Skip to main content

Health Insurance and Requirements

Immunizations and Health Forms Required for Registration

All international students are required by SUNY policies to submit certain health forms before their arrival to the United States.

Students will need to complete their required Tuberculosis Screening Form and submit their immunization/vaccination records (in English). Visit Student Information to review all the requirements. Students that are required to have a Tuberculin skin test (PPD) should have the form completed by a doctor and return it to the International Programs Office.

Although the United States Embassy may advise students that they do not need two measles shots, it is not the case in New York state.

SUNY Cortland requires all international students to have a physical examination completed and signed by a qualified doctor.

  • Immunization requirements include Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Meningitis.
  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella requirements are met through one of the following:
    • Born before 1/1/1957 or
    • Two doses of MMR vaccine or
    • Two doses of Measles and one dose of Mumps and one dose of Rubella vaccines or
    • Documented (by written proof from a physician) history of the disease(s) or
    • Blood titers showing immunity (proof of vaccination is preferred over using titers).
  • The Meningitis immunization requirement is met by providing proof of immunization within 5 years OR by completing the meningitis vaccine waiver form (available with the other online forms on the Student Health Web Portal).

Additional Requirements

You must complete the following Tuberculosis Screening Form and on the Student Health Web Portal.  A Tuberculin skin test (PPD) must be performed, only if you are from, or have spent time in, a high risk country as defined by the CDC, WHO and the American College Health Association.

The list of "High Incidence" countries is included on the TB Screening form on the portal, or you can see the most recent lists at the World Health Organization website.

Students should submit proof of meeting all of the above requirements prior to starting classes.  If, after some time, a student fails to submit these forms, SUNY Cortland will be required by law to de-register the student.  Fees apply for re-registering after late submission of forms.

Mandatory Health Insurance

Per State University of New York policy, all international student students must purchase a SUNY International Student Health insurance.

  • Students will be automatically enrolled in United HealthCare (UHC) international insurance plan during a time frame after their active class registration takes place each semester. Students will be billed $1,066.00.
  • The insurance plan coverage will include benefits for medical evacuation and repatriation.
  • Each semester, once the enrollment process is complete, you will receive email notification from United HealthCare StudentResources (UHCSR). The welcome email will come from notifications@uhcsr.com
    The email will contain information needed to register on their website.
  • The United HealthCare StudentResources website allows students to print their insurance ID card, access their user guide and coverage certificates, search for a participating medical provider anywhere worldwide, access prescription medication translation guides, follow claims processing status for claims submitted on their behalf by their medical providers as well as other services.

NOTE: SUNY insurance carries an annual deductible provision. This means you pay a one-time fee of $200.00 the first time you use an outside provider. If you are referred to an outside provider by Student Health Services, the deductible is waived. So, be sure to go to Student Health Services first, before going to see another doctor (except in an emergency, of course).  SUNY Insurance does not cover routine optical or dental needs.

A Note for Athletes on College Teams

The SUNY international health insurance plan now covers most injuries that can be sustained during the practice or play of interscholastic sports, meaning one of the official College, NCAA teams, not just the club sports. SUNY UHC plans meets all NCAA requirements. Please contact the International Programs Office if you have further questions.

**Disclaimer (per SUNY Policy):  “Neither the State of New York, through its agents, nor the State University of New York through its agents and employees, is responsible in any manner whatsoever for the payment of any claim for health-related services provided to individuals covered under this insurance policy.  The State of New York and State University of New York are not responsible for obligations incurred by individuals who are not covered by this insurance policy.  All individuals participating in State University’s health insurance program described herein are responsible for reviewing all descriptions of the scope and level of coverage offered by this policy.  Such participants will be solely responsible for obtaining additional coverage not provided under this program if such is deemed necessary by the participant.”   - SUNY Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Graduate Studies, and Professional Programs and Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business, Memorandum to Presidents, “Guidelines for the Implementation of Health Insurance Coverage for International Exchange, Research, and Study Programs, Vol. 86, No. 9, June 5, 1986.