FAQs for First-Year Students
What if I need medical treatment when UHS is closed?
Is UHS open during the summer and on breaks?
What types of services does UHS offer?
Do I need health insurance for any of this?
Can I be excused from class with a note from UHS?
Who is eligible to use UHS?
UHS services are open to all enrolled UW-Madison students.
How much does UHS cost?
Our services are already paid for by the Student Segregated Fees, so most services are free. However, some services require an additional payment: massages, most immunizations (excluding flu shots), and splints and braces.
Do I need an appointment?
Most medical services require an appointment. Schedule an appointment by phone (608.265.5600) or through MyUHS. For mental health services, just drop-in M-F between 9 am and 4 pm for an initial consultation – no appointment needed.
What if I need medical treatment when UHS is closed?
- If you think your situation is life threatening, please call 911.
- For mental health emergencies, call 608-265-5600 (select option 9). This service line is always available—including weekends, holidays, semester breaks, and all summer long!
- If you need urgent medical advice, call 608-265-5600 (select option 1).
Is UHS open during the summer and on breaks?
Yes. If you are enrolled in classes for any summer session at UW–Madison, you do not have to pay the Summer Health Fee. If you are not enrolled during the summer, the Summer Health Fee ($86.00) will provide access to our services between May and August. UHS is open during its usual weekly hours during Winter or Spring break.
What types of services does UHS offer?
UHS provides a wide range of medical, mental, health counseling, prevention and wellness services to help our students be healthy and academically successful. We strive to promote and protect the health of our campus community, so that our students can thrive in all aspects of their lives. Here are some of our key counseling, personal wellness, and medical services:
Freshman year can be particularly stressful because of all the adjustments you have to make. Our experienced staff can help with a variety of issues that may be interfering with your happiness or academic performance. Each student will start with an Access Consultation to assess which services would be best for you. Our services include:
- Counseling for individuals, groups or couples/partners
- Substance use assessment and treatment
- Let’s Talk: an informal program that offers free, drop-in appointments to chat with professionals about problems you may be facing. This is perfect if you aren’t sure about counseling or you are not interested in ongoing counseling.
There is more to health than just eating right and exercising. Personal wellness is about balance and UHS can help you find that perfect spot! Check out our wellness services including:
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Meditation
- Stress management
- Yoga and more!
Students can expect a range of medical services: immunizations, physical therapy, primary care, psychiatric services, sexual health, and women’s health. A few to note:
- Free STI testing
- Free condoms at the 5th floor desk!
- Free flu shots
Do I need health insurance for any of this?
You don’t need health insurance to use our services, but UHS is not a substitute for health insurance. UHS isn’t open evenings and weekends and doesn’t provide emergency care, hospitalization, or specialty care for complex problems. Just think about it, a trip to the emergency room can easily cost as much as a nice laptop. If you don’t have health insurance, one option is SHIP, the Student Health Insurance Plan. It's a comprehensive plan that covers you while you’re here at school, while you’re at home, or interning in another city. Visit SHIP to find out more and apply.
Will my parents find out that I've been using the sexual health services at UHS? Or any other services?
Rest assured that privacy is our policy. We cannot share any of your health records with anyone without your consent. Learn more about our privacy policy and your rights as a patient.
Can I be excused from class with a note from UHS?
By policy, UHS does not provide excuses for short-term absences or missed deadlines, unless you have been absent for more than five days due to an illness or injury. See our excuse policy »
