Student Health Insurance

Student Health Insurance Requirement

 

According to Massachusetts State Law, all students enrolled in certificate, diploma, or degree awarding programs must have health insurance that meets requirements (114.6 CMR 3.05(2)).

The Institute automatically bills students for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). 

Are you fully online and living out of state?

Already have coverage?

Students who already have comparable health insurance coverage may waive out of the Institute’s Student Health Insurance Plan by submitting a Student Health Insurance Waiver Form. 
Please note that failure to submit a waiver form by the deadline will result in enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan. 

Need coverage?

Students who need coverage through the Student Health Insurance Plan must submit a Student Health Insurance Enrollment Form. 

Need help or more info?

Check out the Massachusetts Health Connector for resources and guidance on required health coverage.

Important Deadlines

Incoming Students

TermWaiver/Enrollment DeadlineCoverage Period
SummerMay 1May 1 –  August 31
Fall September 1September 1 – December 31
SpringJanuary 1January 1 – April 30

 

Returning Students

OptionKey DatesWhat You Should Know
Waive Out of SHIPApril 30 each yearWaivers are valid for one year (May 1 – April 30) Must be submitted every year
Enroll In SHIPEnrollment Period: April each year
Enrollment Deadline: May 1
Coverage Period: May 1 – April 30
 		Students continuing their enrollment at the Institute must re-enroll each April.

 

Important Notes: 

  • New enrollments are accepted until the first day of the coverage period. 
  • Plan cancellations are only accepted at the end of a coverage period.

Student Health Insurance Plan Details

The Student Health Insurance Plan is provided by Wellfleet and administered by University Health Plans.

Plan Cost
The 2026 - 2027 premium is $3,258 per semester
Each semester provides 4 months of coverage.

Billing
The premium is billed for each enrollment period and will appear on the student’s semester invoice.

Plan Highlights
The Institute partners with University Health Plans to review plan options each year. Key benefits include:

  • Comprehensive coverage with low deductibles, copays, and co-insurance.
  • Access to a national network of providers through Cigna’s PPO
  • Ease of use with no primary care physician or referrals required

Key Benefits (Effective May 1, 2026)

  • Deductible: $2,000 in-network | $4,000 out-of-network
  • Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $10,600 in-network | $21,200 out-of-network
  • Physician Office Visit: $35 copay in-network (deductible waived)
  • Urgent Care Visit: $75 copay in - and out-of-network (deductible waived)
  • Emergency Room Visit: $200 copay in - and out-of-network (deductible waived)
  • Lab / X-Ray / Imaging: $50 copay (deductible waived) | 20% co-insurance after deductible out-of-network
  • Prescription Drugs: Specialty Medications: 50% coinsurance (deductible waived)

Learn More

For detailed plan information, visit University Health Plans.

UHP also offers optional Dental, Vision, and Renters Insurance plans for students.

Contact Information

Health Insurance Inquiries: MGHIHP Call Center: 833-251-1706
Specific Benefit questions: 877-657-5030
For all other contact requests please visit: https://www.universityhealthplans.com/contact

Student Health Insurance FAQs

General Requirements

Yes. If you're enrolled in a certificate, diploma, or degree program, you are required to have health insurance that meets Massachusetts Health Insurance Requirement (114.6 CMR 3.05(2)).

Yes. The Institute automatically bills you for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) unless you submit a waiver.

Waiving and Enrollment

Yes, you can waive SHIP if:

  • You already have comparable health insurance, OR
  • You are fully online and live outside of Massachusetts
     

You can waive the plan, but you must submit a Student Health Insurance Waiver Form confirming your status.

You will automatically be enrolled in SHIP and charged for the plan.

Yes. Waivers are only valid for one year, so you must submit a new one annually.

You should enroll in SHIP by submitting the Student Health Insurance Enrollment Form.

Yes. Returning students must re-enroll each year during the April enrollment period.

Yes, Students on a leave of absence must maintain health insurance coverage and are eligible to enroll in the IHP Student Health Insurance Plan.

Deadlines

 For incoming students:
•    Summer: May 1
•    Fall: September 1
•    Spring: January 1

For returning students:
•    Waiver deadline: April 30
•    Enrollment deadline: May 1
 

New enrollments are accepted until the first day of the coverage period.

No. Plan cancellations are only allowed at the end of a coverage period.

Cost & Billing

The 2026–2027 premium is $3,258 per semester.

Each semester provides 4 months of coverage.

The cost is billed directly to your student account each semester.

Coverage & Benefits

The plan includes:
•    Doctor visits
•    Urgent care
•    Emergency services
•    Lab work and imaging
•    Prescription medications
 

No. You can access care without referrals.

•    $35 copay for doctor visits (in-network)
•    $75 urgent care visit
•    $200 emergency room visit
•    $2,000 in-network deductible
 

The plan provides access to a national provider network through Cigna PPO.

Additional Options & Help

Yes. Optional dental, vision, and renters' insurance plans are available through University Health Plans.

You can visit Massachusetts Health Connector for guidance and resources.
 

•    General insurance questions: 833-251-1706
•    Benefits questions: 877-657-5030
•    Or visit University Health Plans webpage
 

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