Health and Wellness
Health Services
All registered students are eligible to use the Student Wellness Services, including the Student Health Center, Counseling Center, and Occupational Therapy. The centers are open Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm (except Wednesday when they open at 9:00am); appointments from 12:00 to 1:00pm are not given. Closed on Institute Holidays.
Health Services appointments can be scheduled by calling 626-395-6393 or through the Student Health Portal.
After Hours Services
Refer to the Health Center website for more information on after hours emergency contacts and services.
On-the-Job Injuries
Students who are injured or became ill as part of a Caltech work-related activity may be eligible for Workers' Compensation, which is handled through the Disability and Leave Administration Unit in Human Resources, a process that is separate from the standard student medical insurance. For any on-the-job injury other than that requiring simple first aid, the affected student should contact Security, and notify their supervisor (advisor), who should contact the the Workers' Compensation Specialist (x4577) immediately.
Medical Leave
Students that have health conditions that prevent them from carrying our their regular duties may be eligible for medical leave. A medical leave is intended for the students to address their health issues and be able to return to graduate study. In order to be placed on leave, the student must petition for leave, and get the recommendation of the Executive Director for Student Wellness Services, the Option Representative, Advisor, and the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Students on medical leave are eligible for Caltech health care benefits.
Pregnancy and Bonding Leave
Pregnancy Leave
Students are not required to take a leave of absence, withdraw, or limit their graduate studies because of pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions. However, students who are disabled due to pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions are eligible to take a pregnancy leave of absence. The Institute provides up to six (6) weeks of pay to students during a pregnancy leave of absence; an additional six (6) weeks of pay is available through family bonding leave for a total of twelve (12) weeks of paid leave. To apply for a pregnancy leave a pregnancy leave petition should be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office. Medical documentation may be required. Upon return from the leave, students will be allowed additional time commensurate with the length of the leave (not to exceed 12 months) to take any preliminary and qualifying exams and an equal extension of time towards the time to degree, unless a longer extension is medically necessary. The Institute provides reasonable accommodations to pregnant students consistent with federal and state law.
Bonding Leave
Students may take six (6) weeks of family bonding leave with pay. Enrolled students in good academic standing can petition for a bonding leave of absence because of the recent birth or adoption of his or her child by submitting a bonding leave petition to the Graduate Studies Office.
Questions regarding the pregnancy leave or bonding leave should be referred to the Graduate Studies Office.
Health Insurance
Graduate Student Insurance Plan 2020-21
All full-time enrolled Caltech graduate students are eligible to participate in the student health care benefit plan. The student health plan is currently managed by United HealthCare (UHC) for medical insurance and Delta Dental for dental insurance. All graduate students are required to have health insurance and most elect to use the Caltech plan. Students may choose to use a different plan if their insurance meets the waiver requirements. Students that are working or traveling abroad are covered, but should read the coverage information and discuss this with the Benefits Office if they have any questions. For details on the medical and dental highlights, the plan contacts, and enrollment/waiver requirements, please refer to the Benefits website.
Students selecting the plans pay a portion of the premium, which is billed three times during the academic year to their Bursar account. The premium is subsidized by the Institute and the students are asked to pay a modest portion.
For current student rates, please see the Benefits website.
Dependent Health Care
For an additional charge, you may also enroll your dependents in the Caltech health plan. The Graduate Studies Office will provide reimbursement of dependent health care costs, up to $120* per month per dependent (*$140/month for costs accrued after September 1, 2020). Students should apply by submitting a request for reimbursement and copies of bills or proof of payment to the Graduate Studies Office.
