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Westfield State University
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN

2026-2027 Academic Year

Massachusetts law requires all full‑time and ¾‑time students (Undergraduate: 9+ credits; Graduate/PostBaccalaureate: 6.75+ credits) to have qualifying health insurance. Students must enroll in or waive the Westfield State SHIP each year.

An eligible student who is not covered by a qualifying health insurance program may obtain coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield Student Health Insurance Plan, which is an alternative program arranged by the University and administered through University Health Plans, Inc. Please click on Benefit Information on left hand side menu of this page for specific information regarding health benefits.

Please note, with the rising costs of healthcare, and increase in utilization of the Plan, the following plan changes have been imposed for the 2026-2027 academic year to help keep the insurance premium and the plan a viable option for all students. Please click HERE to view the benefit changes.

Student Health Insurance Policy Periods, Costs, and Deadlines

  Annual Students New Spring Students
Coverage Dates 8/1/2026 - 7/31/2027 1/1/2027 - 7/31/2027
Costs $4,962.44 $2,896.84
Waiver Deadlines September 30, 2026 February 28, 2027

How to Enroll or Waive

  1. Visit www.universityhealthplans.com
  2. Select Westfield State University
  3. Choose Waiver Form or Enrollment Form
  4. Complete all required fields
  5. Submit and keep your confirmation email

An eligible student who wants coverage must complete the online enrollment and will be charged for coverage. If the enrollment form is not submitted by the deadline, the student’s account will be put on hold until the enrollment form is completed. Student’s name will not be submitted to Blue Cross Blue Shield until the form and payment is completed. Once the student is enrolled, there will be no refunds.

Please note, all full-time day students not enrolled in the Westfield State University Student Health Insurance Plan will still be eligible for care provided by Health Services regardless of their Health Insurance carrier.

Qualifying Event Enrollment

If you waived SHIP but lose other insurance involuntarily, you may enroll within 60 days. Coverage begins the day your prior plan ends.

You must submit:

  • Qualifying Event Enrollment Form (on the left-hand side menu)
  • Letter from prior insurer confirming loss of coverage
  • Payment

Voluntary Plans

University Health Plans also offers the opportunity to enroll in a dental and vision plan on a VOLUNTARY basis, but it is not required insurance. To learn more about these optional plans, please select one of these plans on the left-hand side menu.

Customer Service

For more information about the student health insurance program, please contact University Health Plans via email info@univhealthplans.com or call 1-833-251-1115.

Student Health Plan

Optional Plans

Additional Information

Important Update: 2026-2027 Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Due to rising healthcare costs and increased use of the plan, the following updates have been made for the 2026-2027 academic year to help keep coverage affordable and sustainable for students.

Key Changes:

  • Plan type changing from PPO to EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization)
    • No need to select a Primary Care Physician (PCP)
    • No referrals required for specialists
    • Students must use providers in-network
    • Out-of-network services are not covered, except in emergencies
    • To find an in-network provider, use the BCBS provider search and select "PPO or EPO"
  • Cost-sharing updates:
    • Inpatient hospital care: coinsurance increases from 20% to 30% after deductible
    • Outpatient surgery: coinsurance increases from 20% to 30% after deductible
  • Imaging services (CT/PET scans, MRIs):
    • Now a $250 copay (replacing the previous 20% coinsurance after deductible)
  • Fitness and weight loss rewards have been discontinued

Additional consideration:

Students who expect higher out-of-pocket costs may want to compare other coverage options. The Massachusetts Health Connector offers an online marketplace where you can explore plans and see if you qualify for low or no-cost coverage.

I have read and acknowledge the above statements

Important Update: 2026-2027 Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Due to rising healthcare costs and increased use of the plan, the following updates have been made for the 2026-2027 academic year to help keep coverage affordable and sustainable for students.

Key Changes:

  • Plan type changing from PPO to EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization)
    • No need to select a Primary Care Physician (PCP)
    • No referrals required for specialists
    • Students must use providers in-network
    • Out-of-network services are not covered, except in emergencies
    • To find an in-network provider, use the BCBS provider search and select "PPO or EPO"
  • Cost-sharing updates:
    • Inpatient hospital care: coinsurance increases from 20% to 30% after deductible
    • Outpatient surgery: coinsurance increases from 20% to 30% after deductible
  • Imaging services (CT/PET scans, MRIs):
    • Now a $250 copay (replacing the previous 20% coinsurance after deductible)
  • Fitness and weight loss rewards have been discontinued

Additional consideration:

Students who expect higher out-of-pocket costs may want to compare other coverage options. The Massachusetts Health Connector offers an online marketplace where you can explore plans and see if you qualify for low or no-cost coverage.

I have read and acknowledge the above statements

Please note, with the rising costs of healthcare, and increase in utilization of the Plan, the following plan change has been made for the 2025-2026 academic year to help keep the insurance premium and the plan a viable option for all students.

  • Deductible will be $2,000 (does not apply to in-network preventative care, office visits, ER visits, ambulance, lab work, x-ray, or prescription drugs).

If you are enrolling in the SHIP, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Plan prior to receiving services. For specific benefit or claims questions contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts at 1-888-753-6615.

We encourage students anticipating high out-of-pocket costs to compare other insurance options to the SHIP. The Massachusetts Health Connector offers information about their online insurance marketplace where you can compare and purchase insurance plans. You may be eligible for a Subsidized Health Plan (a low or no cost insurance program for qualifying uninsured adults).

I have read and acknowledge the above statements