Drew University
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM
2026-2027 Academic Year
Important Information about Student Health Insurance
Drew University requires all full-time students to have health insurance coverage. Matriculated undergraduate students are eligible to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP).The health insurance charge will appear on your semester billing statement issued in July. Students must either enroll in the SHIP or submit a waiver if they have their own comparable coverage. To waive, your insurance must be active and provide comparable coverage on or before August 15, 2026.
Failure to complete the online enrollment or waiver form will result in delays checking into campus housing and registering.
Effective the 2026-2027 academic year, graduate students are not eligible for the SHIP.
Plan Highlights
The Drew Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), provided by Wellfleet Student, meets Affordable Care Act requirements and includes access to the nationwide Cigna PPO Network. Plan details, including the Plan Design and Benefit Summary, are available under Benefit Information in the navigation menu. (Coming soon.)
Key features of the student plan:
- Access to providers nationwide through the Cigna PPO Network, with both in-network and out-of-network coverage
- Flexibility to see providers without referrals or network restrictions, though out-of-network costs may be higher
- No pre-certifications required for most services, helping simplify access to care
- 12-month coverage period for continuous protection throughout the year
- Strong coordination with campus health services to support student wellness
- Many services at the Health Center are provided at no cost, including most lab tests, prescriptions, and routine care
The Drew SHIP is designed specifically for students, offering comprehensive coverage that aligns closely with campus health services. This means lower out-of-pocket costs for care received on campus, streamlined coordination of services, and fewer administrative barriers compared to many outside plans. For students who want convenient, reliable coverage that supports both on- and off-campus care, the SHIP provides a well-rounded and cost-effective option.
Insurance Cost & Coverage Periods
| Coverage Period | Annual | Spring |
| Dates of Coverage | 8/15/2026 - 8/14/2027 | 1/1/2027 - 8/14/2027 |
| Undergraduate Student Cost | $3,100 | $2,025 |
| Deadline Dates | 8/31/2026 | TBD |
*The 2026-2027 forms will be open mid-June.*
| Click here for the Waiver Form |
Click here for the Undergraduate Student Enrollment Form |
Waiver Requirements & Important Considerations
Students who have comparable health insurance coverage through another plan may choose to waive enrollment in the Drew Student Health Insurance Plan. To do so, students must submit a waiver application and provide proof of active, qualifying coverage by the posted deadline. Waiver submissions are reviewed to ensure the existing plan meets the university’s requirements for coverage. Students and families are strongly encouraged to carefully compare their current plan to the Drew SHIP, including network access, out-of-pocket costs, and coverage while on campus, to ensure it provides adequate and convenient care.
If you plan to waive the SHIP, your insurance plan must meet the following requirements:
- Provides access to doctors, specialists, hospitals, labs/imaging, pharmacies, and mental health/behavioral health providers in the Drew University campus area without restriction or limitation for both non-emergent and emergency coverage.
- US-filed and approved, ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant.
- Provides coverage for all Essential Health Benefits defined by the ACA.
The following plans do not meet waiver requirements:
- International insurance plans, travel insurance, and short-term limited-duration plans.
- Out of state Medicaid, HMO, or EPO plans.
- Urgent and emergency-only coverage.
If your plan meets all of the above requirements, please proceed with the Waiver Form on the left side of this page.
Students who do not complete a waiver by the deadline date will be automatically enrolled in the plan for the full academic year and will be responsible for the full cost. Late waivers will not be accepted.
Qualifying Event
Students who waive the insurance in the fall may not enroll in the spring semester. Students who waive are eligible to enroll in the SHIP during the academic year if there is a Qualifying Life Event which causes them to lose other insurance. The Qualifying Event Enrollment Form can be located in the left-hand menu of this page. To enroll, the enrollment form and documentation of loss of coverage must be submitted to University Health Plans within 60 days of the qualifying life event. If you have specific questions regarding the Qualifying Event process, contact University Health Plans at 833-251-1730 or info@univhealthplans.com.
