Welcome first year Gusties!
There are two important health related action items on your checklist: Immunization compliance and Student Health insurance compliance.
IMMUNIZATIONS
It is Minnesota Law that current MMR and Tetanus dates be on file in Health Service. Please log into your Student Health Portal using your Gustavus username and password to complete your immunization form (other forms in the portal can be completed now, but are not required).
Gustavus strongly recommends completion of the Meningitis ACWY and Meningitis B vaccines, an annual flu vaccine, and staying up to date on COVID-19 boosters. These immunizations are available to students in the Health Service.
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
To ensure all undergraduates have access to comprehensive care, health insurance is required for all students at Gustavus. All full-time students are automatically enrolled in the college’s sponsored plan, and you will see a $2,406 charge for Student Health Insurance on your student account.
Depending on your situation, you need to choose one of the two options below:
Option 1: KEEP the Gustavus Sponsored Plan
If you want to use the college-sponsored plan through UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR), it provides comprehensive coverage from August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027.
- The Cost: $2,406 for the full year
- Key Benefits:100% coverage at the Gustavus Health Service (deductible waived).
- Low $200 in-network deductible ($7,500 out-of-pocket maximum).
- In-network with major local providers: Mayo Health System, Mankato Clinic System, and River’s Edge Hospital and provides national coverage.
- Includes $0 telehealth and online counseling visits.
ACTION ITEM: If you know you want to keep the insurance go to the UHCSR Gustavus Student Center and click the “Opt-In” button.
Note: The 2026-27 plan is currently pending routine approval by the State of Minnesota (expected before August 1). You can view the 2025-26 Summary Flyer on the Gustavus Health Service page (the plan details are not expected to change).
Option 2: WAIVE the Gustavus Sponsored Plan
If you already have comprehensive health insurance that covers you for the 2026-27 academic year, you can opt out (waive) of coverage to remove the charge from your account.
- Deadline: You MUST complete the online waiver before September 14, 2026.
- Waiver Requirements: Your current plan must provide local coverage in the St. Peter, Minnesota area for both emergency and non-emergency care. (Plans covering emergency-only care do not qualify. If you have an HMO, contact your provider for prior authorization before waiving).
ACTION ITEM if you have your own comprehensive health insurance (Takes ~ 5 minutes):
- Go to the UHCSR Gustavus Student Center and click the “Waive Coverage” button.
- Have your insurance card and Gustavus ID number ready. (Note: The system requires a 7-digit ID. If yours is 6 digits, add a zero to the beginning).
- Enter the verification code sent to your Gustavus email within 30 minutes to finalize it.
- Confirmation: Watch for an approval email from customerservice@uhcsr.com. Once received, a $2,406 credit will apply to your student account within 5 business days.
Important Reminders
- International Students: You are automatically enrolled in this plan and do not need to do anything.
- Missed Deadlines: Domestic students who do not complete the waiver with proof of other insurance by 9/14/26 will remain automatically enrolled and responsible for the fee.
- Health Service Hours: The Gustavus Health Service accepts all insurance types and is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM during the school year.
Questions? The Health Service office is closed for the summer, but is monitoring messages on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Regular clinic hours will resume on Wednesday, August 12. Please email us at health-service@gustavus.edu if you need help!
Have a great rest of your summer, and we’ll see you soon!