Health Requirements for New Students
Welcome to Tufts! We’re excited to have you join us on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA campuses.
Whether you're an incoming first-year, transfer, or graduate student, this page is your one-stop resource for health requirements, health insurance, and more. Make sure you complete all necessary steps to avoid any registration holds or additional charges. Let's get started!
Pre-Entrance Health Requirements
As part of your enrollment, all students must complete the following health-related requirements through the Tufts Patient Portal, available on the dates listed below. Be sure to log in with your Tufts username and password. Once logged in, scroll to the "Medford/SMFA Campus Health Service" section and click Get Started to begin.
Required Health Forms
As part of your enrollment, you are required to complete the following health forms. These will become part of your confidential medical record, reviewed only by Health Service or Counseling and Mental Health Service staff. Your health information will not be shared with professors, coaches, or advisors.
1. Pre-Entrance Medical History Form
- Log in to the Tufts Patient Portal, scroll to "Medford/SMFA Campus Health Service," and click Get Started.
- Click the “Forms” tab in the left-hand menu.
- Under “Newly Enrolling Student Forms,” select and complete the “Pre-Entrance Medical History”
2. TB Risk Assessment Form
- Log in to the Tufts Patient Portal, scroll to "Medford/SMFA Campus Health Service," and click Get Started.
- Click the “Forms” tab in the left-hand menu
- Under “Newly Enrolling Student Forms,” select and complete the “Medford TB Risk Assessment”
- If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, you will need additional TB testing.
- Be sure to complete any required TB testing between March and September
Required Immunizations
As part of your enrollment, you must submit documentation of your immunizations. These records must include the name of each vaccine and the date it was received.
Accepted Documentation
- Signed immunization records from your doctor’s office, previous academic institutions, or government health agencies
- Or, download and complete the Tufts Immunization Form with your healthcare provider
How to Submit Immunization Records
- Log in to the Tufts Patient Portal, scroll to "Medford/SMFA Campus Health Service," and click Get Started.
- Click on the “Immunization” tab in the left-hand menu
- Upload documents to the following sections:
- Medford Required Imms – for 29 yrs and younger (for required immunizations)
- Recommended Immunizations for All Students (for additional recommended vaccines)
For a full list of required and recommended vaccines, visit: http://go.tufts.edu/immreq
Meningococcal Vaccine Requirement
Students living in dorms or other group housing are required to receive the meningococcal vaccine unless they:
- Submit a signed waiver, or
- Qualify for a medical or religious accommodation
To waive this requirement:
Complete the Meningococcal Declination Form via the Patient Portal under the "Forms" tab
Additional Information
- Massachusetts law does not allow philosophical exemptions for immunizations. If you need an exemption, you must request a medical or religious accommodation. To do so, please complete the applicable Immunization Accommodation Request Form.
- If you are unable to access a required vaccine in your country, or if your next dose is scheduled after the deadline, contact the Immunization Reviewer through the Patient Portal for guidance.
- Students over age 30 who plan to use the Medford Health Service are encouraged (but not required) to submit their immunization records.
Student Health Insurance
The State of Massachusetts and Tufts requires all students to have health insurance. If you're automatically enrolled in the Tufts Student Health Insurance Plan (UHCSR), you do not need to waive it. However, if you have your own insurance that meets Massachusetts' requirements, you can waive the plan.
If You Would like to Remain Enrolled in UHCSR:
- Do not waive the insurance in your SIS account.
- If you’ve decided to stay enrolled in the student health insurance plan, you won’t see a green checkmark next to the insurance waiver on your checklist. That checkmark only appears for students who choose to waive the insurance.
- No worries—not seeing a checkmark will not affect your ability to register for classes. Everything is still on track!
- You can register and download your insurance card from the UHCSR portal after August 17.
- No need to upload your insurance card to the Patient Portal. Tufts Health Service will complete this step for you after the start of the semester.
If You Want to Waive UHCSR:
- If you have another health insurance policy that meets Massachusetts requirements, you can waive Tufts Student Health Insurance by the waiver deadline in your SIS/Bursar account.
