MCPHS University
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN

2024-2025 Policy Year

Eligibility

Massachusetts State law and MCPHS University policy requires all on-campus Boston, Manchester, and Worcester students (regardless of enrollment) to have health insurance. Unless proof of comparable coverage is provided, you must participate in the MCPHS University Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP). Online only students are not eligible for the policy. 

 Insurance Cost & Coverage Periods

If you do not submit an online waiver form by the deadlines above, you will automatically be enrolled in the University's Student Health Insurance Program and you will be responsible for the cost of the health insurance premium. 

Plan Highlights and Enrollment Process

The MCPHS SHIP is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. The plan is ACA-compliant and includes access to Blue Cross Blue Shield's national PPO network of providers. Students do not have to select a primary care physician and referrals are not required. 

All eligible students are automatically enrolled in and billed for the MCPHS SHIP. Insurance ID Cards are available electronically using the Insurance ID Card link on the left-hand side of this page. An insurance ID Card will be mailed to you after the above deadline passes.  

Waiver Process

If you are covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan you can opt out of the MCPHS SHIP by completing the waiver form, located in the left-hand side navigation menu. Before waiving, compare the cost, coverage, and benefits of the SHIP to your existing plan.  To be eligible for a waiver, your plan must meet the below insurance requirements:

• Your plan must provide access to doctors, specialists, hospitals, labs, pharmacies, and mental health/behavioral health providers in the MCPHS campus area without restriction or limitation. Please note, if you are enrolled in an out-of-state Medicaid, HMO, or EPO your coverage may not be sufficient in Massachusetts. Many out-of-state plans do not provide comprehensive benefits outside of the home service area.
• Urgent or emergency-only coverage in Massachusetts is not sufficient and does not meet the SHIP waiver requirements. 
• The policy must be a US-filed and approved, ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant health insurance plan. International insurance plans, travel insurance, and short-term limited-duration plans are not accepted.
• The plan should pay medical providers directly for inpatient and outpatient care. Reimbursement plans are not accepted.

Health Insurance Waivers must be submitted annually each academic year.

All international students must enroll in the University's insurance program except for:

• Students whose sponsoring institutions have a signed agreement with MCPHS University that complies with the University's health insurance waiver requirements.
• Students insured on an embassy sponsored plan international students that are covered by a US health insurance plan that meets the Massachusetts Student Health Insurance Regulations and is comparable to the Student Health Insurance Plan. Please note, the MCPHS University Student Health Insurance Plan meets the J1/J2 visa requirements.
• Travel insurance, short-term limited duration plans and health insurance plans marketed solely to international students generally have certain limited benefits and/or coverage periods that do not comply with the MCPHS University insurance requirements. ISO, PSI, Seven Corners, Bajaj Allianz, Tokio Marine and Student Medicover are popular companies that do not meet the MCPHS waiver requirements.

International students who do not fall under the above conditions MUST purchase the University's Student Health Insurance Plan.

Qualifying Event Enrollment Process

If you submit an insurance waiver and then lose your coverage due to a qualifying life changing event, you must contact University Health Plans at 833-251-1707 or by email at info@univhealthplans.com within 60 days to be enrolled in the BCBS SHIP. All students are required by law to have health insurance while enrolled at MCPHS University.

Please contact University Health Plans with any questions at 1-833-251-1707 or by email at info@univhealthplans.com