In most cases, Student Health Plan enrollees (aged 16 and older) are required to get referrals before seeing off-campus providers. 

Obtain a Referral

Referrals are good for 12 months, per condition, from the date they are issued.

  • To obtain a referral, make a medical appointment with UHS prior to your off-campus appointment. 
  • If you are not sure you have a referral or if you need a new one, call UHS at 609-258-3141. 
  • The Student Health Plan office does not issue referrals.  
  • Backdated referrals will not be issued. 

Exceptions

There are situations where referrals are not needed for off-campus care.

Emergencies

  • If you have an emergency or life-threatening illness or injury and need to go to the hospital or emergency room

University Breaks

  • If you need medical care during a scheduled University break

Dependent Care

  • If you are seeking care for an enrolled dependent under the age of 16
  • If you are using the Pediatric Dental or Pediatric Vision benefits

Specialty Care

  • If you need medical care with the following specialties: Urgent Care, Dentistry, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Pediatrics, or OB/GYN
  • If you are receiving outpatient mental health services with an off-campus mental health provider

Annual Care

  • If you are getting a routine annual physical or annual well-woman exam with an off-campus provider
  • If you want to use your $125 annual dental visit benefit within the Princeton University Student Health Plan

Leaves and SHP Extensions

  • If your Graduated, ETDCC, withdrew, LOA, suspended, terminated, discontinued, etc. is In Absentia or if you reside and receive services outside of Mercer County, NJ
  • If you have a medical disability and are on a 90-day medical extension of SHP coverage
  • If you are a graduate student who has completed all program requirements and is eligible for an extension of SHP coverage (the extension would be up to 90-days-- verify with your department that you have met your program requirements and are eligible)
  • If you are covered under the extension for an approved student leave of absence without comparable coverage

Essential Information