The Health Services Office, located in the Butler Building, provides primary healthcare and health education services tailored to the unique need of college students. Services are available throughout the academic year to all students, both residential and commuters. Care is provided by a family nurse practitioner, a nurse director and registered nurses in collaboration with our medical director who is on site once a week throughout the academic year. A strict code of confidentiality is maintained by all health center personnel.

Students who have paid the Student Health Fee will have their co-pays deducted from this fee. Those students who are not required to pay the fee (i.e. graduate and part-time undergraduates) will need to pay their co-pay at the time of service.

Services will be billed via a third party billing agency to the student’s insurance company. Deductibles will be billed to the insurance policy holder. A student’s health insurance card will need to be presented at all office visits. If insurance is found to be expired or invalid, the student will be billed for services provided.

*Any student that “No-Shows” for a scheduled appointment will have a $25 charge added to their student account.

Immunizations Requirements

• Measles, Mumps and Rubella: New York State Public Health Law #2165 mandates that students attending universities and colleges submit proof of immunity against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
• Meningitis: New York State Public Health Law #2167 mandates that students attending universities and colleges submit documentation of their decision to receive the meningitis vaccine. This can be done in one of the following ways:
  • A record of meningococcal meningitis immunization within five years or
  • An acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and refusal of meningococcal meningitis immunization signed by the student or student's parent or guardian.
• Nursing students are subject to additional vaccination requirements.

Students will find a letter explaining medical requirements for attendance in their admission packet. Admission requirements are also available online at www.niagara.edu/healthcenter. Deadline for submission of all forms is 30 days prior to the first day of classes. All deadlines are strictly enforced. Per university policy, students who fail to submit required medical forms by the deadline will have a block placed on their student account preventing them from further registration/schedule modifications. Additionally, as mandated by New York state law, students will then be deregistered from classes, removed from campus housing, and not allowed on campus until their records have been processed, which may have implications for financial aid.

Health Physical Examination

It is mandatory that all undergraduate and transfer students provide proof of a health physical within 12 months prior to entry into the university. The physical must include a screening for tuberculosis and is required to be signed by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.

Health Insurance

All students should have private medical insurance and are required to have a copy on file at Health Services. Students without coverage may purchase a plan from New York state which offers an income-based plan through Medicaid. More information on this product can be found at www.NYstateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.255.5777. Insurance information may be submitted to Health Services or submitted directly online when competing their online forms. It is recommended that students carry a copy of their insurance card at all times.

International Students

International students are required to submit proof of adequate health insurance on admission and yearly thereafter. Niagara University requires the following coverage for international students:

1. Unlimited medical coverage
2. $5,000.00 in repatriation coverage
3. $5,000.00 coverage for medical evacuation

International health insurance can be purchased at www.pghstudent.com. Select either the Global Care Plus or the Global Care Preferred Plan.

No international student shall be permitted to check into the residence hall or register for classes until all the specified information is part of the student’s permanent record. If there is a lapse in the insurance policy, a student will be subject to suspension from Niagara University until such time that health coverage is renewed.

Scheduling Appointments

Appointments can be scheduled online through the Medical Portal or by phone at 716.286.8390. The website is https://niagara.medicatconnect.com. Routine appointments may be scheduled up to two weeks in advance. Medical emergencies are always handled as such. Students who are unable to walk over to Health Services due to severe illness may call Campus Safety at 716.286.8111 to request transportation to Health Services. Directions to after hour’s medical care may be found at https://www.niagara.edu/emergency-and-after-hour-care/

The office is open Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Medical Notes/Excuses

Health Services will only provide a note indicating the date, time and duration of their visit to the clinic.