurance coverage, they may qualify to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students who are not permanent residents of the US must carry Harvard-sponsored health insurance covering him or herself. Students with J-1 visas are required to purchase coverage for their families as well, and it is strongly recommended that international students with other visas do so.
GRADUATING STUDENTS
Student health insurance benefits expire on the last day of coverage for the term in which the student is registered (fall term: 1/31, spring term: 7/31). Students are advised to make arrangements in advance of graduation. For more information on options that are available, visit HUSHP website.
November degree students
Insurance coverage for students receiving PhD or terminal master’s degrees in November who have registered either in residence or for non-residence for the fall term is dependent upon the timing of the dissertation submission (the Registrar’s Office will contact registered November degree candidates regarding this issue.) For those November degree candidates who do not register for the fall term, their health coverage will have ended July 31. They will be financially responsible for all medical services incurred after this date.
March degree students
For students receiving terminal degrees in March, the Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) will be canceled for the spring term and their coverage will end at the end of the fall term (January 31).
May degree students
Coverage will end on July 31 for students receiving terminal degrees in May who are enrolled in the Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) in the spring term.