CELCIS

Center for English Language and Culture for International Students
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5223 USA
(269) 387-4800

Health

Good Health - Good Life.
Health insurance

All international students are required to purchase health insurance. Health insurance must be in effect on the first day of classes and provide coverage for the entire academic year or, at the minimum, the entire semester. 
 
Visit the international students insurance information webpage to view WMU health insurance requirements. Under “Providers” there are insurance options available. These plans offer good coverage. They are not the only insurance plans we accept. Before you purchase a health insurance plan be sure it meets WMU requirements. The insurance policy must be written in English, in U.S. currency, and provide a U.S. mailing address for claims. 
If you have questions about purchasing or using insurance, please contact Tiedra Robertson at (269) 387-5804, visit International Student and Scholar Services in 3306 Faunce Student Services Building, or email: ias-insurance@wmich.edu, visit International Admissions and Services in 3110 Student Services Building, or email: ias-insurance@wmich.edu. 

Medical centers at or close to WMU

Sindecuse Health Center

WMU's Sindecuse Health Center provides all WMU students with convenient, fairly priced health care services on campus provided by an experienced staff dedicated to maintaining and improving patient health. The center provides clinical treatment for a variety of illnesses and injuries, a full-service pharmacy, physical therapy and sports medicine, wellness workshops, and counseling. Services are provided by appointment. Sindecuse hours of operation.

If you need to see a doctor and Sindecuse is closed, we recommend the following providers:

Bronson Fast Care

5121 South Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI
Phone: (269) 552-4212

Bronson Fast Care

6220 W Main St
Kalamazoo, MI
Phone: (269) 276-4744

Bronson Methodist Hospital

601 John St
Kalamazoo MI 49007
Phone: (269) 341-7654
Open 24 hours

Borgess Medical Center

1521 Gull Road
Kalamazoo MI 49048
Phone: (269) 226-7000
Open 24 hours

Emergencies

If you or a family member experience a serious emergency, such as loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, etc.:

  1. Call 9-1-1 on the telephone. Calling 9-1-1 from anywhere in the United States will connect you with local emergency service dispatching.
  2. Tell the person (dispatcher) who answers your call that there is an emergency.
  3. Give the dispatcher your complete name.
  4. Give the dispatcher the complete address of where the emergency is occurring.
  5. Describe the problem

Tips for staying healthy

  • Establish good sleep habits.
  • Eat healthy fresh foods.
  • Exercise.
  • Avoid excessive stress.
  • Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
  • See your doctor and dentist for annual checkups.

Tuberculosis testing

Western Michigan University requires international students to be screened for tuberculosis. TB testing is done at Sindecuse Health Center with an appointment during regular center hours.  

Sindecuse Health Center clinic and nursing services

You may also use the clinic for cost-effective immunizations including hepatitis B, HPV, tetanus, meningitis vaccine, flu vaccine when in season; allergy injections; blood pressure checks; pregnancy testing; and tuberculosis tests. Injections such as Depo-Provera and vitamin B12 are available. Patients must have a prescription from Sindecuse or an outside provider. Seasonal flu vaccination, gender-specific health care, medical management, and preventive health services. Appointments are encouraged—call (269) 387-3287 or make an appointment online.

Gender-specific health care—physical exams, pap smear screening, colposcopy (for abnormal Pap smears), contraceptive services, pregnancy testing, as well as evaluation and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.

Medical management—clinician appointments are available for a broad range of health conditions including skin care, allergy injections, surgical biopsies for lesions, acne treatment with isotretinoin (Accutane), mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks and osteopathic manipulation.

Preventive health services—annual health appointments with a preventive focus include a comprehensive medical review, physical exam, and discussion with a clinician about screening tests and immunizations appropriate for your age and health condition. Results will be sent to your community primary care provider as requested.

Office of Health Promotion and Education at Sindecuse Health Center

Health promotion programs and services

  • Alcohol risk reduction
  • FIRE Place resource and support center
  • Health Resource Center
  • Light therapy
  • Wellness workshops
  • Western H.E.R.O.E.S bystander intervention training

Peer education programs

  • Sexual Health Peer Education
  • Fire Sexual Assault Peer Education
  • Gentlemen United men's violence prevention program

Tobacco-Free Policy

WMU is a tobacco-free community, inside and out. This means the following tobacco products are not allowed on campus:  cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, snuff, snus, water pipes, pipes, hookahs, chew, any other non-combustible tobacco products.
 
Use of tobacco products is allowable inside enclosed personal vehicles and on city-owned sidewalks. Tobacco cessation programs for students are being made available by the University; please contact the Sindecuse Health Center. 
 
wmich.edu/healthcenter
(269) 387-3287
 
Visit www.wmich.edu/tobaccofree for more information about the policy.