UMASS - Lowell
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
2026-2027 Academic Year
Eligibility
Students must meet the minimum credit requirements outlined below during the add/drop period (the first 10 instructional days of the academic semester) to be eligible for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
- Matriculating Undergraduate and Continuing Education (CE) students: 9+ credits
- Matriculating Graduate students (¾ time): 6.75+ credits
- Matriculating International students: 1+ credits
Students who withdraw from all classes or drop below the minimum credit requirement during the add/drop period are not eligible for the SHIP. Students enrolled in only online courses are not eligible for the SHIP.
Important SHIP billing information: If a student becomes ineligible during the add/drop period, the SHIP charge may remain on the student’s account until the add/drop period ends. Once add/drop has concluded, the SHIP charge will be removed from the account.
Plan Highlights
The 2026-2027 UMass Lowell Student Health Insurance Plan (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.
UMass Lowell 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 833-251-1123 or info@univhealthplans.com.
Cost and Coverage Periods
| Annual Students | New Spring Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Dates | 8/1/26 - 7/31/27 | 1/1/27 - 7/31/27 |
| Insurance Cost | $3,617 | $2,120 |
| Waiver Deadline in SiS | October 9, 2026 | March 12, 2027 |
Enrollment Process
Students who need coverage should enroll in the SHIP by completing the enrollment form through SiS. You must enroll in the plan to activate your coverage as of August 1, 2026. Although students are automatically charged for the Student Health Insurance Plan, they will not be automatically enrolled in the plan until after the deadline. Students should complete the enrollment form as soon as possible to avoid difficulties in accessing their health insurance benefits.
Waiver Process and Requirements
Students must either waive or enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Students may complete the waiver or enrollment process by logging onto their SIS account. Once logged in, select "Student Center/Finance", click on "Health Insurance Form", then complete and submit. Students should only complete a waiver form if they are covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan that provides emergency and non-emergency care in the UMass Lowell area. Before waiving, compare the cost, coverage, and benefits of the SHIP to your existing plan. In order to waive, your plan must meet the following requirements.
- Your plan must provide access to doctors, specialists, hospitals, labs, pharmacies, and mental health/behavioral health providers in Massachusetts, specifically the UMass Lowell campus area. Please note that 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 their home service areas, and urgent or emergency-only coverage in Massachusetts is not sufficient and does not meet the SHIP waiver requirements.
- MassHealth Limited, Health Safety Net, and Children’s Medical Security Plan do not meet the insurance requirements and are not accepted.
- 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.
If you do not submit a waiver form by the waiver deadline above, you will be enrolled in SHIP and will be responsible for the premium. Waivers are only effective for the academic year, and you must waive annually if you have comparable insurance.
International Students
All matriculating international students enrolled in one or more credit hours are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan.
If you are covered by an embassy-sponsored health insurance plan and provide Student Financial Services with your financial guarantee prior to the waiver deadline, you will not be enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan.
If you are covered by a US-filed and approved ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant health insurance plan that provides emergency and non-emergency care in Massachusetts, please contact University Health Plans at 833-251-1123. The policy must provide Minimum Essential Coverage as defined by the Affordable Care Act, and include the following benefits in the campus area.
- Unlimited policy maximum
- Pre-existing condition coverage
- Non-emergency medical services
- Mental/behavioral health care
- Pregnancy and maternity coverage
- Prescription drug coverage
- Preventative and wellness services and chronic disease management
- Repatriation and medical evacuation
Please note, health insurance plans marketed solely to international students are generally not filed and approved in the United States and have limited benefits with coverage periods that do not comply with the Massachusetts Student Health Insurance Plan Regulations, as well as the University’s health insurance requirements. ISO, PSI, Student Medicover (United), PGH Global (United), 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 popular 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.
Student Health Insurance Plan Contacts:
| Insurance charge on bill or the Enrollment/Waiver Process | Student Financial Services – The Solution Center Telephone: 978-934-2000 Email: TheSolutionCenter@uml.edu |
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| Request your insurance member ID, update your address, or general plan information | University Health Plans Telephone: 833-251-1123 Email: info@univhealthplans.com |
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| Specific Questions Regarding Benefits after you have received your insurance ID card | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Telephone: 888-753-6615 |
