How to get care when visiting Ithaca
Cornell students who are registered in programs outside of Ithaca – including Cornell Tech students, Cornell in Washington students, in absentia students, executive program participants, etc. – are eligible for episodic medical care at Cornell Health when visiting Ithaca.
Cost for care will depend on your insurance. Refer to our Insurance & Billing page for information about which insurance plans we accept and how to pay for care.
Exception: Geneva students are eligible for Cornell Health's full range of services. See information for Cornell AgriTech students in Geneva below.
How to get care outside of Ithaca
The following information is for currently enrolled Cornell students who are studying outside of Ithaca, and within the United States. (Studying abroad? See our Especially for Students Traveling Abroad page.)
Find a medical provider:
- Visit our Referrals page to learn how to find a health care provider who participates with your insurance.
- To request a referral, you can call Cornell Health (607-255-5155) and ask to be connected with a Referral Manager from our nursing team.
Find a mental health provider:
- Cornell Health partners with ThrivingCampus to make it easier for you to connect with mental health care, in person or online. Click here to search the ThrivingCampus directory to find providers who accept your insurance and meet your needs and preferences. View our Tips for finding an off-campus mental health provider (pdf) for more guidance.
- If you need assistance, visit our Finding an Off-Campus Mental Health Provider page to learn how to connect with one of our CAPS Referral Managers.
Additional information for SHP members:
- Students enrolled in Cornell's Student Health Plan (SHP) can refer to the Using Your Student Health Plan page on the Student Health Benefits website to find providers in your area who participate with your insurance.
- SHP members also have access to medical, mental health, and dermatology telehealth services through Teladoc Health.
Free well-being resources
Students outside of Ithaca may participate in the following free well-being programs and opportunities offered by Cornell Health and our campus partners:
- CAPS workshops (/ook for options being offered by Zoom)
- Let's Meditate (/ook for options being offered by Zoom)
- Body Positive Cornell self-paced courses
- Refresh: Cornell's Sleep Program
- Nature Rx
Visit mentalhealth.cornell.edu for additional resources for support, and sign up for Cornell's Health Promoting Campus newsletter for well-being tips and information delivered monthly to your inbox.
Additional support services
24/7 phone consultation
Students outside of Ithaca can call Cornell Health at 607-255-5155 (24/7) to consult with a health care provider about a medical or mental health concern. Even from afar, we can help you determine what care you need, and how and when to get it.
Student Disability Services
Cornell Health’s Student Disability Services (SDS) staff can help students outside of Ithaca with physical, medical, mental health, and sensory disabilities participate fully in the Cornell experience. If you have a disability for which you need accommodations, please register your needs directly with SDS.
Victim Advocacy
The SHARE Office Victim Advocacy program provides assistance to members of the Cornell community who are victims of harmful, threatening, or violent incidents. Learn more by visiting share.cornell.edu.
Especially for Cornell Tech students
Refer to our Especially for Cornell Tech students page for more detailed information about services available to students enrolled at Cornell Tech and in other select New York City-based programs.
Especially for Cornell AgriTech students in Geneva, NY
Healthcare at Cornell Health
Geneva students are eligible for Cornell Health's full range of medical and mental health services when you’re on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. Students enrolled on the Geneva campus pay Cornell's Student Health Fee, and have a $10 visit charge for nearly all services at Cornell Health.
Transportation and parking: The inter-campus shuttle provides regular transportation between Geneva and Ithaca. Should you choose to drive, please note that patient parking is limited, so you should leave extra time in case you need to find other parking on campus.
Healthcare in the Geneva area
Refer to the information above for guidance about finding a medical or mental health provider in Geneva, or finding telehealth options.
- Urgent care: If you need immediate care, visit WellNow Urgent Care (1 White Springs Road, Geneva; 315-230-4074) or another urgent care center.
- Emergency care: In a medical or mental health emergency, call 911, or go to the Geneva General Hospital (196 North Street, Geneva; 315-787-4000).
Especially for Cornell in Washington students
Cornell in Washington students should refer to the information above for guidance about finding a medical or mental health provider in Washington D.C., or finding telehealth options, as well as well-being resources available to you through Cornell Health.
Nearby medical providers & pharmacies:
- George Washington University Hospital
Emergency department and hospital
900 23rd Street (tel: 202-715-4911)
- Georgetown University Student Health
Georgetown's student health center, open to Cornell in Washington students
(Fee for service; bring your Cornell student ID card and insurance card)
Darnall Hall, Ground Floor, 3800 Reservoir Road NW (tel: 202-687-2200)
- CVS MinuteClinic
Medical clinic and pharmacy
2240 M Street NW (tel: 202-296-9876)
6 Dupont Circle (tel: 202-785-1466)
- Walgreens
Pharmacy
22nd and M Streets, NW (tel: 202-776-9084)
Mental health support
Beginning in Fall 2025, Cornell in Washington students will have access to counseling and psychiatry services through Rivia Mind.
More information
Visit Cornell in Washington's Health and Safety page for additional healthcare options and resources to support your well-being.