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Home / Come to MU / Living in Columbia / Immunizations, insurance and health care

Immunizations, insurance and health care

Immunizations

All University of Missouri students are required to have immunizations and tuberculosis screenings. Learn more about the requirements.

Insurance

Health care in the U.S. is a private system. To make sure that you are able to cover any medical expenses and to satisfy legal requirements, Mizzou requires all international students to purchase the insurance plan provided through the university. International students will be charged for this insurance coverage on their Mizzou student account when they enroll for any number of credit hours. This plan is also available for dependents (spouses and children) at an additional cost. MU has a "hard-waiver" policy that strictly limits waivers of the mandatory student insurance enrollment.

Additionally, U.S. federal regulations state that all J-1 visa holders (including visiting professors and research scholars in J-1 status) and their dependents must meet insurance coverage requirements for the duration of their stay. J-1 scholars should carefully review these requirements and the options available for meeting them.

Finding a doctor or dentist

To find a doctor or dentist in Columbia, ask a friend, contact the MU Student Health Center, call Community Health Services at 573-874-7355, or contact the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services. It is essential to telephone for an appointment before going to a doctor or dentist. You might have to wait a few days for an appointment unless you are sick or in need of a doctor immediately.

If you have a medical emergency, dial 911. Read more about emergency services.

Hospitals

The primary hospitals in Columbia are:

University Hospitals and Clinics

Several specialized outpatient clinics are available for patients who do not need in-patient hospital care. Those commonly used are:

University of Missouri Student Health Services

Run by MU Health Care, the Student Health Center is located on the MU campus at 1101 Hospital Drive in the University Physicians Medical Building. Services, including foreign-travel immunizations, are available for MU students only and are not available to dependents. Get more information at the MU Student Health website or by calling 573-882-7481.

Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services

The Health Department Clinic is located at 1005 W. Worley St. The clinic offers several vaccinations, tests and reproductive-health services for low fees. Counseling services for MU students are free. Call 573-874-7355 to make an appointment.

Health and safety training

The American Red Cross Mid-Missouri Chapter is located at 1805 W. Worley St. The Red Cross regularly offers classes in first aid, water safety, babysitting and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a method of restoring breathing and heartbeat for someone who has stopped breathing). Call the Red Cross at 573-445-9411.

Rape and Abuse Shelter and Hotline

If you or someone you know has been raped or abused, the following information may help:

  • Contact the Rape and Abuse Shelter Hotline at 573-875-1370. The phone will be answered 24 hours a day by someone who will offer help and counseling to people who have been raped or physically abused.
  • Rape victims can get counseling by telephone or in person. Someone from the shelter can accompany them to the hospital or police station.
  • All counseling is confidential; the police are called only if the victim requests it.
  • Those who are abused in their homes can get shelter for themselves and their children while they decide what to do next. There is no charge.

Maternity and prenatal care