Frequently Asked Questions

General

Lab and Pharmacy

Lab
Pharmacy

Insurance

General

Access/Availability

Who is eligible to use Health Services?
Matriculated students who are currently enrolled in classes.

Can students who are not registered for summer classes utilize Health Services?
Students who are registered for classes in either the Summer or continuing students who are registered for the upcoming Fall semester may utilize Health Services in the summer.

Do I need an appointment to be seen at Health Services?
Appointments are recommended to best manage your medical needs. Please call Health Services so we can schedule an appointment that is right for you. Walk-in's are accommodated if the schedule allows.

Can I walk in to be seen?
Walk-in's can only be accommodated if the schedule allows. It is best to call ahead to make an appointment.

What happens if I have an appointment scheduled but I am running late or can't make it?
Please call Health Services. We may be able to reschedule your appointment. If you need to cancel, please do so as early as possible. We would like to offer that appointment to another patient.

Can my spouse and children be treated at Health Services?
No.

Referral

Do I need a referral to see a specialist (i.e.: dermatologist, gynecologist, nutritionist, or psychiatrist)?
No referral is needed for those with the school-sponsored health insurance. Health Services staff can assist you with finding specialists if needed. If you carry other insurance, check your carrier's website for requirements.

Services Provided

Does SHU require an entrance physical?
No physical is required for general admission. Exceptions apply to athletics and some education programs. Please check with your individual school/program.

What should I do if I was sexually assaulted?
Getting to a safe place is the primary concern. If you need immediate help getting to a safe place call 911 for the police. Health Services is a confidential resource to you. The University has a number of confidential and private resources, as well as reporting options. Please refer here for more detail.

Can I have a vision screening?
A basic vision screen is offered in Health Services. We are not able to provide prescriptions for glasses or contacts.

Fee and Payment (Billing)

Will my parents find out why I was seen at Health Services if I bill my student account?
Any charge that is posted will be listed as Health Services. Unique detail is not provided.

What will happen if I don't pay my fees for services from Health Services?
Fees are charged to your bursar account. You may experience a delay in registration or a late fee if your account is not current.

Health Form/Medical Record/Patient's Rights

How do I get copies of my medical records?
A medical release is required. Submit your request to Health Services. Requests are typically filled within 48 hours.

How long do you keep medical records?
Medical records are kept for 10 years.

Will I be notified if there is a problem with my Health Form?
You will receive an email asking you to contact Health Services.

Can I get an excuse note for missing classes?
Notes are not given out on a routine basis. If you were seen in Health Services and your professor requires documentation, we can confirm your visit after receiving permission from you. Extended absences are handled through the Dean's office.

Immunization

I could not get all of my pre-entrance immunizations, what should I do?
Call Health Services. These immunizations are available in Health Services.

If I am in the process of completing a vaccine series, will I be permitted to register before having the subsequent dose?
Yes. Please provide Health Services with existing documentation. You may continue the series at your own provider or at Health Services.

Does Health Services offer titer testing for immunity?
Yes.

I received my vaccines from more than one clinician/facility - what information should I use?
Please submit all documentation.

What happens if I don't provide my vaccine information?
Incomplete records will result on a continuing hold on your account. You will not be able to register for class.

Class Registration/Holds

I submitted my form weeks ago, why do I still have a hold on my account?
It is likely that your records were incomplete. Please call Health Services for follow-up.

I have an immunization hold on my registration and can't register. What should I do?
Call Health Services. We can direct you as to actions that are required.

Immunization Record/Submission

If I have my own copy of health and immunization records, is it still necessary to complete the Immunization portion of the Health Form?
Please provide a copy of the documentation you have. We will review and provide direction as needed. I am a returning student.

Do I need to resubmit my immunization record?
Medical records are maintained for 10 years. Please call Health Services to confirm we have your records and that they are current. Some vaccines may need to be updated.

Lab and Pharmacy Questions

Lab

How and when do I get the results?
Most results are available within 48-72 hours and can be given over the phone. Some tests require a follow up appointment.

