Worcester Polytechnic Institute
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
2026-2027 Academic Year
Insurance Requirement and Eligibility
All students enrolled at least 3/4 time 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, all students registered for 7 or more credit hours will be automatically billed for the Student Health Insurance Plan. Students must actively attend classes for at least the first 31 days of classes to remain eligible for the WPI SHIP. Students enrolled in only online courses are not eligible for the plan. To read the details of this law, click here.
Plan Highlights
The 2026-2027 WPI 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.
WPI has partnered with University Health Plans to administer the plan and help with waiver, enrollment, and benefit-related questions. University Health Plans can be reached at 877-514-2091 or info@univhealthplans.com.
Cost and Coverage Periods
| Annual Students | New Spring Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Dates | 8/12/26 - 8/11/27 | 1/1/27 - 8/11/27 |
| Insurance Cost | $2,945 | $1,810 |
| Waiver/Enrollment Deadline | August 17, 2026 | TBD |
Enrollment Process
Although students are automatically charged for the SHIP, they will not be automatically enrolled until after the waiver/enrollment deadline. Students needing coverage should submit the Enrollment Form located in the navigation menu as soon as possible to avoid delays in accessing their health insurance benefits.
The health insurance premium for WPI-funded Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Research Assistants (RAs) is covered by the institution as part of their employment. TAs and RAs must still enroll or waive insurance coverage by the deadline date.
Waiver Process
If you are covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan, you can opt out of the WPI SHIP by completing the Waiver Form, located in the navigation menu. Students who do not submit a waiver form by the deadline will be retroactively enrolled in the WPI SHIP as of the policy's effective date and will be responsible for the insurance premium. Before waiving, compare the cost, coverage, and benefits of the SHIP to your existing plan. To waive, your plan must meet the following requirements.
- The policy must be filed and approved in the US and fully compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) benefit requirements. International insurance plans, travel insurance, and short-term limited-duration plans, and health sharing plans are not accepted.
- Your plan must provide access to doctors, specialists, hospitals, labs, pharmacies, and mental health/behavioral health providers in the WPI campus area. If you are enrolled in an out-of-state Medicaid or HMO, your coverage may not be sufficient in Massachusetts. Many out-of-state plans do not provide comprehensive benefits outside the home service area. Urgent and/or emergency-only coverage in Massachusetts is insufficient and does not meet the SHIP waiver requirements.
International Students
All international students will be automatically enrolled in the SHIP and do not need to take any action. Please note that the WPI SHIP meets J1/J2 visa requirements.
Please contact University Health Plans at info@univhealthplans.com if you are covered by an embassy-sponsored health insurance plan or a US health insurance plan that meets all of the waiver requirements listed above. Please note that 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 WPI health insurance waiver requirements. ISO, PSI, Student Medicover, PGH Global, DIANins, GBG Insurance, HDL Global Specialty, Tata AIG, Gouda Travel Insurance, Allianz, AXA Assistance, IMGlobal, Cigna Global, Tokio Marine, Tigerless, AON Insurance, and NYIS Insurance are examples of companies that do not meet the waiver requirements and will not be accepted.
Dependent Enrollment Process, Cost, and Coverage Periods
Eligible students enrolled in the SHIP may enroll their dependents. Dependents include your spouse, domestic partner, and children under age 26. Dependent coverage, if any, begins and ends with the student's coverage, and the dependent premium is in addition to the premium amount for the student. Please contact University Health Plans at 877-514-2091 or via email at info@univhealthplans.com to enroll your dependent(s). If you are a funded Graduate student, please contact WPI’s Division of Talent & Inclusion. Please note that you must complete the student Enrollment Form before enrolling dependents.
| Annual | New Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Dates | 8/12/26 - 8/11/27 | 1/1/27 - 8/11/27 |
| Insurance Cost | 1 Dependent: $2,753 2+ Dependents: $5,842 |
1 Dependent: $1,692 2+ Dependents: $3,590 |
| Waiver/Enrollment Deadline | August 17, 2026 | TBD |
Qualifying Event Enrollment Process
Students who waived the SHIP may qualify for special enrollment rights if they incur an involuntary loss of other coverage. To request enrollment, contact University Health Plans at 877-514-2091 or info@univhealthplans.com.
