COVID-19 Student Information

Yale University has asked students to remain away from the Yale campus for the remainder of the spring semester. We hope that you and your families remain safe and healthy during this time. The information on this page and the associated links should help you navigate your health during this unusual time.

Student Health Welcomes You Back to Yale, July 16, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yale Health still open? Can I continue with my care there?

Yale Health is open. Preventive and some elective visits have been postponed for the time being. However, we continue to provide appointments for those who need them. While some patients may be seen at the 55 Lock Street facility, many appointments have been converted to telephone visits, and we schedule these as an alternative to in-person encounters when possible. Please call Student Health if you would like to schedule an appointment, so that we can determine whether an in-person encounter or telephone visit is most appropriate. Do not hesitate to tell us if you need a visit. 

Can I use my Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Care coverage remotely?

Yes, only for urgent and emergency care, as defined in the Student Handbook and including COVID-19, continues to be covered worldwide.

    I have other insurance. Can I use this instead of my Yale Health Insurance?

    • In all cases, you should give providers all of your insurance coverage information to allow determination of which plan is primary.
    • If Yale Health is your primary insurance, we will make the first determination about coverage.
    • If Yale Health is primary but we deny coverage for a given service, you can explore coverage through your other insurance.

    Why don’t you talk to my parents about my care?

    Two federal laws govern privacy of student health information. The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulate communication of private health information to ensure your privacy. You can designate another person to receive your protected health information or to ask questions on your behalf, but you must give written permission, with a Designation of Patient Spokesperson form. For more information, call Yale Health’s Health Information Management Department at 203-432-0062.

    Can I still access Mental Health and Counseling Services?

    • If you are currently receiving care from Yale Health Mental Health and Counseling, please contact your clinician at 203-432-0290 to develop a plan for care while you are away from campus.
    • If you are not receiving care from a clinician at Yale Health Mental Health and Counseling, please contact Mental Health and Counseling at 203-432-0290 for advice and options.

    How can I obtain my Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Care Coverage member ID card?

    Yale Health offers a self-service option for getting a copy of your member ID card.

    What can students in communal living situations do to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

    The community transmission of COVID-19 is continuing locally, in the region, and in the United States. Do your part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    It’s critical to minimize the number of people who get seriously ill at the same time. If too many people get sick all at once, this will put too much of a burden on our health care system. If that happens, people at highest risk — people over 60, and those with underlying health conditions may not be able to get the care they need if they get seriously ill.

    Students who live in residence halls and communal housing should take these steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

    • Stay calm. Remember that when young adults get sick with COVID-19, they almost always have mild symptoms.
    • Wash your hands. Good handwashing hygiene is even more important for people living in close proximity. Use soap and water, scrub for 20 seconds and dry your hands. Repeat often.
    • Don’t touch your face. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, unless you have just washed your hands.
    • Clean your room and bathroom daily. Use a disinfectant to clean high-touch surfaces regularly, such as door handles, light switches, remotes and phones.
    • Practice social distancing. Maintain a 6-foot distance from others. Avoid parties and get-togethers. Use platforms like FaceTime and Zoom to stay connected with friends and colleagues.
    • Do not shake hands or hug.
    • Limit travel to essentials—groceries, pharmacy, medical care. Abide by state requirements and follow these CDC guidelines for Running Essential Errands.
    • Use cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Wearing cloth face coverings is an additional public health measure people should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19. CDC still recommends that you stay at least 6 feet away from other people (social distancing), frequent hand cleaning and other everyday preventive actions. 
    • Minimize contact with others who may be ill or carrying COVID-19, including those in your household.
    • Monitor your health at home and watch for symptoms. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever (99.9°F/37.8°C or higher). Watch for cough or trouble breathing.

    If somebody you live withg develops symptoms of COVID-19 infection: