Welcome International Students
We want to make the American healthcare system as simple as possible during your time at the University of Minnesota. Boynton Health offers a wide variety of services, conveniently located on campus. We want you to be in control of your health so you can feel your best and get the most out of your experience at the University of Minnesota.
Visits to Boynton Health are confidential. Your professors are not told that you are receiving medical care. If you are older than 18 years old your family cannot see your medical records without your written permission.
The Office of Student Health Benefits has a helpful guide for insurance and health care terms. The American healthcare system can be hard to navigate. We want to make your experience as simple as possible so you can focus on your classes.
Before You Arrive on Campus
Moving to a new country to attend school can be a big change. Here are some useful first steps before you arrive to make the process easier:
- Work on meeting Minnesota and University immunization requirements. You have until the sixth week of the semester to meet these requirements. Don’t worry if you can’t take care of this before you arrive; Boynton Health can help you get all the necessary shots to meet this requirement.
- Consider transferring your medical records to Boynton Health. Having your health history on file makes it easier for us to take better care of you. To transfer your medical records to Boynton Health, complete this health information release form. Boynton can even help with translating your health records into English, or from English into another language.
- Consider transferring your medication prescriptions to the Boynton pharmacy. Transferring your prescriptions makes refilling them quick and easy. Some medicines you are used to getting over-the-counter in your home country may require a prescription here. If there are any medications that you regularly take, check to see if you will still be able to get them once you’re at school or if you now require a prescription.
- Get familiar with your new insurance, the Student Health Benefit Plan. All international students are enrolled in the Student Health Benefit Plan when they arrive to start school.
Appointments
Boynton Health offers a wide range of health care services located on campus. Whether you have a regular doctor or haven’t seen one in a while, you are always welcome to come here.
- Appointments: schedule online through the patient portal, or call 612-625-3222.
- Urgent Care: drop-in treatment for urgent or acute conditions.
- Gopher Quick Clinic: care for simple medical concerns.
If you are unsure if you should see a doctor or which clinic to visit, call our Nurse Line at 612-625-7900. Calls are answered seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Interpreter and Translation Services
- Boynton Health can arrange for interpretation services for your appointments. Students can request an interpreter when they schedule the appointment, and the Patient Service Representative will make arrangements.
- We may be able to help students who need medical records translated, up to 5 pages. We can assist in translating both ways when possible (into English from a different language or from a different language into English). Students should ask about this service at the information desk in the main lobby of the East Bank location.
Mental Health
Boynton Mental Health services are here to help you navigate the challenges of college life. Our specialists come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and come to Boynton from all over the world.
To learn more about Boynton Mental Health.
We know moving to a new country for school is a huge change, and it can be normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed. Boynton Mental Health practitioners are here to listen to you, and help you figure out how to make the most of your university experience.
All mental health care is confidential. Conversations are between you and the practitioner you are seeing. No one will know you are seeking mental health care, unless you choose to share this with someone.
Pediatric Care
Boynton Health does not see patients under 12 years of age. Please contact your insurance provider to access pediatric clinics in your area. A customer service number is listed on the back of your insurance card. They can help find the closest clinic or clinics by preference.
Health Insurance
All international students have the Student Health Benefit Plan insurance. When you arrive at the University your documents are verified and you are automatically enrolled.
Learn more about the Student Health Benefit Plan.
Most of the services you receive at Boynton Health are free to you. Because you pay for the Student Services fee, most of the costs of receiving care at Boynton Health are completely covered. By having the Student Health Benefit Plan and paying the student services fee, most care at Boynton Health is fully covered.
If you want to look at what all is fully covered, you can read up on billing information here.
This is only true at Boynton Health, which makes us the most affordable option for most international students.
After Hours Care
Boynton Health is only open during the school week, but we can help with other options outside of our business hours to get you care. A great first step is to call the nurse line, which is available 24/7. You will be able to talk to a nurse about how you are feeling, and get advice on whether to seek care immediately, or if it’s alright to wait.
Frequent Questions
How do I schedule an interpreter at Boynton Health?
When you call to make an appointment, tell the person on your phone that you need interpreter services and they will help set it up.
What services does Boynton Health offer?
This is a complete list of services offered.
If you need care for an issue that isn’t listed you can make a primary care appointment and someone can help refer you to a specialist.
How do I transfer my medical records to Boynton Health?
To transfer your medical records to Boynton or from Boynton to your next provider/clinic, visit the Forms and Documents page and download the “Health Information Release Form.” After completing the form, you can bring it in to Boynton Health, Fax it (612-625-1434), Mail it, or email it to the following address: [email protected].
How do I transfer my prescriptions to Boynton Health’s Pharmacy?
What health insurance do I need?
As an international student you are required to be enrolled in the Student Health Benefit Plan.
Why should I visit Boynton Health instead of another clinic?
Boynton Health is conveniently located right on campus. It has a professional staff who are experts in college health.
At Boynton Health, most of the costs not covered by the Student Health Benefit Plan will be covered by the Student Service Fee. The Student Services Fee is a mandatory fee you already pay for. In most cases, Boynton Health is the most affordable option for receiving care.
Does Boynton Health provide absence notes?
Boynton Health does not provide absence notes. Your professors should not be asking for absence notes. If you are sick you should stay home.
Still have questions? Contact us.
Contact us at [email protected] or 612-625-8400.
Resources
- The Minnesota Department of Health has many resources available in different languages.
- International Student and Scholar Services are here to help you with any questions you have as a university student