Services Covered by Tuition & Payment for Services

All Amherst students medical and mental health care is covered by tuition if it is provided by the Amherst College Health Center staff. This includes visits in the Keefe Health Center by any of our Providers (MD, NP, PA, RN and CMA's). 

Some services may be associated with an additional cost such as prescriptions. Most insurance plans, including the college plan managed by Gallagher Student Health, require a co-payment for prescriptions. Prescriptions written by the Amherst College medical staff can be filled through the Health Center (during the semester) or at any local pharmacy.

Health care that cannot be provided by the Keefe Health Center staff is not covered by tuition, this includes hospital emergency room care, most surgical procedures, specialty consultation, ambulance transportation, dental emergencies and routine dental care, physical therapy, x-ray, ultrasound, MRI and CAT scans, and laboratory tests that are performed off campus.

Most care off campus is paid for by the "supplemental" insurance that Massachusetts requires all students to have. Amherst College supplemental insurance is Gallagher Student Health and Special Risk Insurance. Please visit their web site for more information:

Gallagher Student Health

However, there are times when the student private insurance or Gallagher Student Health and Special Risk insurance will not pay for certain services, immunizations or medications. The student is responsible for payment of non-covered services by any insurance. We recommend all students learn what their insurance policy covers and does not cover. 

Students are required to present their insurance card at the time of medical appointments.

Note About Appointments

All visits to the Health Center are by APPOINTMENT ONLY. We are not taking walk-in
appointments at this time.

To make an appointment, please call (413) 542-2267.

Medication drop boxes are available on the Amherst College campus

Medications are defined as prescribed or OTC medications that are unwanted or no longer needed (Examples: expired medication, change of prescription, dorm clean out). No sharp/needles will be taken through drop boxes or resources listed below. Please reach out to Health Services for a sharps container or medical needle disposal assistance. 

On Campus Resources

  • Drop Boxes:
    • Health Services
      • Medication drop box is available to students during Health Services Business hours. Drop box is located across the lobby from reception, near the entrance to patient exam rooms
    • Environmental Health & Safety
      • Medication drop box is located at the EH&S Office Door at the Service Center / ACPD Building, Room 105. This box is open to drop offs 24/7.
  • Drug Deactivation & Disposal Pouches (REW)
    • Drug Deactivation & Disposal pouches are available through Residential Engagement & Wellbeing. Student can access pouches in the following locations:

Off Campus Resources:

  • The Amherst Town Police station has a collection bin for unwanted prescription and non-prescription medications in pill form only. Amherst Town Police Department drop box located at 111 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002. 
  • In general local police/fire departments and pharmacies will offer medication disposal services such as drop boxes, drug take back days and more. Please reach out or view your local departments and pharmacies websites for more information on what resources are available to the public.

Home Disposals:

  •  Follow these steps  from the FDA:
    • Remove the drugs from their original containers and mix them with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. This makes the medicine less appealing to children and pets and unrecognizable to someone who might intentionally go through the trash looking for drugs.
    • Put the mixture in something you can close (a resealable zipper storage bag, empty can, or other container) to prevent the drug from leaking or spilling out.
    • Throw the container in the garbage.