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Who Are You?

Information for New Professional Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to your professional program at Cornell. We at Gannett Health Services extend to you a warm welcome. This is certain to be an exciting time in your life. We have designed this page to help you get a jump-start on satisfyng your requirements before coming to campus, so that you can focus on other things once you arrive.

Health requirements 

Every new student is required to satisfy a series of health requirements, including the provision of information about your personal and family health history and documentation of necessary immunizations.

All of this information is gathered via Cornell’s Health History Form, which must be completed online. The Health History Form is confidential. It provides Gannett with health information necessary to comply with state and federal laws, and to assure quality care for you while you are at Cornell.

Learn more about satisfying these requirements. If you have questions about the Health History Form, immunizations and related costs, TB screening, deadlines, or services available at Gannett, please e-mail or phone the Gannett's Requirements Office. Phone: 607.255.4364 or 607.255.6951

Health records

Plan to bring copies of your health records (and the health records of any family members who are accompanying you). Keep these records with other important papers so they will be available if health needs arise. All records should be in English. If necessary, please have them translated before you come to Cornell. 

Health insurance coverage

Due to the high cost of medical care, Cornell University requires every full-time registered student to have quality health insurance. This policy, implemented by the Board of Trustees in 1974, demonstrates Cornell’s commitment to student health and well-being. Our experience over many years of working with Cornell students makes it clear that this policy serves students well. It ensures coverage for those health issues that you can anticipate. Even more important, it provides protection against the health problems and expenses that you can’t anticipate.

Cornell utilizes a “hard waiver” system, common on most campuses that have a health insurance requirement, to assure understanding and compliance with this policy. Every professional student is enrolled automatically in Cornell’s Student Health Insurance Plan. Only those students who can demonstrate that they have insurance meeting all six of Cornell’s criteria may appeal this requirement.

Learn more about the SHIP, its benefits, and, if necessary, the appeal process, contact the Cornell University Office of Student Health Insurance.

Additional links for new professional students who are

Avoid penalties 

Pay attention to the postmark deadlines. If your form does not demonstrate full compliance with all requirements by the deadline, you will not be registered and you will be charged a $100 late fee.

 Cover all the Bases

Be sure to bring a copy of your completed Health History Form with you when you come to Cornell. That way, if there has been a problem with the mail, you will be able to submit your copy with all the required signatures and fulfill your requirements before you register.