- Important: If you miss the waiver deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in the Tufts health insurance plan, and the charge will remain on your SIS account. Refunds or disenrollment are not possible after the deadline.
- Next step: Please upload your insurance information to the Patient Portal under the Insurance tab to complete your health insurance information.
For International and Graduate Students:
- Check that your insurance meets Massachusetts requirements. Some plans marketed to international students or U.S. students may not meet these standards. For example: out-of-state Medicaid plans, out-of-state HMO plans, ISO, Medicover, AIG, WellWay, Seven Corners, among others. Warning: The insurance policy must be “underwritten” in the US. Many non-compliant plans state they are “based” in the US, which is not equivalent and will not be accepted.
The Tufts health insurance plan is annual, and you can waive it each year if you have comparable coverage.
Health Requirements Deadlines
Here’s a quick guide to the important deadlines based on your enrollment term:
Form | Fall Entering Students Deadlines | Spring Entering Students Deadlines | Summer Entering Students Deadlines | Where to Complete or Upload |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pre-entrance Health History Form | Available: June 1st Deadline: July 1st | Available: November 1st Deadline: January 1st | Available: April 1st Deadline: May 9th | Log in to the Patient Portal, scroll to "Medford/SMFA Campus Health Service," and click Get Started |
Required Immunizations/Vaccinations | Available: June 1st Deadline: July 1st | Available: November 1st Deadline: January 1st | Available: April 1st Deadline: May 9th | Log in to the Patient Portal, scroll to "Medford/SMFA Campus Health Service," and click Get Started |
Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment Questionnaire | Available: June 1st Deadline: July 1st | Available: November 1st Deadline: January 1st | Available: April 1st Deadline: May 9th | Log in to the Patient Portal, scroll to "Medford/SMFA Campus Health Service," and click Get Started |
Health Insurance (Complete Health Insurance Waiver or be automatically enrolled) | Available: June 1st Deadline: July 31st | Available: November 1st Deadline: Dec 15th | Available: April 1st Deadline: May 9th | Student Information System (SIS), under "Bills and Balances" |
Optional: Tuition Insurance (Dewar Plan)
Enrollment Period | Deadline | Where to Enroll |
---|---|---|
All Students (Fall, Spring, Summer) | Before the first day of class | Dewar Tuition Refund Plan |
Tip: Consider enrolling if you want financial protection in case of a medical withdrawal.
Important Tips & Reminders
- Meet your deadlines! If you miss the health forms and immunization compliance deadline, a hold will be placed on your SIS account, preventing class registration until your records are submitted and approved.
- Carefully review the insurance waiver. Some U.S. health plans may not meet Massachusetts requirements. Also, some plans marketed to international students may not meet Tufts' coverage standards. Be sure to check your insurance coverage before waiving. Warning: The insurance policy must be “underwritten” in the US. Many non-compliant plans state they are “based” in the US, which is not equivalent and will not be accepted.
- Insurance waivers are subject to internal audit review. All submitted waivers will be reviewed. If your waiver doesn't meet the requirements, you’ll be contacted for further action.
- If you don't complete the insurance waiver by the deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in the Tufts Student Health Insurance Plan and the charge will remain on your SIS account. Voluntary disenrollment and reimbursements are only available upon entry to the armed forces.
- 10-day review period for health forms and immunizations. After you submit your records, please allow up to 10 business days for us to review them. Once approved, you'll see a green checkmark on your checklist, will receive a message via the Patient Portal, and the registration hold will be lifted.
Family Support for Insurance Waivers
We know the insurance process can be confusing, and your family can help! Here's how:
- Give your family access to your SIS account by adding them as an “Invited Viewer”.
- They’ll only be able to view your Bills & Balances and Insurance Waiver, not your private health information.
For more details on how to set up Invited Viewer access, visit the Registrar’s Invited Viewer Access page.
Questions or Assistance
- Health Requirements: Contact Immunization Reviewer via the Patient Portal
- Health Insurance and Waiver Questions: Email studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu
- Tuition Insurance: Visit Dewar Tuition Refund Plan