University of Delaware Student Health Services: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of Delaware (UD) is committed to supporting its students' health, wellness, and overall ability to thrive. Student Health Services (SHS) plays a vital role in this commitment, providing a range of medical and well-being services to the student population. This article delves into the various aspects of UD's Student Health Services, including its leadership, services offered, accessibility initiatives, insurance requirements, and additional resources available to students.
Leadership and Vision
Dr. Kelly Frick, appointed as the medical director and director of Student Health Services in November 2021, has been instrumental in shaping the department's vision and services. Having joined the University of Delaware in 2016, Dr. Frick has focused on strengthening relationships with other university departments and the Delaware Division of Public Health. Her leadership was particularly evident during the school's response to COVID-19, where she played a crucial role in navigating the challenges and ensuring student safety.
Dr. Frick's approach is characterized by a commitment to eliminating barriers for students seeking healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of teaching students to be advocates for their own health, fostering a "get well, be well, stay well" mentality. This involves not only addressing immediate health concerns but also equipping students with the skills to maintain their well-being throughout their lives.
A Unique Patient Population
Dr. Frick highlights the unique nature of working with the university student population. It involves being both a physician and an educator. Many students are navigating the healthcare system independently for the first time, making the experience a crucial opportunity for growth and learning. Witnessing this growth and empowering students to take control of their health is a particularly rewarding aspect of working at SHS.
Accessibility and Enhanced Services
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, Student Health Services has undertaken several initiatives to make its services more inviting and convenient for students.
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Centralized Waiting Areas
One significant improvement has been the redesign of waiting areas. Previously, services were partitioned, with separate waiting rooms for different clinics like psychiatry and women's health. This layout could inadvertently make students feel exposed or embarrassed when seeking specific services. To address this, SHS centralized its waiting spaces into a first-floor and second-floor waiting room, eliminating labels and creating a more welcoming and discreet environment.
Well-being Vending Machines
In partnership with the Graduate Student Government and other well-being units, SHS has introduced well-being vending machines on campus. These machines provide convenient access to a variety of resources, including over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, emergency contraception, condoms, and opioid rescue kits. They also offer practical items such as thermometers, COVID and flu tests, and pregnancy tests. Strategically located in the student center, these vending machines offer students access to these resources at more convenient hours.
Parking and Transportation
Student Wellbeing offers a limited number of parking spots in Lot 32 specifically for patients using services within Laurel Hall and/or Warner Hall. Additional parking is available in Passport parking spots on the west side of the Warner Hall building. Students with ADA/handicapped placards or license plates can park in designated service vehicle spaces, Passport spaces, and ADA/handicapped spaces with a central permit. For those without a central permit, Passport parking spots are available. A convenient UD Shuttle Bus stop on South College Avenue provides easy access to Student Health Service and Warner Hall. The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) operates DART First State, offering a statewide network of transportation options for students.
Health Insurance Requirements
The University of Delaware partners with Highmark and University Health Plans (UHP) to provide health insurance coverage for its students. Maintaining comprehensive health insurance that meets UD's requirements is mandatory for all full-time domestic undergraduate students (12+ Credits), international students on an F1, F2, J1, or J2 visa, contracted graduate students, and full-time domestic graduate students (9+ Credits).
Enrollment and Waiver Process
Eligible students are automatically charged for the UD Plan on their student bill. Students can confirm their enrollment by completing the enrollment form. Those who wish to waive the UD Plan must complete the waiver form by the specified deadline. Failure to submit a waiver by the deadline results in automatic enrollment in the UD Plan and responsibility for the premium.
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UD Plan Coverage
The 2025-2026 UD Plan, insured by Highmark, complies with the Affordable Care Act benefit requirements and provides access to Highmark's national PPO network of providers. Students do not need to select a primary care provider, and referrals are generally not required.
Waiver Requirements
To be eligible for a waiver, a student's existing health insurance plan must be a comprehensive plan filed and approved in the United States, compliant with the Affordable Care Act benefit requirements. Out-of-state Medicaid (except NJ, PA, and MD) and many out-of-state HMO or EPO plans may not provide comprehensive out-of-area coverage.
International Student Requirements
All UD international students must be insured with a health insurance plan that is filed and approved in the United States, complies with the Affordable Care Act benefit requirements, and includes at least $50,000 in coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation. International students are generally required to accept enrollment in the UD Plan, with limited exceptions for those covered by an Embassy-Sponsored Plan, US Employer-Sponsored Plan, or US Health Insurance Marketplace Plan.
Coverage Activation
To activate coverage on the UD Plan, students need to complete the online enrollment form. Online-only degree programs, part-time students, and non-contracted sustaining students are not eligible for this plan. Students must maintain eligibility for the UD Plan to remain enrolled for Spring 2026 coverage.
Dependent Coverage
Students enrolled in the UD Plan can also purchase coverage for their eligible dependents by submitting the Dependent Enrollment Form. Coverage for dependents terminates when the student's coverage terminates or when the paid premium coverage period ends.
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Postdoctoral Fellows
Eligible Postdoctoral Fellows (Post Docs) can voluntarily purchase coverage for themselves and their eligible dependents. Payment must be made in full by credit card at the time of enrollment.
Voluntary Dental and Vision Plans
The university also offers voluntary dental and vision plans to all matriculated students, postdoctoral fellows, and their eligible dependents. Information on enrollment, premium, coverage periods, benefits, and participating providers can be found on the Student Health Services website.
A Collaborative Environment
The team at SHS is dedicated to student success, fostering a collaborative environment across all well-being units. This collaborative spirit creates a rewarding workplace where everyone is focused on supporting students' overall well-being.
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