Helpful points before coming to Ohio State
- Bring any medical information and any information about long-term health problems with you with an English translation (for example prescription information, previous chest x-rays, vaccines). There are no immunization requirements for most students entering The Ohio State University. However, depending on the program you enter, there may be requirements for that program. For example, most of the health professional schools, like medicine and nursing, have extensive requirements. If this is a medicine that you need to take regularly, make sure that your doctor sends you with an adequate supply until you can be seen at the Student Health Center or another clinic.
- If you take medications, talk with your physician to translate the drug into English or at least know the class of drug in English.
- If you have had a Tuberculosis (TB) skin test, Ohio State requires an intradermal test (Mantoux), read by a nurse or doctor, with an actual measurement in millimeters documented (not just "Positive" or "Negative"). Any negative test must be within the last twelve months to be accepted. ANY documented previous positive test is important and students who have tested positive should bring card and/or x-ray to the screening and the health center staff will give further instructions. Students with a previous positive test will not need to repeat the skin test, but will still need to complete the health screening, so that x-ray information can be reviewed, or a new chest x-ray obtained. Ohio State will accept previous chest x-rays for those who have tested positive in the past or who test positive at our testing. The x-ray report must be in English, identified with the patient’s name, and dated within the last twelve months. An x-ray alone does not replace the TB skin test.
- If you have an immunization record, Ohio State appreciates your bringing it with you; but we do not have a special form that needs to be completed before arrival.
- While there are no requirements other than the above, there are a few recommended immunizations to consider, if you have access to them. You should discuss with your doctor whether you need a Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine, and/or the Hepatitis B vaccine series. Student Health also recommends influenza vaccinations for most students, especially those with lung diseases in the past. Those with Student Health Insurance coverage can get an influenza vaccination for free during the programs in the autumn quarter. If you want the other vaccines, but are unable to complete them before your departure for Ohio State, they can certainly discuss them with you here at Student Health Services on campus. You will receive more information about the health screening during check-in.
- IMPORTANT: TB testing can be blocked by live vaccines, such as MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) and Yellow Fever. These vaccines should be administered at least four weeks before your arrival at Ohio State. If it is not possible for you to get these vaccines that early and you do need them, please discuss these vaccines with the Health Center during your health screening.
Health Screening
- Please note that the university also requires all international students entering Ohio State with an F-1 or J-1 visa to undergo a brief health screening through Student Health Services at the Wilce Student Health Center. The screening will include questions about any medical conditions you have, what medications you are currently taking, and what allergies to medications you have, if any. Depending on risk factors, students may be required to get a TB test and if necessary, a chest x-ray. You will be scheduled for your health screening during check-in.
- You will be given a time for your screening during check-in at International Affairs. Failure to complete this screening will result in not being able to register for classes in later quarters. The screening is free to students who are enrolled in the Ohio State Student Health Insurance plan and who attend during their required screening day and time.
Health Insurance
- All international students are required to purchase Ohio State Student Health Insurance and are automatically enrolled in the Comprehensive Plan which includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. Very few exceptions are made to this policy; the only exceptions considered are for international students who are:
- Fully financially sponsored (including tuition, living expenses, medical expenses, etc.) by a government sponsor.
- Fully financially sponsored (including tuition, living expenses, medical expenses, etc.) by a select international organization.
- Covered as a U.S.-based employee (or a dependent of a U.S.-based employee) under U.S.-based health insurance.
- In the U.S., the government does not pay for health care. Students must pay for every doctor’s or hospital visit. Health care in the U.S. is very expensive. A visit to the doctor’s office might cost $50 - $150. A trip to the hospital room for a broken arm can cost $400 - $500. Childbirth expenses cost approximately $6,000. Medical problems can result in debt so extensive that a student might not be able to continue his or her studies.
- Since medical costs are so high, it is necessary to buy health insurance and make monthly or quarterly payments to the insurance company, and then the company pays most of the medical bills. All family members also need to have health insurance. Family members on the J-2 visa are required by law to have health insurance.
- OSU Student Health Insurance
- The quarterly cost for OSU student health insurance is added to your tuition and fee statement. The costs for the 2011-2012 academic year are:
- Single Student $535 per quarter
- Student and Spouse/Domestic Partner $1,561 per quarter
- Student and Children $1,581 per quarter
- Student, Spouse and Children $2,135 per quarter
- The OSU Student Health Insurance policy coverage begins seven days before the first day of the quarter if your first quarter of enrollment is autumn quarter. All other quarters, coverage starts on the first day of classes.
- New International Students may purchase the interim insurance plan which covers the student for 30 days before the first quarter coverage begins. The rate is $179 (for single student coverage). If interested, please submit the Interim Insurance Request Form. Please contact the Student Health Insurance office at (614) 688-7979 or
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if you have questions about interim coverage.
- This insurance plan is administered through Gallagher Koster Insurance Agency. Please contact this insurance agancy regarding specific questions about the insurance. The phone number is 1-800-254-2461 or
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. (Please be sure JavaScript is enabled to view the e-mail address.)
- For more information on OSU Student Health Insurance and this requirement, please see the Student Health Insurance Program.
Health Care Services
- Wilce Student Health Center
- All enrolled OSU students may use the Center located at 1875 Millikin Road. The Center provides a full range of services including:
- General medical care
- Some dental care
- Gynecological services
- Optometry examinations
- Pharmacy
- Physical therapy/sports medicine
- Laboratory services
- Radiology services
- Allergy/immunizations
- To schedule an appointment, please call (614) 292-4321.
- Please note that spouses and children who are not students at Ohio State cannot use the Center. Please refer to Health Care Services.
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Life at Ohio State 
