The mission of the Health Center is to promote academic success by providing and maintaining psychological and physiological wellness. Student health care needs are met by a staff of three professional nurses, an administrative assistant, and student clerks. The Grinnell community provides many health care resources. A local physician serves as medical adviser to the Health Center team.

The Health Center is an on-campus facility open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The professional nurses provide assessment and treatment or referral as needed or requested. Transportation to and from in-town appointments are facilitated by the Health Center. Wellness is emphasized during office hours and by informational evening study breaks given in the residence hall setting. Pamphlets about many health issues are available at the Health Center. Non-emergent health-related questions might be asked by using e-nurse. This can be accessed through the Grinnell website.

Overnight care for students who are ill, but not hospitalized, is provided as part of the health fee by the College Sub-acute Care Program at the Grinnell Regional Medical Center. After physician assessment, the Health Center nurses or residence life coordinators admit students to the program.

Each student is required to submit a Grinnell College Health Form before registration at the College. The information on this form is important because it aids in the medical care given to the student. An updated immunization record is required, and students are asked to list any chronic illnesses, daily medications, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities that could impede education at Grinnell.

The College's health fee covers the costs of unlimited visits to the Health Center during the academic year, the College Sub-acute Care Program with Grinnell Regional Medical Center, eight visits to the Poweshiek County Mental Health Center, walk-in mental health counseling at the Health Center, influenza immunizations, tetanus boosters, pregnancy, mononucleosis, Streptococcus A, urine, hemoglobin, and blood sugar testing. HIV testing and Plan B are available for $10 and $20 respectively.

All students are required to carry health insurance. Students may enroll in a college group insurance plan or maintain coverage through a parental or personal policy. All Grinnell physicians, Grinnell Regional Medical Center, and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics have agreed to be a PPO for the college group insurance plan. Students are asked to return an insurance card indicating enrollment or waiver of the group insurance. Premiums are payable at the Office of the Cashier.