Health and Wellness Services
Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit
Ensuring our students have access to services which support the health of the body, mind and spirit is essential to success in the program. The most successful students are able to achieve a balance between study and extracurricular activity by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. UIWRSO encourages student involvement outside of the classroom by accessing the many resources to support overall health and wellness.
Healthcare and Health Insurance for Optometry Students
The UIW Health Services Clinic provides basic health services that include: treatment of illnesses and injuries, selected immunizations, TB skin tests, Physical exams, primary prevention care, Prescriptions for medications when medically indicated behavioral health, emergency care, and assistance with student accident and health insurance, and health education. A list of services and more information may be found at https://my.uiw.edu/health/index.html .
The UIW Health Services Clinic is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Tuesday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. In-person provider visits and Telemedicine visits are available. To schedule an appointment call (210) 829-6017 or (210) 829-3175. Health Services is located on the ground level of the Agnese/Sosa parking garage on the Broadway campus, with the entrance behind the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions. There is a red awning above the entrance.
All UIWRSO students are required to carry medical insurance. If the student does not have medical insurance, they may obtain this coverage through the University Health Insurance Plan. Once a student is enrolled, eligible dependents may also be enrolled. A copy of insurance coverage policy may be obtained on the UIW health insurance page.
Yes, RSO students will automatically be enrolled in the student health insurance plan, provided by Wellfleet. The insurance premium will be reflected on the student’s bill. Students have the option to waive** the annual premium by demonstrating comparable health insurance coverage***. International students are required to maintain the student health insurance plan, provided by Wellfleet.
**Waiver is submitted online ONLY – refer to Health Insurance Waiver link below.
**Refer to Summary of Benefits Flyer to compare coverage.
You can learn more about the Health Insurance Waiver and review the Benefits Flyer here.
Wellfleet Student Insurance.
The plan was designed exclusively for the domestic, international, medical and professional school scholars of the University of the Incarnate Word. It protests students 24 hours a day, whether at home, school or while traveling. Once a student is enrolled, eligible dependents may also be enrolled. This coverage is in effect during interim vacation periods.
RSO students will automatically be enrolled in the student health insurance plan, provided by Wellfleet. The insurance premium will be reflected on the student’s bill. Students have the option to waive** the annual premium by demonstrating comparable health insurance coverage***. International students are required to maintain the student health insurance plan, provided by Wellfleet.
More information can be found on the Wellfleet student health insurance plan here.
Allied Health Professions students are required to have insurance coverage for subsequent lab testing in the event of an exposure to blood or body fluids due to an accidental needle stick. All students enrolled in one of the Health Professional schools at UIW are automatically enrolled.
Additional information regarding the Needle Stick insurance can be located here: https://my.uiw.edu/health/needlestick-insurance.html
Yes, domestic Students have the option to waive** the annual premium by demonstrating comparable health insurance coverage***.
International students are required to maintain the student health insurance plan, provided by Wellfleet.
**Waiver is submitted online ONLY. You can learn more about the student health insurance waiver here.
Students are billed at the beginning of each semester for the UIW Student Health Insurance. The billing occurs in August and January and the coverage runs from August 1 - July 31 of each year.
Eligible students are automatically enrolled in the student health insurance in early August and early January for new students entering the spring term. If you submit a waiver before the deadline and it is approved you will be removed from the student health insurance. Please visit the UIW Wellfleet webpage for additional information and to access your account.
To enroll in coverage after the deadline due to a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)*, please visit Wellfleet's QLE Guide for further instruction.
*QLE includes but is not limited to: loss of previous health insurance, loss of spouse, or birth of a child.
Students may only add the UIW health insurance program if they experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)*
To enroll in coverage after the deadline due to a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)*, please visit Wellfleet's QLE Guide for further instruction.
*QLE includes but is not limited to: loss of previous health insurance, loss of spouse, or birth of a child.
Students currently enrolled in any University term(s) with the exception of UIW Online can purchase UIW student insurance for themselves and their dependents by applying online during eligible enrollment periods (30 days from the start of an eligible term).
Dependent rates are in addition to the student rate. For additional information contact Student Health Services at (210) 829-6017
Yes, when you purchase the UIW student insurance, you are covered during the period of the contract, Aug.1 - July 31, including holidays and summer breaks.
When you go to the appointment, you will show your Wellfleet insurance card to the medical team. They will determine if any type of payment is needed. Once your appointment is complete, the medical team will file a claim with the insurance. The claim form describes the injury, illness or accident and gives additional information.
General information on the UIW health insurance, as well as a benefits flyer can be found at the UIW Health Services site: https://my.uiw.edu/health/health-insurance.html
Wellness Center and Natatorium
The purpose of the UIW Wellness Center and Natatorium is to enrich the lives of UIW students, faculty and staff through fitness and wellness opportunities. As part of the UIW Wellness and Natatorium mission, these opportunities and services to the community are extended through a monthly membership.
Wellness Center Services
- Cardiovascular and aerobic exercise room
- Strength training room with machines and free weights
- Racquetball courts
- Indoor regulation size basketball court
- Indoor cycling classes
- Aerobic and Pilates classes during the week
Natatorium Services
- 25 meter by a 25-yard pool
- Extended hours of operation
- Temperature controlled at 80-82 degrees year-round
- Lap lanes during all hours of operation
- Lap swimming equipment
- Water aerobics and swim classes during the week
- Water aerobic equipment
Information on membership types, current rates, and hours of operation may be obtained by contacting the UIW Wellness Center office at (210) 805-5872 or visiting https://my.uiw.edu/wellness/membership/index.html
UIWRSO students are always encouraged to support Cardinal Athletics or even pursue their own athletic interests through the UIW Intramural program.
Optometry Student Counseling Services
UIW Behavioral Health Services are offered to students experiencing non-academic difficulties, which can impact their ability to succeed in the professional program. Licensed professional counselors and interns are available to provide behavioral and mental health services that include: individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, informal assessments, and more. Enrolled students residing in Texas may receive services in person, via ZOOM, or telephone.
Students can contact the Behavioral Health Services Office directly or contact the UIWRSO Office of Student Affairs for assistance with obtaining services. The main office of UIW Behavioral Health Services is located in the Administration Building, 4th floor, Suite 438 on the UIW Broadway Campus. They are available Monday - Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. A counselor is available by appointment on the RSO campus, on Fridays, Friday 1 – 5 p.m. Room 297. If you are interested in receiving counseling, complete the online Behavioral Health Forms or contact them at (210) 832-5656.