Questions about the Student Health Fee? For more information about services, fees, or eligibility:
Contact Us: Email: shsinsof@mailbox.sc.edu Phone: 803-777-3175
Note: Service availability and fees are subject to change. Please contact Student Health for the most current information about specific services and associated costs. Phone: 803-777-3175
What is the Student Health Fee?
The student health fee provides USC students with the opportunity to receive quality, comprehensive health care, wellness services, and health maintenance within steps of campus classes. It is affordable and convenient, and our physicians and staff are highly trained and board-certified in their fields to specifically provide age-appropriate services and health information within the context of the college campus environment.
The health fee ensures that eligible students have access to a wide range of medical, mental health, and wellness services designed to support academic success and overall well-being throughout their university experience.
Who is Required to Pay the Student Health Fee?
All full-time and some part-time students are required by the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina to pay a student health fee. The following students are billed by USC for the Student Health Fee:
| Student Category | Credit Hour Requirements |
|---|---|
| Full-time Undergraduate Students | Enrolled in 12 or more credit hours |
| Part-time Undergraduate Students | Enrolled in 6–11 credit hours |
| Full-time Graduate Students | Enrolled in 9 or more credit hours |
| Part-time Graduate Students | Enrolled in 6–8 credit hours |
Additional Eligibility Information
- Grace Period: Students who have paid the Student Health Fee and then withdraw from USC are eligible to receive services for a grace period of 30 days from the date of withdrawal
- Pre-Matriculation Services: Newly entering students are eligible to receive immunizations and preventive health services at a reduced rate up to 90 days prior to their initial academic term
- USC Employee Waiver: The health fee may be waived for full-time USC employees (working 37.5-40 hours per week with benefits) who request the waiver in writing during the current semester by emailing shsinsof@mailbox.sc.edu
Important Notes:
- Spouses and dependents of students currently enrolled are not eligible to receive care at Student Health and Well-Being
- Spouses of enrolled students may only be seen through Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) as part of a couple's session
- Postdoctoral fellows and dissertation students may receive care at Student Health at the standard rate
- Students can choose to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan for their spouse/partner and children
What Does the Student Health Fee Cover?
There are fees for procedures, laboratory & radiology services, and pharmaceuticals prescribed during visits. We will first bill your insurance for your services, and if not covered, the student health fee will cover your office visit fee. Any remaining balance will be transferred to your Bursar bill. Update your medical and pharmacy insurance information in MyHealthSpace to avoid delays in getting your medication and reduce unexpected medical expenses.
Insurance Information: Please upload your insurance card to MyHealthSpace to ensure proper billing and coverage verification.
- Individual counseling sessions (in-person and virtual)
- Group counseling sessions
- Support groups
- 24/7 crisis intervention services
- Stress management consultations
- Preventive health screenings
- Wellness coaching
- Clinical nutrition consultations
- Sexual health education and consultations
- Health promotion programming
- Public health preparedness
- Disease outbreak response and management
- Mandatory immunization review and clearance Campus safety coordination
- Health education and prevention programs
- Student advocacy services
- Interpersonal violence support
- Confidential consultation services Referral and coordination services
- Health insurance guidance
Services with Additional Fees
While office visits are covered by the health fee, the following services require additional fees. We will first bill your insurance for these services, and if not covered by insurance, these services are offered at reduced prices because of the Health Fee:
- Medical procedures and treatments Immunizations and vaccinations
- Allergy testing and treatment Travel health consultations
- Women's health services Physical therapy services
- Laboratory testing and analysis
- Blood work and diagnostic tests
- Radiology services and imaging
- Specialized diagnostic procedures
- Medical record copies
- Prescription medications prescribed during visits
- Over-the-counter medications
- Medical supplies (ace wraps, crutches, splints)
- Casting and bracing services
- Specialized treatment equipment
Health Promotion & Education Programs
In addition to clinical services, the health fee supports comprehensive wellness and educational programming:
FREE Programming and Education
Health Promotion: Comprehensive wellness education including sexual health, stress management, sleep hygiene, substance abuse prevention, and nutrition education
Wellness Coaching: Personalized guidance for developing healthy lifestyle habits
Support Groups: Peer-led groups addressing various health and wellness topics
Educational Workshops: Regular programming on topics relevant to college student health
Crisis Prevention: 24/7 crisis intervention and on-call services
Campus Safety: Behavioral assessment and response coordination
Online Education: Mandatory health and safety course administration and clearance
Special Enrollment Considerations
The Dean of the Graduate School may, under certain circumstances, certify that a student's full- time enrollment is less than the normal requirement of 9 hours for graduate students or 6 hours for students serving as graduate assistants. Students with Special Enrollment Status are also eligible for all services covered by the Student Health Fee.