Health, Wellbeing, and Safety
This section offers a wealth of information on services designed to support your student’s health, safety, and overall wellbeing at UW–Madison.
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University Health Services
University Health Services (UHS) is the student health center at UW–Madison. All students are eligible to use UHS services for routine health care and some specialty needs. There is no charge for most types of appointments and services; student tuition and fees cover most costs.
MyUHS: Online Patient Portal
MyUHS is a secure app and website where students can log in with their NetID to:
- Schedule appointments
- Upload health information
- Communicate with providers
Health History & Medical Clearances
Before arriving on campus, students should complete the Medical Clearances section in MyUHS.
- Students under 18 years of age require a parent or guardian to sign a consent form.
- All information is confidential and not shared with faculty or administrators.
- Students with ongoing health conditions should select a UHS primary care provider to ensure continuity of care.
Health Insurance
UHS offers many services, but students still need comprehensive health insurance for emergency and non-emergency care. Please bring insurance and prescription cards to campus.
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
UW–Madison offers SHIP for full coverage through a nationwide network.
- International students and J-1 scholars are required to enroll or provide proof of alternative coverage.
- Coverage is also available for spouses, partners, and dependents.
Mental Health Services
UHS provides free mental health support, including:
- Individual, couple, and group counseling
- Drop-in programs
- 24/7 crisis support
- Psychiatry for medication management
Survivor Services
Confidential, no-cost support for survivors of sexual assault, dating violence, harassment, and stalking.
Services include:
- Counseling (individual and group)
- Safety planning
- Help with accommodations
- Information about rights and reporting options
Urgent Care and Local Hospitals
UHS does not cover hospital inpatient, emergency room, or immediate care treatment provided outside our clinic. Student segregated fees do not cover emergency room and hospitalization charges. We recommend that students have hospitalization insurance that includes coverage for emergency rooms.
Local hospitals include:
- University Hospital (0.5 miles from campus)
600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53792 - UnityPoint Health-Meriter (0.7 miles from campus)
202 S. Park St., Madison, WI, 53715 - SSM Health St. Mary’s (1.1 miles from campus)
700 S. Park St., Madison, WI, 53715
University Recreation & Wellbeing (RecWell)
RecWell helps students stay active, healthy, and connected on campus.
Main facilities include:
- Nicholas Recreation Center
- Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
- Nielsen Tennis Stadium
- Outdoor spaces for sports and fitness
Students can join:
- Open recreation activities
- Group fitness classes
- Esports
- Wellbeing workshops and coaching
- Club sports and more!
Safety and Emergency Notification
Nighttime Safety
SAFEwalk is a free service where trained student staff accompany students at night to help them navigate campus safely.
- To request a SAFEwalk, call or text 608-262-5000.
WiscAlerts
WiscAlerts sends emergency text alerts about urgent situations on or near campus.
- Students are automatically signed up.
- Parents can opt in by texting UWALERT to 77295.
BadgerSAFE
BadgerSAFE turns your phone into a personal safety tool.
- Get crime alerts and safety info.
- Quickly connect with UWPD by call or text.
- Use the virtual walk feature with a trusted friend or family member.
- Free for students, parents, and community members.
Responding to an Incident
University Police (UWPD)
UWPD is a full-service police department, available 24/7, year-round.
- Emergencies: Call 911.
- Non-emergencies: Call 608-264-COPS (2677).
- Madison Police handle off-campus incidents, but always call 911, and the correct department will respond.
Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)
OSAS helps students with academic, financial, health, family emergencies, and other challenges.
- Drop-in support available Monday–Friday.
- Students can contact OSAS for help with any sensitive situation.
Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS)
OSCCS promotes an inclusive and respectful campus by
- Upholding the Student Code of Conduct.
- Addressing academic and non-academic misconduct through an educational approach.
- Providing faculty, staff, and students with resources for conflict resolution and restorative practices.