Brandeis University
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
2024-2025 Academic Year
Eligibility
All students enrolled in 9 or more credits are required by Massachusetts State law to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or be covered by a health insurance plan with comparable coverage. To ensure compliance with Massachusetts law, students are automatically billed for the SHIP, unless a waiver form is completed before the deadline. Students must either complete the waiver or enrollment form each year.
Plan Highlights
The Brandeis University 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.
Brandeis has partnered with University Health Plans to administer the plan and help with waiver, enrollment, or benefit-related questions. University Health Plans can be reached at 833-251-1737 or info@univhealthplans.com.
Cost and Coverage Periods
| Annual Students | New Spring Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Dates | 8/15/24 - 8/14/25 | 1/1/25 - 8/14/25 |
| Insurance Cost | $3,683 | $2,294 |
| Waiver Appeal Deadline** | September 30, 2024 | December 16, 2024 |
**Please note, that students must comply with the Brandeis Tuition Due Date Policy to avoid a late fee or other actions on their student account.
Enrollment Process
Although students are automatically charged for the SHIP, students will not be automatically enrolled until after the waiver/enrollment deadline. Students needing coverage should submit the enrollment form located in the left-hand side navigation menu as soon as possible to avoid delays in accessing their health insurance benefits.
Waiver Process
If you are covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan you can opt out of the Brandeis University 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. In order to waive, your plan must meet the below insurance requirements:
- Your plan must provide access to doctors, specialists, hospitals, labs/imaging, pharmacies, and mental health/behavioral health providers in the Brandeis University 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, and 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 and provide coverage for all Essential Health Benefits defined by the ACA. International insurance plans, travel insurance, and short-term limited-duration plans are not accepted.
Students who do not submit an enrollment or waiver form by the deadline will be enrolled in the SHIP retroactively to the policy effective date and responsible for the insurance premium.
International Students
All international students in the U.S. will be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan and do not need to take any action. Please note that the Brandeis Student Health Insurance Plan meets J1/J2 visa requirements.
Please contact University Health Plans at info@univhealthplans.com if you are covered by a US health insurance plan that meets all of the waiver requirements listed above. Please note, health insurance plans marketed solely to international students are often not filed in the US and have limited benefits and/or coverage periods that do not comply with the Massachusetts Student Health Plan Regulations and the Brandeis University waiver requirements. ISO, PSI, Student Medicover, PGH Global, WellAway, DIANins, and NYIS Insurance are examples of companies that do not meet the waiver requirements.
Qualifying Event Enrollment Process
Students who waived the SHIP may qualify for special enrollment rights if they incur an involuntary loss of other coverage. The Qualifying Event Enrollment Form can be found in the navigation menu on the left-hand side of this page. To request a premium quote, contact University Health Plans at 800-437-6448 or info@univhealthplans.com
To enroll, you must submit an enrollment form, a letter from your prior insurance company documenting your loss of coverage, and payment within 60 days of the qualifying event. If all items are received by the deadline coverage will be effective as of the first day without coverage under your prior plan.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS
Students arriving for their first semester at Brandeis, returning to the University for a new degree, or re-enrolling after a leave of absence are required to complete Health Records for the Brandeis Health Center. This is required by Massachusetts State Regulations and incomplete records may result in a registration hold. Please visit the Brandeis Health Center web page or call 781-736-3677 if you have any questions about this process.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS TAKING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE
A. Taking a leave of absence within 31 days after the start of classes:
You are not eligible for the Brandeis University Student Health Insurance Plan. Should you use your insurance prior to going on leave, you will be responsible for the full amount charged for care as your insurance will be retroactively terminated. For students starting in the fall, the plan will be terminated back to the effective date of the plan, which is 8/15/24. For students starting the spring, the plan will be terminated back to the effective date of the spring plan, which is 1/1/25.
B. Taking a leave of absence after 31 days after the start of classes:
You are eligible to remain enrolled in the Brandeis University Student Health Insurance Plan if you are enrolled in the plan at the time you take a leave of absence.
