Illinois State University Student Health Services: A Comprehensive Guide
Maintaining good health is essential for academic success and overall well-being. Illinois State University (ISU) recognizes this and provides a comprehensive range of health services for its students through Student Health Services (SHS). This article provides detailed information about the services offered, immunization requirements, insurance policies, and other important aspects of student health at ISU.
Accreditation and Commitment to Quality
Student Health Services is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This accreditation signifies that SHS meets nationally recognized standards for outpatient health care, demonstrating the staff's commitment to providing quality healthcare to students.
Services Offered
Student Health Services offers a wide array of services to address the diverse health needs of ISU students:
- STI Testing: SHS provides convenient STI lab-only appointments, eliminating the need for an initial consultation with a healthcare provider. Students can schedule an appointment to submit a specimen, and the SHS laboratory processes most STI results in-house.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: SHS offers reduced-price over-the-counter medications for students, ensuring access to affordable healthcare essentials.
- Prescription Transfers: Students can conveniently transfer their prescriptions to the SHS pharmacy.
- Flu Shots: SHS offers FREE flu shots to all ISU-eligible students, promoting preventative care and protecting the campus community from seasonal illnesses.
- Alternate Treatment Site: Student Health Services is a designated alternate treatment site.
Collaboration with Exercise is Medicine
Student Health Services collaborates with Exercise is Medicine, a program offered in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation, to provide free fitness assessments. This partnership aims to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Immunization Requirements
All students who enroll at Illinois State University are required by state law to verify their immunization history. Health Services prefers that you submit the Immunization History Form, which can be downloaded and submitted on the Student Health Services Immunization Requirements webpage. Health Services will also accept Immunization Records from your home country physician, but the original signed document must be in English. For more information regarding the mandatory TB Screening, please visit Student Health Services Immunization Requirements webpage. You can schedule your TB Screening by calling (309) 438-2778 or visiting the Student Services Building.
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Health Insurance Requirements
Healthcare in the United States can be very expensive, which is why all Illinois State students are required to maintain proper immunizations/vaccinations and health insurance.
- Automatic Enrollment: All Illinois State students who enroll in at least 9 credit hours (Fall/Spring) or 6 credits (Summer) are automatically enrolled in the University's Student Health Insurance.
- Coverage for Dependents: Dependents (spouse/children) are not covered by Illinois State University's Student Health Insurance.
- Alternative Insurance Options: Students may choose to use insurance from their home country or from a private company within the US. To use alternative insurance, students must prove that it is as good as, or better than, Illinois State's plan by providing detailed information in English (like a policy plan or brochure detailing the coverage) to the University's Student Health Insurance Office. If the insurance is satisfactory, students will be allowed to cancel their automatic Illinois State coverage by completing a form.
Accessing Healthcare Services
- Student Health Services: Current international students should visit Student Health Services for non-urgent and sick care during clinic hours. Even if you are using outside health insurance not provided by ISU, you may still be able to use Student Health Services.
- Local Healthcare Facilities: Students can also utilize local healthcare facilities. One good place to start is discussing with your insurance company which providers are in your network and covered by your insurance.
- Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care: The emergency room is for life-threatening, truly emergent health circumstances outside of your control. Non-life-threatening health conditions should be treated at an urgent care facility. OSF St. Joseph Medical Center and other facilities are available in the Bloomington-Normal area.
Absence Policies
A courtesy absence notice is not required by the University and does not excuse students. Faculty retain that authority in most cases. University policies override faculty decisions on student absences only for (1) bereavement due to the loss of a family member, (2) an isolation/quarantine period due to a communicable disease, (3) military duty/training obligations, (4) fulfillment of a religious obligation, and (5) participation in university sanctioned/directed activities (i.e.
Reporting Concerns
When deciding whether to report an incident or issue, you are welcome to contact professionals from any of these offices to receive consultation and advice. Supporting students and protecting our campus is everyone’s responsibility.
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