If I see a provider outside of Health Services, can I have my labs done at Health Services?
Laboratory requests by outside providers can usually be accommodated. We require a prescription with the desired tests and diagnostic code. Please call Health Services for specific questions.

Pharmacy

What are the closest pharmacies to South Orange campus/Law school?

Do you sell over-the-counter medications?
No. However, a small supply of over the counter medications may be provided during the visit. The bookstore sells a limited supply of over the counter medications.

If I am given a prescription from another provider, can I fill it at Health Services?
No.

Travel

I am planning on traveling out of the country. What do I need to do to prepare?
Please call Health Services to schedule an appointment. Depending on your destination, we will offer guidance regarding vaccines and medications. We offer physical examinations and can provide necessary form completion. International students should confer with the Office of International Programs for signature on the mandatory travel clearance document (I-20).

What should I bring to my travel counseling appointment?
Please bring any forms that are required. It is best to make your appointment several weeks and/or months prior to your travel dates.

Insurance

Eligibility/Enrollment

If I am covered by my parent's insurance plan or have other coverage, why would I need the school- sponsored health insurance?
Many plans, such as out-of-state HMOs or Medicaid, offer limited coverage away from home and may restrict access to local providers. The school-sponsored student health insurance plan (SHIP) provides access to the nationwide Aetna PPO network, allowing students to receive care near campus without choosing a primary care physician or getting referrals. Some students choose to keep both plans for added coverage. Before deciding, it’s important to confirm whether your current policy covers care in the school’s area.

Can I enroll my dependents into the school-sponsored health insurance?

No, dependent coverage is not available under the Seton Hall student health insurance plan.

Can I obtain coverage if I don't meet the eligibility requirements for the school-sponsored health insurance?

Students enrolled in their last semester before graduation are able to continue coverage.

Am I eligible for the school-sponsored health insurance benefits while I'm on a medical leave of absence?
Once enrolled, your coverage will continue through the end of the semester’s coverage period, even if you take a medical leave of absence during that time.

Am I covered while I am out of the country?

Non-emergency medical services and outpatient prescription drugs or supplies received outside of the United States are not covered under the student health insurance plan.

What happens to my coverage if I withdraw from the University?

Students that withdraw within 31 days after the start of class are not eligible for the SHIP. If you withdraw after 31 days after the start of class you will remain enrolled in the health insurance. You will not be able to receive care in Health Services.

What happens to my coverage when I graduate?

Your coverage will continue through the end of the academic year coverage period in which you graduate. After that, you will need to obtain coverage elsewhere.

Coverage

Is dental treatment covered by the school-sponsored health insurance?

Limited coverage is provided for injuries to natural teeth when medical treatment is required. Routine dental care and maintenance are not covered. A voluntary stand-alone dental plan is available for purchase. More information can be found here.

Does the school-sponsored health insurance offer vision insurance?

The SHIP does not cover vision services. A voluntary stand-alone vision plan is available for purchase. More information can be found here.

I filed a claim, but haven't received either reimbursement or notification. What can I do?

You can view your claims status in your Aetna member portal. To login to your Aetna member portal or create an account, please visit the Aetna website linked here. You can also contact Aetna for claims questions at 800-481-8814.

Insurance Waiver

What does "hard waiver" mean?

A “hard waiver” means all full-time undergraduate and graduate/law students must either enroll in the school-sponsored health insurance plan or provide proof of comparable coverage. If you do not submit a valid waiver, you will be automatically enrolled in the plan. When completing a waiver, you will be required to provide details about your alternate insurance.

Information about waiver requirements, the waiver process, and important waiver deadlines can be found here.

I waived the school-sponsored health insurance, but I no longer have other coverage. Can I still purchase the school-sponsored health insurance?

Yes, if you lose your existing coverage, you can enroll in the SHIP as this is considered a qualifying life event. You can find more information on qualifying event and the qualifying event enrollment form here. It is important to note that the qualifying event enrollment form, payment, and required documentation must be received within 60 days from the qualifying event date.