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Short answer Student health: the default Urgent care: when student health is closed The ER or 911 Telehealth and our AI doctor How to save money Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesGo to student health first for most illnesses, urgent care when it is closed or you need same-day care, and the ER or 911 for emergencies.
Student health is usually cheapest, since many visits are covered by student fees. Do not wait on emergency signs, whatever the cost.
Student health: the default
For colds, sore throats, UTIs, rashes, stomach bugs and most everyday illnesses, student health is usually the best first stop. Many centers include visits in student fees, can run strep, flu, COVID and urine tests, and can write notes for professors. Call ahead, since many offer same-day appointments or a nurse line.
Urgent care: when student health is closed
- Evenings, weekends and breaks
- You need an X-ray, stitches or a test your student health cannot do
- Your symptoms feel worse than a cold but are not an emergency
Check that urgent care takes your insurance before you go, and ask the price if you are not insured.
The ER or 911
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Confusion, fainting, a seizure or a stiff neck with fever
- Severe belly pain or a head injury with vomiting or worsening headache
- Heavy bleeding, a broken bone sticking out, or signs of a severe allergic reaction
Call 911 for these. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint.
Telehealth and our AI doctor
A video or text visit can be a good first step for mild problems when you cannot get an appointment. Our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health. It does not replace an exam, and it cannot diagnose you.
How to save money
- Use student health first
- Ask for the self-pay price before you are seen
- Ask whether a generic medicine is available
- Check your parents' plan or your school's student plan for urgent care coverage
Common questions from students
Is student health free? Many schools cover visits with student fees, but labs or procedures can cost extra. Call and ask.
Can I go to the ER for a cold? You can, but it is slower and costs more. Use it for emergencies.
What if I have no insurance? Student health is often the lowest cost. Ask about a self-pay price. See the cost guides.
Do I need an appointment? Student health often takes walk-ins or same-day slots. Call ahead.
Will student health tell my parents? Policies differ, and health privacy laws apply. Ask the center about its privacy policy.
Common questions
Student health, urgent care or the ER: where should I go?
Go to student health first for most illnesses, urgent care when it is closed or you need same-day care, and the ER or 911 for emergencies. Student health is usually cheapest, since many visits are covered by student fees. Do not wait on emergency signs, whatever the cost.
Is student health free?
Many schools cover visits with student fees, but labs or procedures can cost extra. Call and ask.
Can I go to the ER for a cold?
You can, but it is slower and costs more. Use it for emergencies.
What if I have no insurance?
Student health is often the lowest cost. Ask about a self-pay price. See the cost guides.
Do I need an appointment?
Student health often takes walk-ins or same-day slots. Call ahead.
Will student health tell my parents?
Policies differ, and health privacy laws apply. Ask the center about its privacy policy.