University Health & Counseling (UHC) is the student health center on campus, and it provides comprehensive outpatient medical services, as well as Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) to all students. UHC can help you if you have questions about health care services and insurance options for your University of Michigan student.

If your student is coming to campus with a previously diagnosed ongoing medical or mental health disorder, please encourage them to connect with UHC early into their time at Michigan and establish a relationship with a primary care provider, counselor, or other specialist.

Unlike many other health care institutions, students with managed care insurance are not required to obtain prior authorization from their primary care physician before seeking care at UHC. However, students should know their insurance information, as well as their medical history and health status. These are important steps as students start to take responsibility for their own health care.

Students have no out-of-pocket costs for all services through CAPS (counseling), most medical clinic visits, 24/7 nurse and mental health advice, and more. These services are covered by a health service fee (HSF), which is automatically included in tuition.

Some services, such as immunizations, prescriptions, imaging, and most labs will be billed to insurance or require out-of-pocket payment. Laboratory testing for common STI tests (chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, mycoplasma genitalium, syphilis, and trichomonas) and hormonal testing for trans care are not billed.

Having personal health insurance is important for services not covered by the HSF and for emergencies when students need to seek care outside of UHC. Students are responsible for any costs incurred for the medical care they receive outside UHC, including through Michigan Medicine (the University of Michigan's hospital), as well as urgent care visits, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or ambulance service. Dental services are not covered under the health service fee, but they are available through the Michigan Dental School at reduced rates.

We encourage domestic students who do not have health insurance to consider enrolling in the Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan (DSHIP). DSHIP is an affordable plan designed especially for college students and is offered through Blue Care Network of Michigan, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield.

University of Michigan F-1 or J-1 international students are required to have health insurance that meets the University's standards. Health insurance coverage is coordinated through the U-M International Center.

If your student needs to visit an emergency room, students under the age of 21 should visit the emergency room at Mott Children's Hospital. Students 21 and older should go to the emergency room at the University Hospital.

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) provides services to students with visual impairments, learning disabilities, mobility impairments, and hearing impairments. SSD also serves students with chronic health problems or psychological disabilities. SSD can help facilitate services such as accessible campus transportation, adaptive technology, sign language and oral interpreting, readers and other volunteers, guidance for course accommodations, and requests to modify degree requirements. All services are free of charge.

Dental services are also available on campus through the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. The School of Dentistry students and faculty offer a wide variety of services, which serve the needs of most undergraduate students. Students can visit the School of Dentistry for regular examinations, x-rays, teeth cleaning, and more. 

A critical incident is an emergent situation impacting a student's U-M experience that requires swift, supportive, student-centered, direct intervention to seek a resolution or address the issue that is impacting the student. A student of concern is a person who has demonstrated concerning behaviors that are having an impact on their campus life or a student who experiences a critical incident and needs assistance or support. Critical incidents may include (but are not limited to): academic distress due to personal issues, emergency or crisis situations, medical illness/injury, mental health needs, death or serious illness of a family member, personal safety needs, and more. 

The Dean of Students Office (DOS) provides support and coordinates University assistance for students of concern. DOS staff members will work with students of concern who come in to the Dean of Students Office and/or who are brought to the DOS' attention by family members, students, and other campus and community members. Critical incident case management will involve on-going interventions with a student, the creation of direct connections with campus and community resources, and continuous follow-up until the issue is addressed or resolved appropriately.